As Star Wars Day approaches on May 4th, dedicated fans around the globe prepare to celebrate their beloved franchise with the traditional greeting: “May the Fourth be with you.” While watching marathons of the films and TV series is a popular way to mark the occasion, true devotees might consider taking their fandom to new heights by visiting the actual locations where the magic happened. From otherworldly deserts to lush forests that doubled as distant planets, these real-world destinations offer an immersive experience that connects fans directly to the Star Wars universe. Pack your lightsabre and prepare for hyperspace as we explore ten spectacular Star Wars filming locations that will transform your next holiday into an epic galactic adventure.

The empty quarter of Abu Dhabi served as the backdrop for Jakku in The Force Awakens

The stunning desert landscape of Abu Dhabi’s Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) transported viewers to the desolate planet of Jakku in “The Force Awakens.” This vast expanse of golden sand creates an authentic otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the iconic desert planet. Visitors can book guided tours through the mesmerizing desert terrain, where towering dunes stretch endlessly toward the horizon, creating a photographer’s paradise. Many luxury desert resorts offer specialized Star Wars-themed excursions that include dune bashing, overnight camping beneath the stars and professionally guided photo tours to capture the same magical light that attracted the film’s makers. The Empty Quarter remains one of the most accessible yet dramatically alien landscapes for fans wanting to step directly into the Star Wars universe.

Dubrovnik’s medieval walls transformed into the gambling haven of Canto Bight in The Last Jedi

The stunning UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with its distinctive limestone streets and medieval architecture, became the glamorous casino city of Canto Bight in “The Last Jedi.” Walking through the ancient walled city, fans can recognize numerous filming locations, from the distinctive main street Stradun to the elegant Rector’s Palace. Local tour guides offer specialized Star Wars walking tours that highlight specific filming spots while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the production. The city’s dramatic coastal position, framed by the azure Adriatic Sea, provides breathtaking views that enhance any visit. After exploring Star Wars connections, travellers can enjoy Dubrovnik’s renowned seafood cuisine, charming cafés and vibrant cultural scene, making it a destination that appeals to fans and non-fans alike.

Tunisia’s unique architecture continues to draw fans to the original Tatooine settings

The distinctive desert landscapes and unique architecture of Tunisia formed the original vision of Tatooine in “A New Hope” and several subsequent films. The Hotel Sidi Driss in Matmata, famously used as the Lars Homestead interior, still welcomes guests to stay in the very rooms where Luke Skywalker’s journey began. Nearby, the otherworldly salt flats of Chott el Jerid feature the iconic igloo-shaped exterior of the homestead, recently restored by dedicated fans. In Djerba, visitors can discover the mosque that inspired Obi-Wan Kenobi’s home, while the desert around Tozeur and Nefta contains numerous recognizable landscapes. Local tour operators offer comprehensive multi-day excursions connecting all major filming sites, allowing travellers to trace Luke’s steps from his humble moisture farm beginnings to the famous cantina where his adventure truly launched.

Guatemala’s Tikal National Park doubled as the Rebel base on Yavin 4

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal National Park in Guatemala created the perfect backdrop for the Rebel Alliance base on Yavin 4 in “A New Hope.” These impressive stone temples rising above the dense jungle canopy needed minimal visual effects to transform them into the headquarters of the resistance. Today, visitors can stand at the exact spot where the Millennium Falcon landed and take in the same view of Temple IV that appears in the film. Beyond the Star Wars connection, Tikal offers an extraordinary archaeological experience as one of the largest excavated sites of pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. The surrounding rainforest teems with wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans and ocellated turkeys that add to the exotic atmosphere. Many tours combine the Star Wars experience with a deeper exploration of Mayan history and Guatemalan culture.

Norway’s Hardangerjøkulen glacier appeared as the ice planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back

The dramatic snow-covered Hardangerjøkulen glacier in Norway served as the backdrop for the iconic battle scenes on the ice planet Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Located in Finse, this remote area still looks remarkably similar to its appearance in the film, with vast white expanses framed by mountain peaks. While filming locations are accessible year-round via the Bergen Railway, winter visitors experience the authentic Hoth atmosphere with opportunities for guided glacier hikes, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across the same terrain where the Rebel Alliance fought against Imperial AT-AT walkers. The historic Finse 1222 Hotel, where the cast and crew stayed during filming, offers themed accommodations and displays Star Wars memorabilia. Adventure companies now offer specialized “Hoth Experience” tours that include transportation to exact filming locations and professional photography services.

Italy’s Lake Como created the romantic setting for Anakin and Padmé’s retreat in Attack of the Clones

The breathtaking Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como provided the perfect romantic backdrop for Anakin and Padmé’s secret wedding in “Attack of the Clones.” This elegant 18th-century villa with its terraced gardens overlooking the crystalline waters of the lake remains virtually unchanged since filming. Visitors can tour the villa’s ornate interior rooms and wander through the precise garden terraces where pivotal scenes were filmed. The surrounding Lake Como region offers additional attractions with its charming waterfront villages, historic villas and spectacular mountain scenery. Luxury hotels around the lake frequently arrange private boat tours to the villa, allowing guests to arrive just as the film crew did. Many couples now choose this magical location for their own weddings or vow renewals, with specialized planners offering Star Wars-themed ceremonies on the exact spot where Anakin and Padmé exchanged their vows.

Switzerland’s Grindelwald inspired the Alderaan in Revenge of the Sith

The elegant mountain village of Grindelwald in Switzerland served as the backdrop for the planet Alderaan in “Revenge of the Sith.” Through clever use of matte painting techniques, the village’s distinctive alpine scenery was transformed into Princess Leia’s home planet. Today, visitors can explore the area and identify specific landscapes that inspired the film. The village embraces its Star Wars heritage with annual May the Fourth celebrations that include guided tours highlighting filming connections, memorabilia displays and themed events. The surrounding region offers charming Swiss hospitality with boutique accommodations and farm-to-table dining experiences. Photography enthusiasts appreciate capturing the same angles and perspectives used by the film’s production designers, while nature lovers enjoy exploring one of Switzerland’s most beautiful alpine regions.

The Maldives’ breathtaking beaches created the tropical planet Scarif in Rogue One

The paradise islands of Laamu Atoll in the Maldives provided the stunning tropical scenery for planet Scarif in “Rogue One.” These pristine beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters served as the backdrop for the film’s climactic battle scenes. Today, luxury resorts in the region offer specialized “Rogue One Experience” packages that include guided tours to specific filming locations, behind-the-scenes photography exhibits and themed dining experiences. Visitors can snorkel or dive in the same waters where Imperial and Rebel forces clashed, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Resort activities often include Star Wars-themed beach cinema nights under the stars and photography workshops to capture the distinctive light and landscape that attracted filmmakers. The remote location provides the same sense of isolation that made Scarif an ideal choice for the Empire’s secret installation.

Iceland’s diverse landscapes feature prominently in recent Star Wars productions

Iceland’s otherworldly terrain has become increasingly important to the Star Wars universe, featuring in “The Force Awakens,” “Rogue One” and “The Mandalorian.” The stark black beaches of Reynisfjara appeared as the planet Eadu, while the glacial landscapes of Krafla and Mývatn transformed into the frigid Hoth-like worlds. The dramatic volcanic terrain of Thorsmork provided backgrounds for several battle scenes with minimal digital enhancement needed. Specialized tour companies now offer comprehensive multi-day “Star Wars Route” itineraries connecting all filming locations while providing behind-the-scenes insights about the production process. Beyond the cinematic connections, these tours incorporate Iceland’s natural wonders including geothermal hot springs, magnificent waterfalls and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Photography workshops catering to Star Wars enthusiasts help visitors capture these landscapes with the same dramatic perspective seen in the films.

Arizona’s Monument Valley created the perfect backdrop for Mandalorian desert scenes

The iconic sandstone buttes and vast horizons of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Arizona provided the distinctive backdrop for key sequences in “The Mandalorian.” This sacred Navajo land, with its towering red rock formations rising dramatically from the desert floor, required minimal digital enhancement to transform into the remote outer rim planets where Din Djarin and Grogu (Baby Yoda) found adventure. Authorized Navajo guides offer specialized Star Wars-themed tours that identify exact filming locations while respectfully sharing indigenous perspectives on the land’s cultural significance. Photographers particularly value the guidance to capture the same magical light conditions used during filming. Nearby accommodations range from authentic Navajo homestays to luxury desert resorts, many offering packages that include guided stargazing experiences beneath the same dark skies that impressed the production team and reinforced the frontier atmosphere central to the series.