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“The Odyssey”, Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, has hit the big screen.
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Matt Damon stars as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, alongside the likes of Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron in a cast that’s almost as epic as the tale itself.
Shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film cameras, Nolan “undertakes what is arguably his most ambitious project to date”, says David Mouriquand in his review on Euronews Culture. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has “certainly given it his best and biggest shot”.
Over its opening weekend and in the weeks ahead, cinemas around the world will hope to welcome millions of fans to watch the 2-hour-52-minute blockbuster.
But cinemas aren’t the only businesses looking to benefit from Nolan’s latest flick – the travel sector is also predicting a big few months ahead as fans look to go “set-jetting”.
The Odyssey ‘isn’t short of travel inspiration’
Forget Barbenheimer and Brat Summer, “2026 belongs to The Odyssey Summer”, said Get Your Guide. A survey by the travel platform found that 77% of people would visit a destination after seeing it in a movie, TV show, music video, or book. Americans lead the pack at 84%, followed by Brits (81%), Germans (78%), and the French (65%).
Filmed in six countries – Greece, Italy, Morocco, Iceland, Scotland and the United States – The Odyssey certainly “isn’t short of travel inspiration”.
“Movies don’t just entertain – they inspire people to pack their bags,” said Maren Schullerus, GetYourGuide’s Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Europe.
“Destinations such as Greece make that easy – it’s a country where the mythology, the landscape, and the culture are so intertwined that you feel the story the moment you arrive. People don’t just want to watch the adventure. They want to stand where it happened.”
Quoted by AP, Nolan said: “For me, being on a real location, shooting certain things like when the crew is out setting sail on that boat, or going through a storm, I want it to feel almost like a documentary. I want to just put the audience there, like they’re really there.”
How to live your best ‘Odyssey Summer’
If you’re planning a set-jetting trip, Get Your Guide has shared some top tips on “how to live your best Odyssey Summer”.
Visit Troy, close to Çanakkale, Türkiye: The Trojan War is Odysseus’s backstory. Troy’s archaeological site near Çanakkale is open all summer. Climb inside the replica Trojan Horse, walk the nine layers of the ancient city, and visit the Troy Museum.
Explore Ithaca, Greece: Odysseus spent 10 years trying to reach Ithaca, you can hike it in a day. Hike the Odysseus Trail and visit the Cave of the Nymphs.
Read it in Favignana, Italy: Grab Emily Wilson’s translation – the first by a woman – and open it on the coast of Favignana. The Italian island, north-west of Sicily, was a major filming location in Nolan’s epic.
Watch it live on stage in Athens, Greece: What Nolan will give you in almost three hours, the Mythopraxis Athens Living Museum will give you in just over an hour. A theatrical retelling of the complete Odyssey comes with wine included.
Taste it in Zakynthos, Greece: Zakynthos has been producing wine since antiquity, and The Odyssey is frank about the uses of krasí – Odysseus even used it to floor a Cyclops. Sample the local vintages on a guided winery tour, but probably best to steer clear of anything Maron-strength.
Seek it in Delphi, Greece: Tiresias told Odysseus exactly what hardships lay ahead on his voyage home and still sent him on his way. Visit the ancient oracle site on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and see if you fare any better.
Walk it in Mycenae, Greece: Explore the Bronze Age citadel and the Lion Gate, as you meander through Agamemnon’s legendary kingdom.
Places that bring the ancient story to life
Google Trends data shows growing interest in searches for “The Odyssey filming locations”. From ancient Greek kingdoms and Sicilian hilltop towns to a mythical Mediterranean island and Morocco’s dramatic desert landscapes, many of the destinations linked to the world of Odysseus can still be experienced today.
To help travellers follow in the footsteps of heroes, gods and ancient kings, Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel, has highlighted seven destinations that bring the ancient story to life.
Pylos, Greece: On the south-west coast of the Peloponnese, Pylos is closely linked to the story of The Odyssey. In Greek mythology, it was the kingdom of King Nestor, the wise ruler who offered guidance to Telemachus during his search for news of his father, Odysseus. Today, visitors can explore the remains of Nestor’s Palace, one of Greece’s most important Bronze Age archaeological sites, while taking in panoramic views across olive groves and the Ionian coastline.
Mycenae, Greece: The archaeological site provides an insight into the civilisation that inspired countless legends, with visitors able to explore royal tombs, ancient fortifications and the remains of a kingdom that flourished more than 3,000 years ago.
Delphi, Greece: Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once regarded as the centre of the ancient world. For centuries, rulers, generals and travellers made pilgrimages here to seek guidance from the legendary Oracle of Apollo. Today, its temples, treasuries and monuments remain among the most atmospheric archaeological remains in Greece.
Taormina, Sicily: Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Known for its ancient Greek theatre, elegant streets and spectacular views of Mount Etna, the town combines classical heritage with Mediterranean charm and has attracted travellers for centuries.
Syracuse, Sicily: Once one of the most influential cities in the ancient Greek world, Syracuse rivalled Athens in wealth and importance. Today, visitors can explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, home to an impressive Greek theatre, ancient quarries and historic monuments that reveal the scale and sophistication of Sicily’s classical past.
Gozo, Malta: Gozo has long been associated with the mythical nymph Calypso who detained Odysseus during his journey home. The island’s dramatic coastline, prehistoric temples and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the Mediterranean’s most distinctive destinations.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco: Standing on the edge of Morocco’s desert landscapes, Aït Benhaddou is one of North Africa’s most recognisable landmarks. Its striking earthen architecture, maze-like streets and centuries of history have made it a favourite with filmmakers and travellers alike, while its UNESCO-listed status has helped preserve its unique character.
An epic journey across Italy and Greece
To mark the release of The Odyssey, tour operator Audley Travel has unveiled a new itinerary for fans to travel to some of the destinations linked to Homer’s tale.
The 13-day Inspired by The Odyssey: an epic journey across Italy & Greece trip starts from £8,695 (€10,221) per person, based on two sharing, and includes international and domestic flights, accommodation, private tours and experiences, transfers and a fully insured hire car.
Highlights include exploring the ancient ruins of Segesta in Sicily, visiting Mount Etna, discovering Lipari in the Aeolian Islands, touring Athens’ Acropolis Museum, kayaking from Nafplio to hidden coves and the submerged remains of a Roman villa, and joining a guided exploration of the historic Corfu village of Chlomos.
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