Star Wars Travel: The Real-World Places to Visit Before the Filoni Era Returns

Before Filoni’s next chapter: Where every Star Wars fan should go now

Hook: If you’re tired of scrolling casting leaks and release dates while trying to plan the next big trip, this guide is for you. Film tourism is booming in 2026, and with Dave Filoni now steering Lucasfilm’s creative ship, a fresh wave of production — and new fan-focused travel hotspots — is likely on the horizon. Visit the classic Star Wars filming locations and themed experiences now, before the next era reshapes maps, crowds, and conservation rules.

Why go now: film tourism trends in 2026

Two travel forces are colliding in 2026: rising interest in fan travel after a streaming-driven renaissance of franchise content, and a change in leadership at Lucasfilm with Dave Filoni taking a more visible creative role. That combination means studios may accelerate location shoots and promote destinations tied to upcoming projects — causing local tourism spikes. If your travel goal is to experience the places that shaped Star Wars on-screen, now is the moment to plan smartly.

• Short-term surge: Early 2026 coverage of Filoni-era projects has already triggered increased searches for “Star Wars travel” and “filming locations.” Expect renewed attention on classic spots and new filming sites.
• Sustainable travel pressure: Popular sites are tightening visitor rules. The era of unrestricted access to fragile film sites is ending — bringing both better protection for places and extra planning for travelers.
• Studio and park experiences: Disney’s immersive parks, touring exhibitions, and official fan events remain anchor experiences for those who can’t travel overseas.

The essential Star Wars locations to visit before the Filoni effect intensifies

Below are the most iconic locations — practical tips, travel windows, and responsible-visit reminders for each. These are the pilgrimage stops that belong on every fan’s map in 2026.

Skellig Michael (Ahch-To) — County Kerry, Ireland

Why go: Skellig Michael’s dramatic monastic island doubled as Luke Skywalker’s remote home in the sequels. The place is cinematic, raw, and ecologically sensitive.

• What to expect: Steep stone steps, windswept cliffs, nesting seabirds and a tiny early-medieval monastery. Boat access is highly weather-dependent.
• Practical tips: Book months in advance for licensed boat tours (peak season Apr–Sep). Wear good hiking shoes and waterproof layers. Bring minimal gear — landing is strictly regulated to protect archeology and wildlife.
• Responsible travel: Follow guide instructions, don’t stray from marked paths, and avoid drone photography without permits. The island has strict landing quotas to preserve fragile habitats.

Tatooine: Tunisia’s desert locations (Matmata, Ong Jemel, Chott el Jerid, Tataouine)

Why go: For many fans, Tunisia is “the” Star Wars country — it’s where Luke’s childhood home, Mos Espa and many desert exteriors were filmed.

• Highlights:
  • Matmata: Stay at Hotel Sidi Driss, a troglodyte dwelling where Luke’s interior scenes were shot.
  • Ong Jemel / Mos Espa: The sand-swept set remnants are evocative; local guides often show fans the best viewpoints.
  • Chott el Jerid: The salt flats supplied otherworldly horizons used in early films.
  • Tataouine region: The town name inspired “Tatooine”; the surrounding regions were base camps for crews.
• Practical tips: Fly into Djerba or Tunis, then hire a local guide or join a licensed tour. Summer heat is intense; best months for travel are April–June and September–November.
• Responsible travel: Respect local communities, avoid driving off marked desert tracks (cultural sites and flora/fauna are fragile), and don’t remove props or archaeological fragments. Check local safety and entry requirements — visa rules and advisories change, so verify before booking.

Tabernas Desert & Mini Hollywood (Almeria), Spain

Why go: Spain’s Tabernas Desert has doubled for Tatooine-style terrain in multiple productions and is home to a living western/movie-set park that embraces film heritage.

• What to do: Walk the film set parks, visit small museums, and combine with a coastal or cultural itinerary in Andalusia.
• Practical advice: Rental cars are recommended. Temperatures can be extreme in summer — aim for spring or autumn for comfortable touring.

Redwood forests (Endor) — Northern California, USA

Why go: The towering redwoods provided the living, breathing backdrop for Endor in Return of the Jedi.

• Where to visit: Northern California’s coastal redwood groves — public parks and reserves preserve those giant trees used as filming backdrops.
• Practical tips: Choose off-peak seasons for quieter trails; park passes and parking fees apply. Use boardwalks and follow Leave No Trace rules to protect root systems.

Bardenas Reales (Crait inspiration) — Navarre, Spain

Why go: The barren plateaus and salt-coated soils of the Bardenas Reales provided otherworldly vistas used for one of the sequels’ key battlefields.

• What to bring: Sun protection, plenty of water, and camera gear for dramatic landscapes. Off-road driving is restricted — stick to marked routes.

Immersive and accessible Star Wars experiences (no passport required)

If you can’t travel to remote islands or desert nations, or you want an experience with lower environmental impact, these immersive options bring cinematic Star Wars vibes closer to home.

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disneyland Anaheim & Disney World Orlando): Themed lands offer immersive set design, rides, and excellent people-watching for fans. Best for families and limited-time events tied to new releases.
• StageCraft studio tours and soundstage experiences: As TV/film production relies more on virtual production in 2026, some studios now open curated behind-the-scenes tours. Book early.
• Travel to film festivals and conventions: Annual events like Star Wars Celebration and regional fan cons continue to be gathering points for fans and often include location-focused panels and off-site excursions — consider hybrid and streaming models too (streaming mini‑festival playbook).

Predictions: How the Filoni era could reshape fan travel hotspots

Dave Filoni’s promotion in early 2026 signals a creative shift toward character-driven, serialized storytelling that began on streaming. That approach naturally encourages more varied location shoots and deeper world-building — and here’s how that could impact travel:

• New on-location filming: Filoni’s style often blends practical and virtual production. Expect a hybrid approach: spectacular on-location backdrops that become future fan pilgrimages, plus expanded studio-screen tourism (guided StageCraft tours).
• Destination marketing tie-ins: Destination tourism boards and local operators will likely partner with Lucasfilm to create sanctioned fan itineraries and heritage protection programs — good for sustainable tourism, but expect higher demand and advance booking (hospitality playbooks).
• Smaller, remote spots gain fame fast: When a single scene is shot in a less-known country, search interest spikes overnight. Travel advisory checks and community-first tourism planning will be essential; platforms that support micro-influencer discovery may amplify that effect.

Practical, actionable advice: How to plan your Star Wars trip in 2026

Use this checklist to turn fandom into a smooth, responsible adventure.

1. Prioritize official and licensed tours

Licensed operators know access rules, safety protocols, and local conservation requirements. For sensitive sites like Skellig Michael or Tunisia’s desert sets, a guided tour protects you and the location.

2. Book months in advance — and expect weather cancellations

Many iconic spots have tight landing quotas or limited seasonal openings. Boat tours to Skellig Michael are weather-dependent; desert excursions can be canceled during sandstorms or extreme heat. Build flexibility into your itinerary — and book flights and slots early where possible.

3. Respect local laws and conservation rules

• No artifact collection (even prop fragments should stay put).
• Drone use is often restricted in protected areas — always apply for permits.
• Stick to marked trails and follow your guide’s instructions.

4. Pack for the location — not the fantasy

• Skellig Michael: Good ankle-support boots, windproof jacket, layered clothing, and motion-sickness pills for the boat ride.
• Desert locations: Sun protection, high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, light long sleeves, and at least 2–3 liters of water per person for day trips.
• Redwoods & temperate forests: Rain layers, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

5. Travel sustainably and offset thoughtfully

Plan longer itineraries rather than multiple short hops to reduce carbon footprint. Choose local accommodations and guides to support the economy where filming occurred. Use verified carbon offset programs when flying.

6. Health, safety and legal checks

• Check national travel advisories (especially for North Africa and remote desert regions).
• Verify visa requirements and passport validity — Tunisia, Ireland, Spain, and the U.S. all have different rules.
• Purchase trip insurance that covers cancellations due to weather and medical evacuation for remote areas.

Sample fan itineraries

Three itineraries — tight, immersive, and epic — to match different schedules and budgets.

Weekend: Galaxy’s Edge + Studio Day (3 days)

• Day 1: Fly into Los Angeles/Orlando. Spend the afternoon at Galaxy’s Edge.
• Day 2: Book a studio/backlot tour or StageCraft experience; catch a fan screening or themed dining event in the evening.
• Day 3: Quick fan shopping, then home.

Short stretch: Ireland & Skellig Michael (5–7 days)

• Day 1: Arrive in Killarney or Caherciveen; local museum and coastal drive — this is a great stretch for landscape photography and reflective drives (photo essays on road trips).
• Day 2: Portmagee boat tour to Skellig Michael (book in advance).
• Day 3–4: Explore Ring of Kerry, nearby islands for landscape photography, and local pubs.
• Day 5: Fly home or continue to Spain/UK for other filming sites.

Deep dive: Ultimate Filming Locations Tour (10–14 days)

• Days 1–3: Tunisia — Matmata, Ong Jemel, Chott el Jerid; stay in troglodyte hotel.
• Days 4–6: Spain — Tabernas Desert, Bardenas Reales; pair with Andalusian cultural stops.
• Days 7–9: Northern California — Redwood groves and film history museum visits.
• Days 10–14: Optional add-on: UK studio tour or Disney parks for immersive wrap-up.

How to be a responsible fan traveler — short rules that matter

• Support local businesses: Eat local, hire local guides, and book homestays or small hotels when possible — consider whether a short‑term stay or a longer lease makes the most sense for your group (short-term vs long-term).
• Stay on official paths: Many film sites are ecologically sensitive or historically protected.
• Don’t buy or sell artifacts: Market demand for props and fragments harms cultural heritage.
• Report vandalism and respect signage: Be a steward, not a spoiler — leave sites better than you found them.

What to watch for in 2026 — quick pro tips

• Filoni era productions: Follow official Lucasfilm announcements. New projects often lead to temporary set building or increased security at filming hubs.
• Local partnerships: Keep an eye out for official Lucasfilm x tourism board itineraries — these are likely to appear as Filoni-era projects ramp up (hospitality operations playbooks).
• Ticketing windows: For protected sites like Skellig Michael, book as soon as early-season tours are released; operators sometimes release limited additional slots if demand surges — platforms that prepare for rapid demand spikes and flash-drop style ticketing are worth watching.

Fans who gave this trip a try: quick case studies

Case study — The Matmata stay: A small group of fans in late 2025 booked rooms at Hotel Sidi Driss (the old troglodyte house). They combined guided tours of nearby set areas with nights under local stars — the group reported meaningful interactions with hosts and recommended tipping for local guides instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs.

Case study — Skellig micro-tour: An Irish-United Kingdom day tour operator pivoted in early 2025 to include a conservation talk before landing passengers, reducing litter and improving visitor behavior. Fans credited the pre-landing briefing with making the visit more respectful and memorable.

Final checklist before you go

• Check local entry requirements and advisories (2026 changes are frequent).
• Book licensed tours or official operators for protected sites.
• Pack sun protection for deserts, layers for islands and redwood forests, and reliable footwear.
• Purchase travel insurance covering weather-related cancellations for island or desert trips.
• Plan flexible days — nature and weather will dictate your best photo moments.

Parting thought — visit with fandom and respect

The next wave of Star Wars films and shows under Dave Filoni will likely create new must-visit locations and expand the map of fan pilgrimage sites. That’s exciting — but it’s also a moment for fans to travel thoughtfully. The most meaningful visits balance cinematic joy with cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship.

Travel like a Hero: seek out the story, follow local rules, and give back to the places that made these worlds possible.

Call to action

Ready to turn your fan passion into a real-world adventure? Start by choosing one destination from this guide and book a licensed tour or local stay — early-season slots fill fast. Sign up for our newsletter for updated Filoni-era travel alerts, curated itineraries, and vetted local guides so you’ll be first in line when the next chapter reshapes the map.

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