Journey Through the Epic Backdrops of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Set to be this year's biggest blockbuster, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey arrives in theatres on 17 July. Adapted from Homer's ancient Greek epic, the film follows Odysseus (played by Hollywood star Matt Damon) on his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War, a story so epic, it demanded a production to match! In anticipation, we've taken a closer look at some of the locations that have inspired the Oscar-winning director and where our clients can charter a private jet to see them for themselves.

Methoni Castle & Voidokilia Beach, Messinia, Greece

The Peloponnese

It wouldn't be a Greek epic without seeing some of Greece itself and Nolan leaned heavily on the Peloponnese, a region rich in ancient mythology.

Filming took place at Nestor's Cave, Voidokilia Beach, Almyrolaka Beach, Methoni Castle, and the hilltop fortress of Acrocorinth, each location chosen for a rawness that CGI just can't replicate. Voidokilia Beach, with its iconic horseshoe-shaped bay, is arguably the most photogenic of the group and increasingly the most searched-for since the film's trailer dropped.

Fly private to the Peloponnese: the nearest gateway is Kalamata International Airport, roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes flying time from London on a light or midsize jet, with onward transfers to Methoni and Pylos in an hour.

Favignana, Sicily, Italy

Favignana

Nolan's production then moved to Sicily, filming on the island of Favignana (also known as Goat Island) part of the Egadi archipelago off the island's western tip. Favignana's butterfly shape and dramatic limestone coves, carved out over centuries, made for some of the film's most striking imagery.

Stromboli & Salina, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Fly private to Favignana: For nearest proximity, Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS) is just a 20-minute drive from Trapani port, where a 30-minute boat takes you on to Favignana. While Palermo-Punta Raisi (PMO) is slightly further away (roughly a 55-minute drive to Trapani port), it is a larger international hub and is a better option if you're looking for full VIP/FBO handling and more flexibility.

Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

The Aeolian Islands

From Favignana, cast and crew travelled to the Aeolian Islands, including Lipari (the main island), Basiluzzo (a tiny islet facing towards the dramatic volcano Stromboli), and the mythical 8-square-mile island of Vulcano, known for its steaming calderas and named after the Roman god of fire.

Fly private to the Aelian Islands: Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) is the most popular and convenient choice for reaching the islands, with helicopter or seaplane transfers available onward for a truly cinematic arrival.

Essaouira & Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Morocco

Beyond Greece and Italy, scenes were reportedly shot in Marrakech, Tahannaout, El Haouz and Essaouira. Morocco's Atlas Mountains and sun-bleached coastal ramparts have long offered filmmakers a backdrop for antiquity and Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO village was used to depict Troy itself.

Key private jet airports in Morocco include Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK / GMMX) located 5 miles west of Marrakech and Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU), around a 15-minute drive from downtown Essaouira best for Turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland

No stranger to stardom, Iceland's surreal landscapes have doubled for everything from other planets to fantastical kingdoms, and Nolan (who previously shot in the country for both Batman Begins and Interstellar) returned to capture the more otherworldly, mythical island sequences of Odysseus's voyage. Production made use of the volcanic mountain of Hjörleifshöfði, the black sand plains at Landeyjahöfn, and the remote highland terrain further inland.

Fly private to Iceland: the gateway is Keflavík International Airport (KEF), roughly 3 hours flying time from London on a light or midsize jet, with the South Coast locations, including Hjörleifshöfði and Landeyjahöfn, around a 2.5 to 3-hour onward drive.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Findlater Castle, West Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Scotland

Rounding out the production, Scottish landscapes also had a surprising starring role, with filming taking place on the Moray Coast and Findlater Castle. Inverness Airport (INV) is the most convenient gateway to the Moray Firth coast, with the drive to Findlater Castle taking just over an hour.

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Fly to the shores of The Odyssey.

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