Race Across the World Locations: Where Was the 2026 Series Filmed?
Race Across the World locations – The 2026 season of Race Across the World concluded with its most intense race yet, as five teams battled through the harshest landscapes and cultural challenges in the series’ history. The journey culminated in the remote regions of rural Mongolia, where the final destination tested endurance and adaptability in ways never seen before. From the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the icy winds of Central Asia, this year’s route was a transcontinental odyssey that spanned seven countries and 7,400 miles. The season’s unique challenges, combined with the teams’ personal dynamics, made for a compelling and unpredictable competition.
Palermo: The Starting Point of a Global Adventure
The race began in the historic city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily’s largest Mediterranean island. As the starting point, Palermo served as a gateway to the adventure, blending ancient history with modern flair. Teams were required to surrender their bank cards and phones at the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini, a 12th-century Baroque cathedral that symbolized the city’s layered architectural heritage. Known as one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities, Palermo’s skyline is a testament to its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque influences, with landmarks like the Palatine Chapel and the Norman-era palaces standing as enduring symbols of its past.
Palermo’s charm lies not only in its historical significance but also in its vibrant culinary scene. The city is famed for its arancini, deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ingredients like mozzarella and ragù, and its pasta alla norma, a dish that reflects the island’s Arab and Byzantine roots. The local climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of history and gastronomy. As one
visitor noted: “Palermo feels like a living museum, but it also pulses with the energy of a modern metropolis.”
Fiskardo: A Quiet Coastal Escape in Greece
Following their departure from Palermo, teams reached the picturesque village of Fiskardo, nestled on the northern tip of Kefalonia—the largest Ionian island in Greece. This serene coastal settlement offered a stark contrast to the fast-paced challenges of the race, with its turquoise waters and traditional fishing boats creating a tranquil backdrop. Fiskardo’s Venetian-era buildings, preserved since the 16th century, add to its charm, as the island was once under Venetian rule between 1500 and 1797.
Despite its peaceful ambiance, the village is a hub for local cuisine and hospitality. Family-run eateries along the waterfront serve fresh seafood and regional specialties, while the pebble beaches and hidden coves provide opportunities for leisurely exploration. As
one participant reflected: “Fiskardo felt like a hidden gem, but it also tested our ability to stay focused in a beautiful yet distracting environment.”
The transition from the Mediterranean’s vibrant coast to the next leg of the journey set the stage for an even greater challenge.
Istanbul: A Bridge Between Continents
Teams then crossed into Turkey, arriving at Istanbul—a city that straddles two continents and serves as the nation’s cultural and economic heart. After a 186-mile trek through rural Greece and the ancient capital of Athens, the race brought them to this iconic metropolis, home to over 3,000 mosques, sprawling spice markets, and the historic Bosphorus Strait. The city’s architectural marvels, such as the Hagia Sofia, a Byzantine basilica that later became a mosque, underscore its role as a crossroads of civilizations.
Istanbul’s bustling streets and diverse food scene made it a sensory overload for competitors. The traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring dishes like balik ekmek—fish sandwiches—and strong coffee culture, was a highlight of the stop. As
one team member described: “Istanbul was overwhelming, but it also felt like a place where the past and present collided in every corner.”
The city’s unique position as a meeting point of Europe and Asia added another layer of complexity to the race, testing navigation skills and strategic thinking.
Halfeti: A Submerged Town in Southeastern Turkey
The final leg of the race led teams to Halfeti, a town in southeastern Turkey that became the ultimate test of resilience. Known for its extraordinary history, Halfeti’s old town was intentionally submerged in 2000 when the Birecik Dam was completed. This transformation turned the once-thriving community into a underwater landscape, now accessible through diving expeditions. The teams had to navigate this surreal environment, relying on minimal resources and a limited budget to complete the challenge.
Halfeti’s location near the Euphrates River made it a critical checkpoint, with its unique setting offering both physical and mental trials. The town’s history as a cultural crossroads, influenced by Turkic, Persian, and Arab traditions, provided rich context for the race. As
one competitor remarked: “Halfeti felt like a journey through time, with every step reminding us of the sacrifices and adaptations required in this race.”
The elimination of the last team to reach the checkpoint added urgency to the final stretch, culminating in the race’s dramatic conclusion in Mongolia.
Throughout the series, the teams faced a variety of obstacles, from extreme weather conditions to the need to balance survival with speed. The 2026 season highlighted the show’s ability to blend adventure with storytelling, showcasing the unique landscapes and cultures of each destination. From the historic streets of Palermo to the submerged ruins of Halfeti, the journey was as much about discovery as it was about competition. The season’s finale in Mongolia not only tested their physical limits but also emphasized the global reach of the race, proving that the spirit of exploration is as enduring as the Silk Road itself.
With its diverse locations and unpredictable challenges, Race Across the World continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the world’s most fascinating regions. The 2026 series, in particular, demonstrated the show’s ability to transform cultural and historical landmarks into dynamic settings for high-stakes competition. As viewers reflect on the journey, they are reminded of the resilience required to conquer both terrain and time across continents.
