The movie The Odyssey brings the ancient Greek epic to life. While the story feels like it's set in the Mediterranean, many scenes were actually filmed along Scotland's Moray Firth coast.
Scottish councils created a map to show fans where the movie was shot. This helps people explore the real-life locations that stood in for Odysseus's journey.
Scottish Filming Locations for The Odyssey
Here are some of the Scottish spots used in the film, from a sorceress's island to a forest of giants. These places offer a way to experience the story's adventurous spirit.
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Start Your News DetoxFindlater Castle, Aberdeenshire
Findlater Castle's 14th-century ruins sit on a 50-foot cliff overlooking the North Sea. This location was used for Aeaea, where the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus's crew into pigs.
The castle has a dramatic history, including Viking attacks and a siege by Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors can't enter the ruins, but a nearby viewing platform offers safe, sweeping views of the Moray Firth. It's a great spot to watch a sunset without worrying about magic.
Sunnyside Beach, Aberdeenshire
Sunnyside Beach, hidden below Findlater Castle, was used for the scene where Odysseus and his crew wash ashore after a shipwreck. This secluded beach along the Cullen coastline has white sand and wildlife. It was once home to a WWI-era hermit named Charlie.
The beach is reached by a steep cliffside path, the same one that leads to the Findlater Castle viewpoint. It's a peaceful part of North East Scotland, but sturdy shoes are recommended for the descent.
Culbin Forest, Moray
Culbin Forest, a coastal pine forest, was used for the scene where Odysseus and his crew encounter the giant Laestrygonians.
The real Culbin Forest on the Moray Firth coast doesn't have giants. However, it does have a history, including a sandstorm in 1694. Today, it's a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking, with sandy trails leading to water views.
Portsoy Harbour, Aberdeenshire
Portsoy Harbour provided a scenic backdrop for one of The Odyssey's harbor scenes. Its 17th-century stone piers and waterfront have also appeared in Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore!
Portsoy is also the end point of a seven-mile coastal trail. This trail starts in Cullen and passes Sunnyside Bay and Findlater Castle.
