Christopher Nolan's latest film, "The Odyssey," has captivated global audiences, propelling interest in the real-world locations that served as its spectacular backdrops. The movie, which has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, was filmed in Greece, Italy, Morocco, Scotland, and Iceland, continuing Nolan's preference for practical filmmaking.
The film's depiction of ancient locales has significantly boosted travel interest. Following its mid-July release, Google searches for travel to Troy saw a 3,421% increase, with searches for "flights to Troy" rising by 966%, according to an analysis by the learning app Nibble, as reported by Travel + Leisure. This surge also led to increased searches about the historical existence of Troy, indicating viewer curiosity about visiting the legendary city.
Several key filming locations are drawing attention:
Voidokilia Beach in Messenia, Greece, known for its unique shape, served as one of the film's Greek settings. Approximately 10 miles from the coastal town of Pylos, the beach is situated near Nestor's Cave.
Nestor's Cave, located above Voidokilia Beach, was used for scenes involving Polyphemus, the Cyclops. The cave is accessible via a steep, rocky hiking trail.
Favignana, the largest of Sicily's Egadi Islands, stood in for Odysseus's homeland of Ithaca. This archipelago is known for its clear waters and has also been a site of archaeological discoveries, including a well-preserved bronze helmet and weapons found near the Battle of Aegates site in September 2025.
In Morocco, the 17th-century fortified settlement of Aït Benhaddou was transformed into part of ancient Troy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a short drive from Ouarzazate. Additionally, beaches in Essaouira, Morocco, were used for scenes depicting the Trojan Horse being brought ashore.
Findlater Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on the coast of the Moray Firth, also featured in the film. The castle's ruins date back to the 14th century, with documented fortification at the site as early as 1246. Officials noted that the film will introduce the ruins and the Banffshire coast to millions of cinema-goers.
"The Odyssey" has become Nolan's highest-grossing movie globally and the highest-grossing R-rated film of 2026 both domestically and internationally.