Star Wars was filmed in many locations around the world, spanning deserts, cities, mountains, and coastlines. Here’s a concise guide to some of the most iconic filming sites and what you can visit today. Overview of major filming regions
- United States deserts: Death Valley, California — used for Tatooine desert scenes in A New Hope; Mojave/Intervening areas featured in various films. These harsh, stark landscapes became the poster images for Luke Skywalker’s first steps in the galaxy.
- Italy and Europe: Lake Como area (Lenno, Italy) — Villa del Balbóinello served as the backdrop for Anakin and Padmé’s early scenes and weddings in Attack of the Clones; stunning lake views and villas are a draw for fans and travelers.
- Tunisia and North Africa: Sahara-like desert regions around Tozeur and Matmata — early Star Wars desert planet scenes, particularly for Tatooine; cinematic deserts that feel otherworldly in real life.
- Croatia: Dubrovnik — featured as the casino world Canto Bight in The Last Jedi and offered as a modern, walled-city filming location with preserved historic streets.
- Thailand and canary/island settings: Phang Nga Bay (Thailand) and other locations in the Canary Islands and Bolivia/Sicily have stood in for various planet surfaces and spaceport areas across the saga.
- Jordan: Wadi Rum — dramatic desert landscapes used for scenes in The Rise of Skywalker and other installments, highlighting stark red rock formations.
- Bolivia and Iceland: Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) and volcanic regions like Mount Etna (Italy) have provided otherworldly backdrops for diverse planetary environments.
What these locations represent for fans and travelers
- The Star Wars filming locations list is geographically diverse, reflecting the franchise’s global production footprint. You can explore many of these sites through guided tours, self-guided itineraries, or behind-the-scenes experiences offered by travel organizers.
- Some sites are adjacent to well-preserved historic towns and natural parks, making it easy to combine location viewing with local culture, food, and hiking opportunities. For example, Dubrovnik offers UNESCO-listed architecture and Adriatic scenery, while Death Valley combines stark desert landscapes with national park amenities.
- Not all locations are designed as public attractions, so availability for public tours or visits can vary by region and season. Planning ahead with local operators or official tourism boards is advised.
Tips for planning a Star Wars location visit
- Prioritize regions that offer established tours: Dubrovnik, Tunisia (where safety and access allow), Death Valley, and Lake Como area are common starting points with organized experiences. Check current travel advisories and local tour operators for access details.
- Balance film history with natural beauty: many sites double as stunning landscapes (deserts, lakes, coastlines) that are worthwhile beyond their cinematic significance.
- Consider timing and seasons: desert locations can be extreme; plan for milder parts of the year and bring appropriate gear. Coastal or high-altitude sites may have weather variability.
If you’d like, specify a region you’re most interested in (e.g., Tunisia, Death Valley, Dubrovnik, Lake Como) and I can tailor a practical, day-by-day visit plan with exact locations, suggested routes, and nearby accommodations.
