The Odyssey: Christopher Nolan’s epic, a blend of myth and Italian landscapes

The wait is finally over. As of 16 July 2026, The Odyssey, the latest film by the director Christopher Nolan, is showing in cinemas. The film, which is inspired by Homer’s epic poem describing Odysseus’s legendary return to Ithaca, has been one of the most talked-about productions of recent years from the very outset: on the one hand, thanks to its star-studded cast, which includes, amongst others, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron; and on the other, because of the stunning locations where it was filmed, including Iceland, Morocco, the United Kingdom, Greece and Italy.

Why Italy was chosen as a set for the film

Many of the film’s locations are in Italy, on the Aeolian Islands and in Lazio: two destinations you can explore for yourself, following in the film’s footsteps and staying in some of the most picturesque hotels that these regions have to offer. Our country, culturally linked to Greece, has served as the setting for some of the most important scenes in the poem. In this guide, we will be taking you on a journey to explore the Italian locations featured in The Odyssey and the hotels that offer an ideal base for your cinematographic tour, from the ancient atmosphere of the Aeolian Islands to the timeless charm of Rome.

The Aeolian Islands: a blend of myth, nature and cinema

The choice of the Aeolian Islands is not solely due to the renowned beauty of this archipelago and the islands that it comprises. These settings are, in fact, mentioned by Homer himself in the Odyssey as key stages in Odysseus’s journey home: a natural choice, therefore, for Christopher Nolan, who has thus combined myth and reality.

Lipari

Lipari has been featured in several parts of the film, including one of the poem’s most famous scenes: the moment when Ulysses encounters the Sirens and tries with all his might to resist their bewitching song. The port of Pignataro, the operational base for the entire stay in the archipelago, saw no fewer than ten spectacular sailing ships dock at its shores; these served the dual purpose of providing a backdrop as well as marine transport for the film crew and equipment.

 
Filming also took place on Pietra del Bagno: this is a tiny island situated less than 500 metres from the western coast of Lipari, a fascinating volcanic rock formation covering an area of approximately 2,100 square metres. Other places depicted in the film are Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda, the two large geological formations that make up the Faraglioni of Lipari.

Panarea

Lipari was not the only one of the Aeolian Islands to be used as an Italian location for The Odyssey. Many scenes were also shot on Panarea, now famous for its lifestyle and its exceptional nightlife, which attracts huge numbers of tourists from all over the world every year: paradoxically, Nolan focused on the atmospheric charm of Basiluzzo, an uninhabited islet much loved by visitors and a regular stop on the routes from Lipari to Panarea.

Vulcano

The Island of Vulcano was an unmissable destination for the grand travelling set of The Odyssey. Famous for its unique landscapes and for its still-active volcano, which continuously emits sulphur-rich fumaroles, the top of the crater offers a breathtaking view of the entire archipelago.

The island also has a mythological heritage that is impossible to ignore when talking of legends: in ancient times, it was believed that this was the site of the forge of Hephaestus – Vulcan to the Romans – the blacksmith who forged the weapons of the gods.

Where to stay when exploring the Aeolian Islands

If you want to explore the locations of the film The Odyssey and some of the most enchanting views of the Aeolian Islands for yourself, you need a hotel in an excellent position and offering top-class facilities. L’Ariana Isole Eolie | UNA Esperienze is situated on the island of Salina, nestled among the cliffs of the village of Rinella and overlooking one of the most enchanting stretches of sea in the area: from here, thanks to the extensive transport network that sees Salina as the main hub of the Aeolian Islands alongside Lipari, you can embark on a veritable tour to explore the seven islands that make up the archipelago and all their most popular sights.

The hotel and the film The Odyssey are linked by an interesting fact surrounding the hotel’s name. Not far from here, as a matter of fact, lies the Ariana Rock, where, according to legend, a mermaid once lived who enchanted sailors with her melodious song.

The hotel, housed in a beautifully restored early 20th-century villa, features 14 tastefully furnished rooms designed to offer guests the utmost in comfort and an atmosphere that is both elegant and authentic: what is more, the large windows and terraces offer guests views of the enchanting landscape of Salina and the archipelago from a privileged vantage point. You will also find a private beach and a restaurant where you can sample the delicious local cuisine and taste the unique wines produced from the volcanic soil of the Aeolian Islands.

From Ostia to Tivoli: the Roman face of The Odyssey

We will now move on to Lazio, specifically to the Ostia coastline. In August 2025, the crew of The Odyssey spent several days in the harbour, making use of the local facilities and the Idroscalo area, with the aim of filming key maritime scenes and sequences that form the core of the film.

The director and his team then moved inland, towards the area surrounding Tivoli: here, they made use of the former Pozzolana quarries and the Parco Laghi dei Reali, locations that we can now enjoy seeing in this epic blockbuster.

The Laghi dei Reali Park

The Laghi dei Reali Park is a wonderful example of how an industrial landscape can be transformed into a natural environment teeming with life and vegetation. The landscape of lakes, trees and reed beds that we can now admire was, in fact, until just a few decades ago, an area for the quarrying of pozzolana: volcanic sand that has been used as a building material since Roman times. When mining ceased, the quarries remained open and unused. Over time, rainwater and the underlying groundwater filled the quarries, forming crystal-clear lakes.

Today, the park – a symbol of urban regeneration – covers around five hectares and offers walking trails, green spaces and outdoor activities. It is situated just a few kilometres from the historic centre of Tivoli and is a great place to visit alongside the town’s famous period villas.

Where to stay in Rome to experience the film’s locations

If you are looking for a comfortable hotel in Rome that offers a wide range of facilities and a convenient location for exploring the places we have presented, we recommend the Trastevere Roma | UNA Esperienze. The hotel is situated in the city neighbourhood of the same name, a lively area and one of the most popular with tourists thanks to the authentic atmosphere of its streets. With its historic alleyways and artisan workshops, this neighbourhood is the ideal destination for those seeking a stay that combines tradition and modernity.

The Trastevere Roma | UNA Esperienze immediately impresses with its extraordinary ability to blend tradition and modernity and to offer guests a refreshing and bright atmosphere. Part of the prestigious Lifestyle Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s leading network of independent hotels, it offers rooms and suites that are large and spacious, designed to accommodate couples and families, with options to personalise your stay. 

The pride of the hotel is its panoramic terrace, situated on the top floor: from here, you can enjoy an unparalleled view over the rooftops of the capital, taking in the whole city at a glance; what is more, the Trastevere Roof Bar & Restaurant is waiting to pamper you with traditional dishes, innovative culinary creations and carefully crafted drinks, as well as offering you the possibility to organise business events, lunches and aperitivi. Book your stay and enjoy an unforgettable experience!

Other locations for The Odyssey in Italy and abroad

Filming for The Odyssey took place in a huge number of locations around the world, offering an extremely broad panorama that captures the journey experienced by its protagonist. As well as Lido di Ostia, Tivoli and the Aeolian Islands, the director’s crew filmed a number of scenes on the Island of Favignana during their extended stay in Italy. Among the various views from the Egadi Islands shown on the big screen are Cala Rotonda, the Castle of Santa Caterina, perched at a height of over 300 metres, and the islet of Preveto, where an entire village was brought to life.

And what about abroad? Here is an overview of some of the countries where this film adaptation of Ulysses’ journey was filmed:

• Morocco. This is where the production’s extremely long journey began, at the fortified village of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has previously served as the setting for other blockbusters such as Gladiator and the TV series Game of Thrones.
• Greece. When discussing The Odyssey, it is obviously impossible to overlook the land where the myth originated: filming in Greece took place at some of the most fascinating locations of all, such as the Peloponnese, Methoni Castle and Almyros Beach.
• The United Kingdom and Iceland. These are places that seem a world away from the imagery of the Odyssey, but which Nolan was keen to include to enhance the film’s incredible visual impact. The director was particularly captivated by the spectacular black beach at Reynisfjara.

The Odyssey: when cinema offers an opportunity to explore Italy

Cinema has the power to transform extraordinary landscapes into true travel destinations, focusing a spotlight on regions that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The Odyssey also forms part of the film tourism genre, helping to showcase some of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating locations and thus offering audiences around the world the opportunity to discover places characterised by a blend of myth, archaeology and unique landscapes.

The highlights of this journey are, above all, the Aeolian Islands and Rome, destinations that offer complementary experiences and are perfect for an itinerary centred on cinema and on exploring the region: on the one hand, the wild and mythological nature of the archipelago; on the other, the timeless charm of the capital. For those seeking authentic experiences and itineraries off the beaten track, following in the footsteps of the Odyssey can become a journey exploring cinema, legend and some of Italy’s most evocative settings - with L’Ariana Isole Eolie | UNA Esperienze and Trastevere Roma | UNA Esperienze as the ideal bases from which to set off.