Ferryscanner has outlined three Mediterranean travel routes inspired by the legend of Ulysses, as new interest grows in set-jetting, the trend of visiting places seen on screen. The routes link Sicily, Greece and Morocco with ferry journeys and destinations associated with the new film and with the ancient epic tradition.
The travel platform says the journey by sea should be treated as part of the experience, not just a transfer between ports. It has highlighted short crossings in Sicily, island-hopping options in Greece, and a final route in Morocco that draws on cinematic and historic settings.
The recommendations come as cinema and television continue to shape where people choose to travel, with audiences increasingly seeking out landscapes and towns they have seen in films and series. Ferryscanner has focused on places in the Mediterranean that echo the world of Homer’s Odyssey and the new Ulysses production.
In Sicily, the route includes Favignana, Aci Trezza and the Aeolian Islands. The island, which sits at the centre of several traditions linked to Ulysses, combines volcanic scenery, coastal villages and dramatic sea cliffs that have long fed local stories and interpretations of the myth.
Favignana, in the Egadi Islands, is connected to Trapani, Marsala, Levanzo and Marettimo. Ferries take between 10 and 45 minutes, making it one of the shortest crossings in the itinerary.
For the Aeolian Islands, Ferryscanner points to links from Messina and Milazzo to Stromboli and Salina. Travellers can make the crossings in about 1 hour and 42 minutes to around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the route.
Greece remains the most direct reference point for the story of Ulysses. Itaca, which is widely seen as the hero’s homeland, anchors an itinerary that also includes Kefalonia, Zakynthos and the Messinia region on the Peloponnese.
The company says ferry services from the port of Kyllini reach Kefalonia in about 1 hour 30 minutes and Zakynthos in about 1 hour 15 minutes. From there, visitors can continue towards Messinia to build a wider journey through sites tied to the Homeric world.
Morocco closes the suggested route, even though it is not traditionally linked with Ulysses. Ferryscanner says the country offers landscapes and historic towns that suit the epic tone of the new film, with ancient architecture, desert scenery and bustling city life.
One of the best known stops is Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar that has appeared in many productions and is recognised for its architectural and historic value. Marrakech also features, with its souks, palaces, riads and busy squares providing a vivid setting for travellers interested in culture and craft traditions.
The three routes reflect a wider travel trend in which film and television influence destination choice. For travel companies and local tourism boards, the appeal lies in turning familiar screen landscapes into real journeys, while also spreading visitors across a broader range of coastal and cultural destinations.
Set-jetting has become one of the most visible forces in tourism in recent years, and Mediterranean destinations are among the main beneficiaries. Sites connected to myths, heritage and film production are increasingly being packaged together in a way that appeals to travellers looking for a mix of scenery, storytelling and convenience.
Ferryscanner’s selection also underlines how ferry travel remains central to many island and coastal trips in Europe. Short sea links can make multi-stop itineraries easier, while adding a sense of continuity for travellers who want to follow a route rather than simply reach a single resort.
That approach has particular appeal for visitors drawn to the legend of Ulysses, whose journey has inspired stories for centuries. By linking ferries, islands and historic towns, the new recommendations offer a practical way to turn a literary and cinematic theme into an actual holiday itinerary.
The photo shows panoramic views of Favignana’s crystal-clear waters and anchored boats off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Photo Credit: Lucegrafiar / Shutterstock.com
