Follow Odysseus’ journey as Christopher Nolan brings it to life, from the wild landscapes of Iceland to the ancient mythology of its birthplace: Greece.

With a remarkable filmmaking career that has shaped modern cinema in recent years, whenever British director Christopher Nolan announces a new project, the world pays attention, knowing it could become one of the defining films of the year. The Odyssey is his latest major undertaking, an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, one of the most influential works in world literature and a story that has already been brought to the screen several times. Nolan’s unmistakable vision behind the camera, combined with a star-studded cast featuring names such as Matt Damon, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, has already made this one of the most anticipated films of the year.

The Odyssey follows the journey of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. His voyage takes ten years, forcing him to face dangerous encounters with monsters, curses, and powerful temptations along the way. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus wait for him in Ithaca, surrounded by suitors who believe the legendary warrior has died and want to claim his throne. It is a timeless story about a man trying to find his way back home while fighting to recover his family and identity after a war that has changed him forever.

Following acclaimed films such as Interstellar, Dunkirk, and the recent Oppenheimer, The Odyssey promises to become another major chapter in Nolan’s career. Behind every breathtaking scene is an enormous production effort, with filming taking place across six countries. From the dramatic landscapes of Iceland to the authentic beauty of the Greek seas, the locations featured in The Odyssey invite visitors to step into the world of the legendary warrior who fought his way back to Ithaca.

Peloponnese Region, Greece

Although Nolan’s version has received criticism for not choosing a more Mediterranean cast to portray the characters from the original story, his respect for Homer’s roots can be seen in his choice of Greek destinations for filming. From March to April 2025, production took place in the Peloponnese region, including locations such as Voidokilia Beach, a stunning stretch of fine sand shaped like the Greek letter omega, making it one of the country’s most recognizable coastlines.

Methoni Castle is another major filming location in Greece, located in the region of Messenia and considered one of the country’s most important medieval fortifications. Built by the Venetians, the castle flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries and remains a remarkable example of the area’s history. Watching the sun set over its stone walls from the nearby beach creates a truly unforgettable scene.

The impressive Cyclops sequences were filmed at Nestor’s Cave, a site used since prehistoric times and an important place in Greek mythology. The cave appears in several ancient myths that have survived through generations. At the top of the hill stands an old castle offering spectacular views over the Pylos area.

Sicily, Italy

In March, production moved to the sunny landscapes of southern Italy, specifically Sicily, taking advantage of its unmistakably Mediterranean scenery. Favignana Island was one of the first locations used in the country, the largest of the Aegadian Islands and home to a collection of shallow bays with striking turquoise waters. Although in The Odyssey its crystal-clear seas appear dark beneath a sky filled with endless clouds, the reality is that Favignana is a peaceful, mostly flat island where visitors can easily explore the area on foot or by bicycle.

Filming at Castello di Santa Caterina created one of the most memorable stories behind The Odyssey. Due to the narrow paths and challenging terrain, the entire crew – including the cast and Nolan himself – had to walk up and down the hill every day for two weeks, completing a 900-foot hike. While the views over Favignana are breathtaking, the climb under the Sicilian sun can be demanding, making it best to start the journey early in the morning.

Iceland

Of course, when it comes to breathtaking landscapes that seem to blend the sky and the earth together, few places in the world compare to Iceland, a country that has already become a familiar setting in productions such as Game of Thrones. Nolan chose the island to film the scene in which Odysseus journeys to the underworld to seek guidance from the prophet Tiresias.

Hjörleifshöfði, an impressive cape on Iceland’s southern coast, rises from the black sands of Mýrdalssandur like a natural fortress. It takes its name from Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, the foster brother of Iceland’s first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, who was killed there in the 9th century by his Irish slaves.

Other filming locations include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Markarfljót River, and the harbor of Landeyjahöfn, spectacular landscapes in this wild country that almost tell the story of Odysseus by themselves.

Scotland

Nearby, with its medieval castles and legendary landscapes, Scotland is another favorite destination when searching for unique filming locations. The Moray Firth Coast is a North Sea inlet on the country’s northeastern shore, lined with fishing villages and vast sandy beaches that, during stormy days, seem to disappear into the wild waters.

Production also filmed at Findlater Castle and Culbin Forest, two locations near the sea that showcase Scotland’s dramatic scenery. While the castle offers a glimpse into the country’s medieval past, the forest provides an ideal setting for hiking and exploring the rugged beauty of the region.

Aitana Esteban Rando

Aitana, born and raised in Spain, loves exploring new places and different cultures while staying true to her roots. She's on a mission to visit every spot that stole her heart in books and movies. Fluent in Spanish and English, she's now learning Arabic. For her, speaking different languages is the key to understand the world's beautiful diversity.