From Coruscant to Tatooine: The Best Star Wars-Themed Holiday Destinations

A Galactic Introduction

For Star Wars fans, the universe isn’t just about lightsabers and space battles—it’s about worlds. Real, breathtaking landscapes on Earth have served as stand-ins for the galaxy far, far away, and they’re open for exploration.

Whether you’re a Sith on sabbatical or a Jedi on a gap year, here are the best Star Wars-themed destinations to satisfy your inner explorer.

Tatooine: Tunisia’s Timeless Desert

Location: Matmata, Tunisia
Seen in: A New Hope, The Phantom Menace

Matmata’s sun-scorched earth and sunken homes became the planet Tatooine—Luke Skywalker’s iconic home. Here, you can:

Visit Hotel Sidi Driss, aka the Lars homestead.
Walk the sands where droids once wandered.
Feel like you’ve just left Mos Eisley… minus the cantina brawls.

Hoth: Iceland’s Frozen Frontiers

Location: Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway and Iceland
Seen in: The Empire Strikes Back

Craving an ice-planet expedition? Look no further than:

Norway’s glaciers, where the Rebellion faced down AT-ATs.
Iceland’s otherworldly ice caves and volcanoes, often used in newer Star Wars lore.

Pack thermals and your best rebel gear—this one’s for true Resistance fighters.

Endor: California’s Redwoods

Location: Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA
Seen in: Return of the Jedi

Towering trees, lush undergrowth, and hidden trails—welcome to the forest moon of Endor.

Hike among sky-high redwoods used as a backdrop for speeder bike chases.
Explore dense forests where Ewoks plotted their guerrilla warfare.

Ideal for those who like their Star Wars adventures grounded in nature.

Naboo: The Lakes of Italy

Location: Lake Como, Italy
Seen in: Attack of the Clones

Amidst marble villas and blue lakes, Padmé and Anakin once fell in love.

Visit Villa del Balbianello, overlooking shimmering waters.
Stroll through peaceful gardens where romance bloomed… briefly.

This is Star Wars at its most poetic.

Ahch-To: Ireland’s Mystical Skellig Michael

Location: Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland
Seen in: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi

This ancient island monastery became Luke Skywalker’s hideaway.

Accessible only by boat, it offers a remote, sacred feel.
Marvel at its stone steps, puffin colonies, and untamed cliffs.

The Force feels strong here—quiet, reflective, powerful.

Coruscant Vibes: Tokyo’s Futuristic Pulse

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Inspiration for: Coruscant’s bustling cityscape

While Coruscant was created with CGI, the inspiration came from Tokyo’s towering skyline and neon maze.

Ride futuristic bullet trains.
Wander through Shibuya’s busy intersections and Akihabara’s tech culture.

The Jedi Temple may be fictional, but Tokyo’s energy is very real.

Mustafar: Volcano Views in Guatemala

Location: Mount Etna, Sicily and Guatemala’s Volcanoes
Seen in: Revenge of the Sith

Mustafar’s fiery duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan took inspiration from real volcanic terrain.

Guatemala’s active volcanoes offer eerie, molten landscapes.
Or visit Mount Etna, with hiking tours to black-lava ridges.

Perfect for a symbolic journey through conflict, power, and transformation.

Bonus: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney World

Location: Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida
Experience: Star Wars brought to life

Want to pilot the Millennium Falcon, sip blue milk, or build your own lightsaber?

Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive Star Wars land within Disney parks.
Interact with droids, stormtroopers, and Resistance fighters.
Ride Rise of the Resistance, the ultimate dark vs light showdown.

No passport required—just a deep love for the saga.

Final Transmission: Travel the Stars, One Planet at a Time

You don’t need a starship to experience the Star Wars universe—just curiosity and a good pair of walking boots. From Tunisia’s deserts to Ireland’s islands, our planet holds echoes of that galaxy far, far away.

So next time you plan a holiday, skip the usual and follow the Force.
Because somewhere on Earth, your Star Wars story is waiting.