A Fan’s Guide to Star Wars Filming Spots: Where to Go for the Best Photo Ops

Calling all fans: the frustration of hunting down real Star Wars filming spots ends here

You want iconic photos under twin suns and whispering cliffs that feel like another galaxy — but you also need up-to-date logistics, budget-friendly ways to get there, and the rules so you don’t ruin a sacred site (or get fined). This guide cuts through out-of-date lists and fan rumors in 2026 to deliver: the real-world Star Wars filming spots worth traveling to, why they matter to the story, how to score the best photo ops, and how to visit respectfully and cheaply.

Why this matters in 2026: film tourism, new Lucasfilm direction, and tech that changes visits

Film tourism continues to boom in 2026, but the game has shifted. With Dave Filoni now steering Lucasfilm’s creative slate and reports of an accelerated production schedule, new projects are likely to blend famous on-location shoots with advanced virtual production. That means some future Star Wars sites will be real places you can visit — and others will be LED-stage creations you can only experience at studios or theme attractions. For fan travel in 2026, that creates three trends to plan around:

• Hybrid visits: expect a mix of outdoor locations and studio-based exhibits tied to new projects.
• Managed access: UNESCO and national parks are tightening visitor rules to protect fragile sites used for filming (Skellig Michael is the model).
• Augmented tours: AR guides and app-based photo overlays are now common — great for richer fan photos but often requiring pre-booking.

Quick map: the must-see Star Wars filming spots (best photo ops first)

• Tunisia (Tatooine) — desert sets and troglodyte villages
• Skellig Michael, Ireland (Ahch-To) — dramatic cliffs and monastery ruins
• Finse, Norway (Hoth) — glacier vistas and frozen landscapes
• Redwood forests, California (Endor) — towering trees and film markers
• Plaza de España, Seville (Naboo/Theed sequences)
• Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy (Naboo lake retreat scenes)
• Liwa Desert / Abu Dhabi, UAE (Jakku / desert exteriors)
• Pinewood Studios & UK locations (studio tours and standing sets)

The locations, lore, and how to photograph them

Tunisia: Where Tatooine still shines

Why it matters: Tunisia supplied the iconic sandscapes for Luke Skywalker’s homeworld Tatooine in the original trilogy and prequels. The feel of the set remains unmatched for fans who want that classic desert planet vibe.

• Best photo ops: salt flats at Chott el Jerid at sunrise; the mud-brick troglodyte homes near Matmata; exterior Mos Espa sets (some remains still visible).
• Logistics: fly into Tunis or Djerba, then arrange a local 4x4 tour. Many fan-oriented tours run from Tozeur and Douz.
• Respect & rules: stick to marked paths. Some sets sit on private or culturally sensitive land — always ask guides before entering.
• Cheap tips: group up for shared transfers and overnight in budget guesthouses in Tozeur. Travel off-peak (spring & autumn) for cooler temps and lower prices.

Skellig Michael, Ireland: Ahch-To’s wild, sacred island

Why it matters: The remote, cliff-clinging monastery on Skellig Michael became Luke’s island refuge in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Its dramatic silhouette is a top fan pilgrimage site — but it’s also a protected UNESCO site with strict rules.

• Best photo ops: from a licensed boat out on the water at golden hour; Slea Head Drive viewpoints on the Dingle Peninsula offer spectacular frames without landing.
• Logistics: boat access runs from Portmagee and is weather-dependent. In 2026, booking online in advance is mandatory for peak months. Visitor caps remain in effect; there are only a few landings per day.
• Respect & rules: Skellig Michael is fragile: no drones, no climbing beyond permitted routes, carry out all waste. Guides will brief visitors on conservation rules.
• Cheap tips: combine a local bus or car-share to Portmagee with an off-peak boat slot. If you miss landing tickets, Slea Head offers affordable alternatives with great views.

Finse, Norway: Hoth’s frozen kingdom

Why it matters: Empire Strikes Back’s Hoth sequences were filmed on glaciers and snowy plateaus around Finse. The stark, icy landscapes are perfect for dramatic, cinematic winter photos.

• Best photo ops: ridge lines and blue-ice fields at midday for contrast; bring filters to handle reflective snow.
• Logistics: Finse is reachable by train from Oslo (no roads connect directly). Many hikes start from the station, and local guides offer snow-safety briefings.
• Respect & rules: the area is fragile and weather can be extreme. Hire a guide if you plan to cross glaciers; bring emergency gear.
• Cheap tips: take the train and book accommodation early — hostels and mountain cabins are more affordable than private lodges.

Redwood forests, California: Endor’s luminous woods

Why it matters: The forest moon of Endor’s lush, cathedral-like redwoods are real and accessible in Northern California’s protected parks.

• Best photo ops: early morning for mist and shafted light; low-angle shots to emphasize tree scale and a fan in costume for narrative photos.
• Logistics: parks like Jedediah Smith, Del Norte, and Humboldt are driveable from San Francisco or Portland. Park passes and parking reservations are increasingly common.
• Respect & rules: no off-trail wandering. Trampling understory harms ecosystems. Drones frequently banned.
• Cheap tips: camp inside the park or stay at budget motels in nearby towns. Use shuttle services where offered to avoid pricey parking fees.

Plaza de España & Villa del Balbianello: Naboo’s elegant backdrops

Why it matters: For fans who love Naboo’s regal architecture and lake-side grace, Seville and Lake Como are cinematic choices. Plaza de España (Seville) doubled for Theed walkways, while Villa del Balbianello provided lush garden retreat shots.

• Best photo ops: sunset at Plaza de España for warm light on the tiled alcoves; villa grounds at Lake Como for composed, reflective portraits.
• Logistics: both cities are major tourist hubs with excellent train and coach connections. Booking entry or timed passes for villas is recommended in 2026.
• Respect & rules: follow local site rules — many villas charge garden-entry fees and limit tripods for commercial shoots.
• Cheap tips: visit early-morning to avoid crowds; combine with public-transport day passes to save on taxis.

Liwa Desert & Abu Dhabi: Jakku’s sprawling sands

Why it matters: The desert exteriors that created remote planets for the sequels were filmed in the UAE’s vast dunes. The scale and light here give you desert-photo opportunities without the wear-and-tear of long overland travel.

• Best photo ops: blue-hour rim light on dunes; silhouettes and long-lens compression shots mimic cinematic scale.
• Logistics: book a licensed desert safari operator in Abu Dhabi or Liwa. Many operators offer sunrise or sunset photo-focused tours.
• Respect & rules: stick to permitted tracks and follow local guides for environmental protection — desert ecosystems are fragile.
• Cheap tips: join group safaris and bring your own snacks/water to avoid high operator add-ons.

Pinewood Studios & UK film locations: Where the magic is staged

Why it matters: Many interior scenes and star-driven effects are born at studios like Pinewood and in controlled UK locations. While sets can change, studio tours and public exhibits remain a dependable way to experience Star Wars production history.

• Best photo ops: studio tour exhibits, behind-the-scenes displays, and standing props (book in advance for themed months).
• Logistics: Pinewood and other studio tour operators in the UK sell timed-entry passes. Expect themed weekends to sell out fast — particularly as Lucasfilm ramps production under Filoni.
• Respect & rules: studios are private property; follow tour staff instructions and check photography rules for restricted areas.
• Cheap tips: combine studio visits with public-transport day passes and low-cost lodging in nearby towns to avoid London prices.

How to visit respectfully: conservation, local communities, and legal must-dos

Film sites draw fans — and that can strain fragile places. In 2026, many destinations have updated rules to manage this. Follow these actionable guidelines:

• Always research official site rules: national parks and UNESCO sites (like Skellig Michael) publish visitor caps, drone restrictions, and permit requirements online.
• Use licensed operators: for island landings, desert safaris, and glacier treks, choose permitted tour companies — they pay local fees that support conservation.
• Practice Leave No Trace: take all litter with you, stay on marked trails, and don’t remove props or set pieces.
• Respect cultural sensitivity: some filming locations overlap with living communities; ask before photographing people, and honor dress codes when needed.
• Check drone laws: many film sites ban drones; fines are steep. Always clear drone plans with local authorities or tour operators.

How to do it cheaply without missing the magic

Smart spending is about planning and local partnerships. Here are proven cost-saving strategies:

• Travel off-peak: shoulder seasons (spring and fall) cut airfare and accommodation costs and sometimes offer better light for photography.
• Use regional transport and passes: trains, local buses, and ferry passes are often dramatically cheaper than driving or flying between nearby film sites.
• Join group tours: group landings and safaris reduce per-person transfer costs. Fan groups often organize shared charters for Tunisia and Skellig Michael.
• Book early for limited-access sites: in 2026, more destinations enforce timed-entry. Getting tickets early avoids expensive last-minute alternatives.
• Stay outside hotspots: lodging a short transit away is often cheaper; plan for early starts to catch sunrise shots.

Photography tips to get the best shot — practical and proven

• Golden hour is your friend: deserts and cliffs benefit from low, warm light; forests reward diffused morning light.
• Bring a long lens and a wide lens: compressive telephotos make single dunes or ruins feel cinematic; wide angles give scale with foreground interest.
• Stabilize smartly: many parks restrict tripods — use travel tripods or monopods and be ready to pack them away when asked.
• Use AR overlays (carefully): in 2026, some official apps offer AR reconstructions to frame a shot like a scene from the films. They can be great for composition but don’t replace real-world etiquette.
• Costume considerations: tasteful costuming is usually allowed in open public areas — avoid disrupting other visitors, and never enter protected ruins in costume.

Sample fan itineraries (budget and pace options)

3-Day Tunisia Tatooine Express (Budget)

1. Day 1: Arrive Tunis — overnight travel to Tozeur (bus or shared mini-van).
2. Day 2: Full-day 4x4 tour to Chott el Jerid, Matmata and Mos Espa set locations; sunset photos.
3. Day 3: Local market morning, return to Tunis — fly home or continue to nearby Mediterranean stops.

2-Day Skellig Michael + Dingle Peninsula (Respectful, planning required)

1. Day 1: Fly into Kerry; scenic drive on Slea Head with viewpoints of Skellig Michael; overnight in Dingle.
2. Day 2: Morning licensed boat landing or off-boat photo cruise (book months ahead); late afternoon return.

5-Day UK Studio + Forests + Lakes (Hybrid)

1. Day 1: Pinewood studio tour (book a themed weekend).
2. Day 2–3: Travel to Northern England/Scotland for forested shoots and lake-side Naboo-style shots; camp or stay in inns.
3. Day 4–5: Day trip to nearby preserved film locations or local museums showcasing props and production art.

Booking resources and tools (2026 updates)

Use these up-to-date resources to plan, book, and avoid surprises:

• Official national park & UNESCO sites: check for timed entries and visitor caps (Skellig Michael, Redwood National & State Parks).
• Local tourism boards: they list licensed operators and safety notices (e.g., Visit Tunisia, Discover Ireland, Visit Abu Dhabi).
• Studio tour sites: Pinewood and other UK studio experiences publish themed weekends and exhibit schedules online.
• AR & app tour platforms: in 2026, expect official AR experiences from some tourism boards — download apps before travel to save time and ensure offline map access.
• Community platforms: fan-run forums and local guide networks often publish the latest access updates and share group trip plans — great for reducing costs.

Safety checklist before you go

• Check local weather and seasonal closures.
• Buy travel insurance that covers adventure/remote activities, especially for glacier or island landings.
• Confirm permits and photography rules in writing for commercial shoots.
• Carry local currency and emergency contacts; remote desert and island sites often need cash for small fees.

Future-proof your fan trip: what to expect from Star Wars film tourism after 2026

With Lucasfilm under new leadership, expect more content and more opportunities to visit real-world locations — but also more curated, managed experiences. Virtual production will create immersive studio exhibits that rival on-location visits, and AR overlays will let you “frame” shots next to characters without on-set access. That’s good news if you love accessible, high-quality fan experiences, but it also means some locations may only become available through paid exhibits or limited-run tours. The best strategy: mix authentic on-location stays (the things that don't change: deserts, cliffs, forests) with studio visits and AR-enhanced tours for a balanced and budget-savvy pilgrimage.

Parting advice from a trusted local guide

Film tourism is about more than photos: it’s an exchange between fans and fragile places. Travel prepared, respect rules, and prioritize licensed operators. When you follow local advice, you get the best images, the best stories, and you help keep these locations available for future generations of fans.

“The best Star Wars photo is the one you take without damaging the place that made the story possible.” — Local conservation officer, 2025

Ready to plan your trip?

If you want a tested itinerary, downloadable packing checklist, and a short list of licensed operators for Tunisia, Skellig Michael, and Abu Dhabi, sign up for our free fan travel pack. Join our monthly updates for news on new Filoni-era shoots and which rumored filming spots become real-world fan travel destinations in 2026. Happy travels — and may your photos capture the galaxy you imagined.