Star Wars Filming Locations Around the World

You don’t need to venture to a galaxy far, far away to step into the world of Star Wars. Across deserts, forests, and seascapes, the saga has come to life in some of the most spectacular locations on Earth. From sweeping dunes to lush landscapes, Star Wars filming locations let you experience the magic of the universe up close, while offering beautiful backdrops for your own adventures – and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments along the way. Ready to explore?

Fuerteventura, Spain

While filming locations remained shrouded in mystery until the film’s release, we now know that the island of Fuerteventura played a key role in bringing Solo: A Star Wars Story to life – namely the desolate desert planet of Savareen. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, vast sandy deserts, and crystal-clear waters, Fuerteventura provided the perfect backdrop for the galaxy far, far away and its high-stake happenings.

Located just 5 kilometres from the busy Costa Calma, this Canary Island’s otherworldly beauty is now forever linked to the Star Wars universe, inviting travellers to step into scenes where intergalactic adventures unfolded. Beyond its cinematic role, it’s a haven for holidaymakers who love to wind and kite surf. 

Appears in: 

• Solo: A Star Wars Story

How to Visit: 

Stay at our favourite luxury hotels on the island: Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace, Secrets Bahia Real Resort & Spa, or Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort.

Death Valley National Park, USA

Home of both Anakin and Luke Skywalker during a period of their lives, Tatooine is one of the prominent Star Wars filming locations, and its two suns are synonymous with Star Wars. The desert planet has appeared in both the original and prequel trilogies – the site of numerous important events during the films.

Tatooine is actually based on Tatouine, a very real city in Tunisia and the spot where much of the filming took place. However, some parts were also filmed in the Death Valley National Park in California, more specifically the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Artist's Palette.

Appears in:

• Episode I - The Phantom Menace

• Episode II - Attack of the Clones

• Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

• Episode IV - A New Hope

• Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

How to Visit:

Ask us about luxury cruises that stop in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, or Los Angeles. We can help to arrange a trip to this National Park that sits north west of Las Vegas. 

Villa del Balbianello, Italy

While the prequel films are often criticised for their scripts, casting and Jar Jar Binks, there's no denying that some of the more romantic Star Wars filming locations were expertly chosen. The Palace of Caserta near Naples served as the Naboo Royal Palace, but the elegant Villa del Balbianello on the edge of Lake Como is best known as the site of Anakin and Padme's wedding scene in Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

CGI rendering added to the overall surrounding of the villa, but it's still overwhelmingly beautiful in real life. You can take a guided tour of the gardens and you can even hold your own nuptials here too.

Appears in:

• Episode II - Attack of the Clones

How to Visit:

Visit Naples during a luxury cruise or our Rome and the Amalfi Coast Tailor-Made Holiday. Visit Lake Como again during a luxury cruise, perhaps with Windstar, or ask us about tagging it onto one of our Italy Tailor-Made Holidays.

Rub' Al Khali, Abu Dhabi

Appearing in The Force Awakens, Abu Dhabi's Rub' Al Khali was used as the remote desert planet of Jakku, home to the heroine of the new trilogy, Rey. The desert is an astonishing 620 miles long and is the world’s largest contiguous sand desert.

Its arid terrain and remote location make it a prime destination for motor sports – every winter the Moreeb Hill Climb event is held here.

Appears in:

• Episode VII - The Force Awakens

How to Visit:

Take a trip from your luxury holiday in central Abu Dhabi, Qatar, or Oman, or add a stop onto your Saudi Arabia Tailor-Made Holiday.

Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Thailand

Serving as the backdrop to the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyk, Phang Nga Bay is best known for its emerald waters and gravity-defying limestone rocks that jut majestically upwards.

Although certain shots are combined with Guilin in China and the magic of sound stage cinematics, fans of the location will recognise the distinctive landscape of Phuket. You can visit the area via a day-trip on a cruise and stop to enjoy the beaches or visit Ko Panyi, a village built on stilts, not unlike the Wookiee villages in the film.

Appears in:

• Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

How to Visit:

Staying at one of our favourite hotels near to Phang Nga Bay, Aleenta Resort And Spa Phang Nga or COMO Point Yamu - taking a luxury cruise of Thailand with Windstar, or booking a Tailor-Made Holiday to Thailand. Bangkok & the Beaches of Phuket or Christmas in Phuket are perfect – ask us about adding on trips to Phang Nga Bay.

Laamu Atoll, Gan Island, Maldives

For something completely different, both in terms of location and tone, Rogue One director Garth Edwards turned to the Maldives’ Laamu Atoll for filming. Used for the final battle, the islands of Gan and Berasdhoo were used to depict Planet Scarif, home to a sinister imperial base and construction facility for the war machine.

Appears in:

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

How to Visit:

More fitting of the location's beauty is the luxurious hotel of Six Senses Laamu that you can find among these spectacular islands. Six Senses Laamu is at the higher echelons of luxury, with overwater villas and water sports aplenty.