Whether you're a fan of Game of Thrones or not, we all agree that the series' filming locations are breathtakingly beautiful. The filmmakers take great care in choosing the backdrops for iconic sites such as King's Landing, Astapor and Peyredragon. We've already mentioned Dubrovnik and Northern Ireland, but there are many other filming locations. To follow in the footsteps of your favorite heroes, here are10 Game of Thrones filming locations to see around the world.
1- Seville's Alcazar: Dorne's palace
Seville's Alcazar© Cristian Balate - Shutterstock.com
Winter is coming... Not really, since winter is almost unheard of in Andalusia! That's why the directors of Game of Thrones filmed the scenes set in the principality of Dorne, in the south of the Seven Crowns kingdom. The palace of Dorne required an exceptional location. The emblematic alcazar of Seville was chosen. Its palaces, patios and oriental gardens are the perfect backdrop for Dran Martell's residence.
The article to read 1- Seville: make the most of your trip with our itinerary tips for a stay in Seville.
2- Essaouira, the Red City among the most beautiful Game of Thrones filming locations
In southwest Morocco, Essaouira is a pleasant seaside resort. It's famous for its ancient fishing port and labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chosen by the directors of Game of Thrones to play the role of Astapor, in the land of Ghis, Essaouira's ramparts played host to Daenerys Targaryen's character as she acquired her army of slaves in the third season.
The article to read discover our guide on how to travel to Morocco without taking a plane.
3- Trsteno arboretum: the Tyrell garden
Trsteno Arboretum© Tuomas Lehtinen - Shutterstock.com
Just 20 km from Dubrovnik in Croatia, Trsteno boasts a centuries-old arboretum. Long before the makers of Game of Thrones, it inspired the 18th-century poet Lord Byron. This oasis of greenery is home to countless exotic species, imported from Sicily in the 15th century. Plane trees, olive trees, Aleppo pines and bamboo follow one another as you enter, forming the backdrop to the Tyrell garden at King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
Activities to book : this guided tour, highly recommended by tourists will take you around all the Game of Thrones filming locations in and around Dubrovnik.
The article to read 4- Croatia: one of Europe's best destinations to visit in a van.
4- Verdala Castle: the residence of Illyrio Mopatis
On the outskirts of Busket in Malta, Verdala Castle is the presidential summer residence. Built atop Buskett Gardens, it stands out as a sort of luxurious defensive fort. In Game of Thrones, Illyrio Mopatis lives here, and it's on the threshold of this palace that Daenerys and Khal Drogo meet. Unfortunately, you can only admire the exterior of Verdala Castle, which is not open to the public.
5- Almodóvar del Río castle among the most beautiful Game of Thrones filming locations
Twenty kilometers from Cordoba in Andalusia, the Almodóvar del Río castle rises from its hilltop. Built in 760, this fortress boasts a unique silhouette. At the time, it was the ideal location for filming scenes from Highgarden Castle, the seat of House Tyrell. Today, a visit to the castle includes a special Game of Thrones itinerary featuring photos from the filming.
Activities to book book your tickets for Almodovar del Rio Castle now.
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6- Dubrovnik, the must-see King's Landing
Dubrovnik© itsmebik - Shutterstock.com
How could we fail to mention Dubrovnik as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones? This is where many of the scenes set in King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Crowns, were filmed. Dubrovnik has also served as a set for Qarth. In all, the tourist office lists over 15 Game of Thrones filming locations in the city! Facing the Adriatic, in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is a monument city surrounded by ramparts that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must-see!
The article to readwhat to do in Dubrovnik in 2 or 3 days
7- Gaztelugatxe: Dragonstone in the Basque Country
The island of Gaztelugatxe© Jon Chica - Shutterstock.com
Gaztelugatxe is a small island located on the Vizcaya coast in Spain's Basque Country. Famous for its hermitage of San Juan, this rocky islet is a superb geological curiosity, reached after crossing a stone bridge from the mainland and climbing 250 steps. This is where Peyredragon is located, as Game of Thrones has given the islet, little-known until recently, a new lease of life.
8- Svínafellsjökull: beyond the Wall
Svínafellsjökull© Daria Medvedeva - Shutterstock.com
Iceland has been extensively exploited by the Game of Thrones series: its snow-white natural landscapes form an ideal backdrop, particularly for scenes shot "beyond the Wall". Several episodes of the saga take place near Svínafellsjökull. This glacier tongue in Vatnajökull National Park has also been used as a backdrop for many other major productions, such as Batman Begins.
The article to read discover Iceland's 5 most beautiful tours.
9- The ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou: Yunkaï
The Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar© Jose Ignacio Soto - Shutterstock.com
Situated on a hillside in the Ouarzazate region of southwest Morocco, the Aït-Ben-Haddou ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village nestled in the middle of the desert has served as the backdrop for a number of major productions, including Gladiator in 2000. For Game of Thrones, Aït-Ben-Haddou became Yunkai, a Ghiscarian city. To visit ksar Aït-Ben-Haddou, prefer off-peak hours: crowds can be dense during the high season.
Activities to book : this 3-day safari departing from Marrakech to visit Aït-Ben-Haddou.
10- Grjótagjá cave, a romantic setting
Grjótagjá cave© Blue Planet Studio - Shutterstock.com
In northeast Iceland, Grjótagjá Cave is home to a fascinating blue hot spring. Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognize the spot where the love scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte was filmed in season 3. We applaud the production's flair, as the setting is indeed idyllic, but you should know that you can't swim there, as the water can reach 70°C!
