Filming Locations for Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey”: Film Locations for Your Next Journey

To film Odysee, Christopher Nolan’s team used castles, caves, islands, deserts, and black sand beaches in six countries. Most of these locations are open to tourists and could serve as the basis for a separate movie-themed road trip. Learn more about the film’s locations in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, and Norway

Christopher Nolan turned Odysseus’s journey into a large-scale film expedition. The film crew spent 91 days shooting in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, and Norway. The Sicilian island of Favignana served as Ithaca, Troy was recreated among the clay fortifications of Aït-Ben-Haddou, and the realm of the dead was filmed against the backdrop of Iceland’s black volcanic landscapes.

The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, was released on July 17, 2026. A significant portion of the scenes were shot in real castles, caves, forests, and along the coast. Full-scale ships were used for the sea scenes, and crowd scenes were filmed outdoors under natural lighting. Most of the locations are accessible to tourists, though some are in remote areas or require special preparation for the trip. Here’s where *The Odyssey* was filmed and how you can see these places in person.

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Greece: The Cyclops’ Cave and Odysseus’ Palace

The Greek portion of *The Odyssey* was filmed in the Peloponnese in March and April 2025. The Hellenic Film Commission has officially confirmed five locations: Nestor’s Cave, the beaches of Voidokilia and Almirolaka, the castle of Methoni, and Acrocorinth. The Greek Ministry of Culture granted permission for filming on the condition that regulations for the protection of historical monuments and natural areas were followed.

Voidokilia and Nestor’s Cave

The horseshoe-shaped beach at Voidokilia was featured in the scenes depicting the arrival of Odysseus’s fleet. Nestor’s Cave, situated on a hill overlooking the bay, served as the lair of the Cyclops Polyphemus. According to Greek mythology, this is where Nestor, king of Pylos, kept his livestock.

Voidokilia is located approximately 12 km from Pylos. You can drive to the beach, but you’ll have to walk the last stretch. The climb to the cave is rocky and offers almost no shade, so you’ll need closed-toe shoes, water, and sun protection. Don’t plan to visit the beach just for a quick photo stop: nearby are the Gialova Lagoon, the ruins of Paleokastro, and scenic trails.

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The Castle of Methoni and Almirolaka Beach

The Venetian Castle of Methoni served as Odysseus’s palace on Ithaca in the film. Scenes depicting the fleet’s departure for the Trojan War were filmed here, as well as scenes featuring Penelope and Telemachus awaiting the ruler’s return. The fortress occupies a cape on the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese and is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Its most famous feature is the octagonal Burdzi sea tower.

Methoni is located about 12 km south of Pylos. You should set aside at least an hour and a half to explore the complex. There are few shaded areas inside, and the stone pavement is uneven in places. Before your trip, be sure to check the seasonal operating hours of the archaeological site.

The wild beach of Almirolaka was used for large-scale scenes featuring hundreds of actors. Here, the gathering of Greek warriors was filmed in the open sea, with natural waves and wind. For certain scenes, the crew built house sets, which were then burned down during filming.

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Acrocorinth

Acrocorinth served as the setting for Agamemnon’s return to Mycenae. The fortress towers on a cliff above ancient Corinth and commands the approaches to the Peloponnese. Its fortifications were built up over many centuries: elements from the ancient, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman periods have been preserved here.

Acrocorinth is located about 85 km from Athens. The most convenient way to get there is by car via Corinth, combining a visit to the fortress with a tour of the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Admission to Acrocorinth is free, and you should allow up to two hours for a full tour. Inside, there are many steep climbs and uneven stones, so it’s best to visit on a cool morning.

Italy: Favignana as Ithaca

The main Italian location was the island of Favignana, located west of Sicily as part of the Egadi Islands. In the film, it served as Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus. The island is predominantly limestone. Its coastline features cliffs, former quarries, grottoes, and small coves.

The Fortress of Santa Caterina, perched atop the 314-meter-high mountain of the same name, served as Odysseus’s palace. Scenes featuring Penelope, Telemachus, and the suitors who had taken over the absent ruler’s home were filmed here. There is no road leading to the fortress: the climb up the rocky, winding path takes about an hour one way. There is almost no shade along the route, so it’s best to set out early in the morning during the summer.

Other locations on Favignana include:

- Bue Marino – a rocky coastline with caves and traces of tuff quarrying

- Cala Rossa – one of the island’s most famous coves with crystal-clear water

- Favignana Port—the main arrival point and a convenient base for exploring the island

- The former Florio factory—a museum dedicated to the history of tuna fishing and processing

You can reach Favignana by ferry or high-speed boat from the Sicilian port of Trapani. The crossing usually takes 30 minutes, depending on the type of vessel. Once on the island, it’s convenient to get around by bicycle, e-bike, or scooter. A car isn’t always necessary, as the distances between the main bays are short.

The best times to visit are May, June, September, or early October. In July and August, the island is hot, accommodations are more expensive, and popular coves are crowded. Ferry schedules depend on the season and weather, so it’s a good idea to check tickets and return times in advance.

Some scenes were filmed on the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily. The Faraglioni di Lipari sea cliffs served as the on-screen “Wandering Rocks” through which Odysseus’s ship was supposed to pass. It’s difficult to combine Favignana and the Aeolian Islands into a short trip: they’re located on opposite coasts of Sicily. For such an itinerary, you’ll need to set aside at least a week and plan for a trip across the island.