Can you imagine having breakfast at the very same table where Luke Skywalker gazed at the stars?
To most, it’s the Hotel Sidi Idriss in Matmata, Tunisia. But for those of us who know the true meaning of "May the Force be with you," this place goes by another name: The Lars Homestead.
Yes, you read that right. In southern Tunisia—specifically in the Gabès Governorate, nestled within the arid hills of Jebel Dahar—there is a troglodyte hotel where you can do more than just visit a film set. You can actually spend the night. Strap in; we’re jumping to lightspeed toward the most iconic destination in the galaxy.
Scenes You’ll Recognize Instantly
Sidi Idriss isn’t a "theme park"; it’s the real-world location where George Lucas brought the saga to life in 1976 for A New Hope, returning in 2000 for Attack of the Clones.
The Breakfast Courtyard: The subterranean dining room where Luke, Uncle Owen, and Aunt Beru discuss the Academy over blue milk. The original kitchen decorations are still there!
Buying the Droids: The courtyard’s interiors and exteriors are where the Jawas sold R2-D2 and C-3PO to the Skywalker family.
Anakin’s Refuge: In the prequels, Anakin Skywalker returns here with Padmé while searching for his mother, Shmi.
Legends Who Walked These Halls
You won't be alone; you’ll be following in the footsteps of legends. These earthen tunnels have hosted:
- Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)
- Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker)
- Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala)
- Anthony Daniels (C-3PO)
- George Lucas (The Maker himself)
What is it like? (Living Like a Berber)
The hotel is a marvel of troglodyte architecture—traditional dwellings excavated directly into the sandstone to provide shelter from the desert’s extreme heat.
- The Rooms: You’ll sleep in circular caves, naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s a rustic, authentic, and completely immersive experience.
- The Vibe: As night falls, the desert silence and the star-filled sky will make you feel, quite literally, like you’re on another planet.
Pilot’s Manual: Getting to Matmata
You don’t need the Millennium Falcon, but you do need a plan:
By Air: Fly into Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE). It’s the closest hub. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi/louage (shared minibus).
The Best Route (Road Trip): If traveling from Tunis, the best option is the train to Gabès (approx. 6–7 hours), followed by a short 45-minute taxi or local bus ride to Matmata.
Pro Tip: Rent a 4x4 and take the route connecting Djerba - Matmata - Tataouine. You will cross lunar landscapes you'll never forget.
Exploring the Surroundings: Don’t Leave Just Yet!
Matmata is the epicenter, but there is so much more to see:
Toujane: A stunning Berber village perched on a mountainside with breathtaking views.
Ksar Hadada & Ksar Ouled Soltane: Ancient fortified granaries that served as the Mos Espa slave quarters (young Anakin’s home).
Chott el Jerid: The massive dry salt lake used to film the exterior of the Lars Homestead dome and those famous twin-sun sunsets.
Are you ready to unveil your destiny?
Sidi Idriss is the dream destination for every Star Wars fan. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a portal to your childhood and cinematic history.
Reserve your cave here and May the Force be with you: caobahotels.com/accommodations/sidi-idriss
