Corfu, Greece: The Phaeacian Welcome
The lush Ionian island of Corfu served as a primary base for the production, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Its verdant landscapes and turquoise waters are believed by many to be the ancient land of Scheria, where a shipwrecked Odysseus
was found by Princess Nausicaa. For travellers, Corfu offers a perfect blend of history and relaxation. You can explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a maze of Venetian architecture, or wander the same scenic coastlines where Odysseus’s journey took a pivotal turn. The island’s stunning beaches and hidden coves are ideal for anyone looking to stage their own epic adventure, minus the shipwreck. Corfu’s role in both the ancient myth and the new series makes it an essential first stop.
The Peloponnese, Greece: Land of Myths
Mainland Greece's Peloponnese peninsula provided some of the most dramatic settings. Filming took place in the Messinia region, known for its rugged beauty and historical significance. Travellers can visit Methoni Castle, a formidable medieval fortress on the sea that evokes the powerful kingdoms of the era. Not far away is the iconic Voidokilia Beach, whose perfect crescent shape and clear waters were used for key coastal scenes. For the more adventurous, Nestor's Cave, perched above the beach, offers incredible views and a direct link to mythology, reportedly used as the Cyclops's lair in some adaptations. This region allows you to step directly into the wild, untamed world that defined much of Odysseus's ordeal.
Pula, Croatia: A Roman Spectacle
While not a direct filming location for the narrative, the Croatian city of Pula played a starring role in the series' debut. The premiere of a recent major adaptation was held in Pula's magnificent Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. The event, complete with performers and fire effects, transformed the ancient arena into a backdrop worthy of Homer's epic. For travellers, Pula offers a unique connection to the show's grand scale. You can tour the very arena that hosted the premiere, imagining the spectacle. The city itself is a treasure trove of Roman history, including the Temple of Augustus and the Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, making it a worthy detour for any fan of ancient history and epic tales.
Matera, Italy: The Ancient City
With its ancient cave dwellings and stone-carved streets, Matera in Southern Italy is a filmmaker's dream for historical epics. The city's unique landscape has provided the backdrop for countless productions seeking a timeless, biblical, or ancient feel. While specific scenes from the latest Odyssey adaptations have been filmed across various parts of southern Italy, Matera's Sassi districts—a UNESCO World Heritage site—perfectly capture the essence of an ancient, forgotten world. Visitors can wander through alleys and stay in cave hotels, experiencing an atmosphere that feels plucked straight from the Bronze Age. Its striking resemblance to ancient settlements makes it an essential stop for anyone chasing the spirit of Odysseus’s world, whether it appeared on screen or simply inspired the cinematic vision.
Favignana, Sicily: Penelope's Ithaca
Just off the coast of Sicily, the island of Favignana was reportedly a key location for one major new adaptation, serving as the stand-in for Odysseus's home, Ithaca. The imposing Castello di Santa Caterina, a fortress perched high above the island, was used as Penelope's palace, where she awaited her husband's return for two long decades. Travellers can make the hike up to the castle ruins for panoramic views of the sea Odysseus would have sailed. The island's stunning coves, like the famous Cala Rossa, provided idyllic yet dramatic settings for the hero’s eventual homecoming. Favignana offers a tangible piece of the story's emotional heart, a place of longing, waiting, and eventual reunion.
