May the force (and a great itinerary) be with you: the ultimate ‘Star Wars’ bucket list

Given that May 4 is globally recognised as Star Wars Day, we are exploring the locations that have become essential, or “Holy Grail”, pilgrimage sites for fans. 

Beyond the iconic date, a visit is welcome at any time.

Be the Chosen One, one stamp at a time

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

For any true "Star Wars" enthusiast, this immersive 14-acre theme park, located in Disneyland, California, is a must-visit. It offers an immersive, in-world experience, primarily focused on the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order. This tour comes highly recommended.

The setting is the remote planet of Batuu, positioned chronologically between the events of “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker”.

Fans can marvel over life-size ships and explore the themed shops. 

There are several major rides built around the world. 

Since April 29, the land's timeline has been expanded beyond the sequel era to incorporate stories, characters, and music from the Galactic Civil War, New Republic and Age of the Resistance, making crossovers possible.

This expansion now allows iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo to roam alongside Rey and Mando.

Navigating the galaxy’s most iconic real-world coordinates

In the world of set-jetting, fans will want to check out the following locations:

∎ Tunisia takes the top spot, featuring standing sets from both the original and prequel trilogies, which served as the backdrop for the planet Tatooine.

And there is much to see and do here for fans.

• Lars Homestead Exterior (Chott el Jerid): The remote, iconic dome where Luke Skywalker witnesses the binary sunset is situated in the salt flats. Despite past damage, the site, refurbished previously by fans, remains a crucial destination. Sunset visits are highly recommended for the full effect.
• Mos Espa (Nefta): Found in the Sahara dunes, the expansive podracing city set from “The Phantom Menace (Episode I)” is still remarkably preserved. Moisture vaporators and marketplace facades are still clearly visible.
• Hotel Sidi Driss: This location served as the interior of Luke Skywalker's childhood home and still operates as a hotel, hosting tourists.
• Ksar Hadada (Tataouine region): Used as the slave quarters in "The Phantom Menace (Episode I)", where Anakin Skywalker lived, this site is now a hotel, allowing fans to walk the original corridors. Used as the home of Anakin Skywalker, it appeared in scenes featuring Qui-Gon Jinn, Shmi Skywalker and Padmé.

∎ Skellig Michael, a remote island located off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, was the filming location for Ahch-To. This planet is known as the site of the first Jedi Temple and the place where Luke Skywalker was exiled in the films "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) and "The Last Jedi" (2017). 

It is also a Unesco World Heritage-listed island.

∎ Villa del Balbianello, situated in Lenno on Italy's Lake Como, is next on the list. It is well-known for serving as the filming location for Naboo’s serene lake retreat in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones".

This villa, famous for its magnificent terraced gardens, 18th-century design, and memorable loggia, served as the setting for the romantic wedding of Anakin and Padmé.

Owned by the FAI (Italian National Trust), the site is open for public tours.

∎ Finally, Northern California's Redwood National and State Parks offer a must-visit location for fans. This area was the backdrop for the Forest Moon of Endor in 1983's “Return of the Jedi”.

The towering forests, home to the Ewoks, feature several key filming spots. These include Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park (specifically Cheatham Grove), used for the iconic speeder bike chase, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Go forth and conquer these destinations, regardless of the timing, and may the force of adventure be with you.