Star Wars in Madeira: a driving guide to the spots where The Acolyte was filmed

Madeira officially entered the Star Wars universe.

In 2024, it was confirmed that the island hosted part of the filming for The Acolyte, the Lucasfilm series released on Disney+, becoming a real-life setting for one of the biggest franchises in cinema history.

Produced by Lucasfilm and created by Leslye Headland, The Acolyte takes place around 100 years before the events of Episode I – The Phantom Menace, during the era of the High Republic.

According to members of the production team, Madeira was chosen for its diversity of landscapes, its ability to offer multiple environments on one island, and for providing locations never before seen in the Star Wars universe.

Mystical forests, mountains above the clouds, dramatic coastline, and remote landscapes helped create the planet Khofar and other settings in the series.

The best part? Many of these locations can easily be visited by car.

1. Fanal Forest

One of the most striking locations used in the series.

Fanal Forest, famous for its ancient laurel trees, frequent mist, and surreal atmosphere, was used in important scenes set on the planet Khofar.

This forest environment is where several sequences linked to the Jedi investigation and key moments between characters such as:

• Master Sol
• Jecki Lon
• Yord Fandar
• Mae Aniseya
• Qimir

Visually, Fanal perfectly matched the darker and more mysterious tone of the series.

How to Get There

Located on the Paul da Serra plateau, between Porto Moniz and Ribeira da Janela.

Google Maps

📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/vnAPFqGgZBr23ysCA

Why Visit

• One of Madeira’s most cinematic places
• Real Star Wars filming location
• Unique atmosphere, especially with fog

2. Pico do Areeiro

One of the highest points on the island and famous for its views above the clouds.

In the production, the area was used for establishing shots and panoramic scenes connected to the planet Khofar and remote regions of the galaxy.

Its mountain ridges and sea of clouds created visuals difficult to replicate in a studio.

How to Get There

Drive to:

Pico do Areeiro

Parking is available at the top.

Google Maps

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/TGXftUxTDSf3Gfa86

Why Visit

• One of Madeira’s most famous landmarks
• Epic views
• Incredible scenic road to the summit

3. Boaventura

Madeira’s north coast also appeared in The Acolyte.

The area of Boaventura was used in exterior scenes and landing areas for the ship Eclipse II, thanks to its intense greenery, rugged terrain, and feeling of isolation.

It perfectly conveys the idea of a remote planet.

How to Get There

Head toward the north coast via São Vicente.

Google Maps

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/fgWFukRCnkTmkhXr5

Why Visit

• Intense green landscapes
• Scenic roads
• Less touristy area
• Excellent road trip destination

4. Ribeira da Janela

One of Madeira’s most distinctive natural landscapes.

Known for its rock formations rising from the ocean and dramatic coastline, Ribeira da Janela was also mentioned as one of the filming locations used in the series.

In The Acolyte, places like this help create a sense of scale, isolation, and natural power.

How to Get There

Located between Porto Moniz and Seixal.

Google Maps

📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/fBS8A4GGF12ozUJG9

Why Visit

• Unique coastal scenery
• Great photography spot
• Easy to include in a north coast road trip

Why Madeira worked so well for Star Wars

According to the production team, the island allowed them to film several different “worlds” in one location.

From a technical perspective, it offered:

• Ancient forest (Fanal)
• Extreme mountain landscape (Pico do Areeiro)
• Alien coastline (Ribeira da Janela)
• Remote wilderness (Boaventura)

This reduced logistics while increasing visual authenticity.

The best way to visit these spots

Just like the film crew needed mobility between locations, the best way for tourists to explore these places is also by car.

It allows you to:

• Visit several spots in one day
• Stop at viewpoints along the way
• Explore at your own pace
• Reach remote areas easily
• Make the most of your trip

Create your own Star Wars route in Madeira

Whether you are a Star Wars fan or simply love cinematic landscapes, this route deserves a place in your travel plans.

With 7M Rent a Car, you can explore Madeira with total freedom and discover the real places where Star Wars came to life.