With the immersive power of FFXIV's world, Eorzea, there’s an undeniable itch to find destinations that bring some of that magic to life. Here are some inspired travel spots where fans can dive deeper into their love for the game—while discovering real-life magic along the way.
Image by wirestock on Freepik
1. The Scottish Highlands: Where Coerthas Comes Alive
Wind-swept moors, snow-capped peaks, ancient ruins... sound familiar? The Scottish Highlands offer landscapes reminiscent of Coerthas, the icy land dominated by the city-state of Ishgard. Here, you can wander through wild mountain terrain that feels close to the game's chilling expanse. Visit the striking Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich, an ancient stronghold similar to Ishgard's imposing fortresses. The sense of isolation and history makes it easy to imagine a dragon or two flying overhead!
FFXIV fans may find it the perfect place to cosplay as a Dragoon or Knight and capture photos amidst rugged cliffs and misty-laden glens. Just keep in mind that gaming opportunities while traveling may be somewhat limited. Although gamers can still improve FFXIV gameplay with a VPN. This life hack not only overcomes regional restrictions, but also optimizes traffic flow and protects against hacker attacks.
2. Kyoto, Japan: The Inspiration for Kugane
In FFXIV, Kugane is a port city inspired by Japanese aesthetics—ornate temples, traditional marketplaces, and a bustling harbor. Real-world Kyoto is as close to Kugane as you’ll find on Earth. The city's historic shrines and temples, like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha (the famous red torii gates), allow fans to explore the same cultural roots that inspire the game's Far Eastern regions.
Kyoto attracts approximately 53 million tourists each year, many drawn to its mix of ancient and modern Japanese life. Walking through its bamboo forests and visiting its teahouses, fans can get a taste of the same beauty and calmness found in FFXIV’s Kugane without leaving reality. Plus, the traditional attire available for rent in Kyoto lets fans embody their favorite Samurai or Ninja classes with flair.
3. The Icelandic Highlands: Eorzean Vistas and Primordial Landscapes
The Icelandic Highlands, with their black volcanic sands, blue geothermal pools, and rugged lava fields, mirror the dramatic landscapes found in FFXIV. From the smoldering caverns of Thanalan to the volcanic crags of La Noscea, Iceland brings these imagined environments to life. Here, you can visit geysers that feel like they belong to the Amalj'aa tribe's desert or explore ice caves that could serve as Shiva’s hidden lair.
In recent years, Iceland’s tourism has grown rapidly, with over 2 million visitors annually despite the island's small population. Fans looking for a taste of the game’s ancient landscapes can even tour on horseback, channeling their inner Paladin or Dark Knight. The Blue Lagoon, one of the most famous geothermal pools, is also the perfect spot to unwind as you might at a hot spring in Gridania.
4. Mont Saint-Michel, France: A Castle Fit for an Adventurer
The grandeur and mystery of the French island commune Mont Saint-Michel feel like something straight out of Final Fantasy. This UNESCO World Heritage site resembles some of the game’s most iconic castles, perched above water with imposing stone walls. During low tide, you can walk across the sandy flats to reach the fortress, much like venturing into a dungeon filled with treasure and secrets.
Annually, over 3 million tourists visit Mont Saint-Michel, enchanted by its medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the Normandy coast. FFXIV fans may recognize its resemblance to Ala Mhigo’s fortified walls or Limsa Lominsa’s cliff-side castle. A must-see for any adventurer, Mont Saint-Michel is the perfect spot for cosplaying a Warrior of Light with a dramatic castle as your backdrop.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru: An Eorzean Jungle Ruin Adventure
Exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu is like stepping into a lost Allagan ruin or a relic of the First Astral Era in FFXIV. This ancient Incan city, hidden in the Peruvian mountains, is surrounded by dense jungle, clouded mist, and rich mystery. Like the ruins found in FFXIV’s vast lands, Machu Picchu has temples, fortresses, and paths that climb through lush green cliff sides.
FFXIV fans with a love for archaeology, history, and adventure will find this destination thrilling, particularly when they imagine it as a sacred ruin to explore with their party. However, it’s best to explore this dungeon with VeePN to avoid cyber threats when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. The number of hacks due to public Wi-Fi networks is only growing, now accounting for about 25% of all.
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6. Petra, Jordan: Echoes of Ancient Ala Mhigo
Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-red stone, brings to mind the powerful Ala Mhigo or even the fabled ruins of the Allagan Empire. Once a thriving trading city, Petra is full of intricate carvings and monumental structures, all carved from sandstone cliffs. Much like Ala Mhigo's deserts and cliffs, Petra is both a place of beauty and historical depth.
Petra welcomes around 1 million visitors a year, many of whom come for its jaw-dropping scenery and architectural wonders. For FFXIV fans, it's a place that resonates with the echoes of an ancient past, perfect for adventurers who find themselves drawn to the darker mysteries of Eorzea’s history.
Embrace the Journey: A Real-Life Quest Awaits
For FFXIV fans, these destinations are more than scenic spots—they’re journeys into the heart of what makes Final Fantasy XIV unforgettable. By finding these echoes of Eorzea and beyond, players bring the world of FFXIV closer to reality, creating new memories and adventures along the way. And who knows? Maybe you’ll meet other fans on the road, fellow adventurers ready to share stories of their own quests.
So pack your gear, set your sights, and head off on a journey filled with wonder. After all, isn’t the real world a little more magical when viewed through the eyes of an Eorzean?