The tiny European island with incredible beaches set for a tourism boost from The Odyssey - and it's not in Greece

Christopher Nolan’s eagerly anticipated epic The Odyssey may tell the story of ancient Greece, but one tiny Italian island is hoping its starring role in the blockbuster will put it on the tourist map.Favignana, a Mediterranean island off Sicily’s western coast, is expecting a wave of interest from fans of the film – while trying to avoid the overtourism that has transformed other popular destinations.The island is hoping Sir Christopher’s blockbuster will attract more visitors after being chosen as a key filming location, with local authorities keen to turn Hollywood attention into a lasting tourism boost.Released last month, The Odyssey grossed more than $264 million (£196 million) worldwide on its opening weekend, marking the biggest debut of the director's career.The film retells Homer’s epic tale of Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War.Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, lies 7km (four miles) off Sicily’s western coast and doubles as Ithaca, Odysseus’ homeland, in the film.The island’s Castello di Santa Caterina, a fortress perched atop Favignana’s highest hill, serves as the hero’s palace in the Hollywood production. The Island of Favignana, Sicily is set to boom following the release of The Odyssey The Castello di Santa Caterina is used as the palace in the epic filmThere's much more to see on the island, too, from its many beaches, coves and caves to the elegant Palazzo Florio at the port.The island, often dubbed 'the big butterfly on the sea', is also home to the largest marine protected area in Europe surrounded by the sea.One highlight is visiting the coves of Cala Rossa and Bue Marino - and you can rent bikes to do so.Cala Rossa is one highlight, with one recent Google review saying: 'The most beautiful beach, the colour is unbelievable.'Meanwhile, it's also worth visiting the historic Ex Stabilimento Florio tuna factory museum.'Really fascinating museum and cultural exhibition,' one visitor wrote, adding that you can learn about 'the history of the tuna factory and the different rooms that made up the factory and its processes. Genuinely fascinating and a different side to industrial history you probably didn't expect!'With support from Sicily's culture department and Universal Pictures, a permanent exhibition could open as early as October at the former Florio tuna plant, which served as the production's headquarters. Naturally, when it comes to eating and drinking, fish is the order of the day.Try out the cured tuna roe, tuna salami and seafood pasta - and drink a sweet caffè al pistacchio or Favignana spritz, a twist on the classic including cassis and cranberry juice. Local authorities want to turn the association with Sir Christopher's film into a lasting attraction for Favignana, home to around 3,000 people. The clear waters in the movie are on display in Favignana, Cala Rossa being a standout spot'The idea is to allow visitors to experience the different stages of the production and see some of the costumes and equipment used in the movie,' Favignana Mayor Giuseppe Pagoto told Reuters.Local businesses are banking on a trend that has turned film locations into tourist hotspots.'We believe all of western Sicily could become more attractive to American visitors thanks to The Odyssey,' Giacomo Incarbona, head of the local hotel operators' association, said.Incarbona, whose three-star hotel hosted members of the hair and make-up departments, said he was struck by the relationship that developed between the production teams and islanders.'Nolan would cycle through town and greet everyone. Hollywood actress Zendaya, who played Athena, would sit in the square reading a book,' he said.The abandoned former Valtur holiday village is due to be redeveloped as a five-star resort, while the historic Palazzotto Florio in the island's main square is being converted into a luxury hospitality project scheduled to open in June 2027.Favignana is keen to avoid the curse of overtourism that has strained established destinations including Venice, Florence and the Dolomites.'A shock wave could hurt us,' Giacomo said, hoping the film would extend the tourist season rather than drive a surge in visitor numbers at peak times. The Favignana island harbour has traditional fishing boats and gorgeous weatherThe population can already swell from 3,000 to between 40,000 and 50,000 on summer days, putting pressure on services.'We will have to prepare for growing demand, starting with beach cleaning,' Mr Pagoto said.The municipality has installed 200 mooring buoys around the island to stop boats anchoring close to shore and is considering further measures to regulate visitor flows.One option is to tie permits for vehicles brought on to the island to a minimum-stay requirement. Authorities want to raise the average visit from five or six days to between 10 and 15 days.Emanuela Amico, a frequent visitor from Rome, said Favignana currently felt largely as it always had.'It hasn't changed much so far,' she said. 'The castle is newly illuminated at night, and fishermen offering boat tours are eager to tell visitors about the production and point out where scenes were filmed.'