1. Introduction
Let HBO’s most popular television series be the inspiration for your next trip.
2. Overview of Filming Locations
HBO’s Game of Thrones is lauded for its lush world-building, visually stunning production design, and serving as a testament to George R.R. Martin’s intricate storytelling. Consequently, the show features breathtaking landscapes such as frigid wastelands and forests beyond the Wall, the amply treed Kingsroad, turquoise waters across the Narrow Sea, and the sunny medieval King’s Landing.
While many of Game of Thrones’s iconic sets (like the Iron Throne) were filmed at Paint Hall studios in Belfast, the majority of the series was shot on-location, primarily in Northern Ireland, and locations such as Iceland for northern scenes, alongside Croatia and Spain for southern regions. Cast members shooting beyond the Wall braved freezing temperatures on lands buried in snow.
With an impressive roster of medieval cities and breathtaking islands on the shoot list, it is no surprise that Game of Thrones filming locations throughout Europe have attracted many tourists.
Allow this handy travel guide to inspire a Game of Thrones trip of your own. (Disclaimer: spoilers ahead.)
3. Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
Scenes on the Iron Islands, home to House Greyjoy of Pyke, were filmed at Northern Ireland’s Ballintoy Harbour, recognized for its unique raised beach where the water meets a chalky cliff face instead of flat sand. Visitors will recognize this rugged locale as Lordsport, the port town where Theon returns after leaving Winterfell. Although Theon may not wish to revisit, you should consider the stunning coastal views and relaxed vibe of Ballintoy village, especially as it makes for a great day trip from Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s famous basalt columns less than 10 miles away.
4. Fort Manoel, Malta
In one of the most tragic scenes of Game of Thrones, Ned Stark meets his end on King Joffrey’s orders in a square that was actually filmed at Fort Manoel, a magnificent star-shaped limestone fort on the shores of Malta. Constructed in the 18th century, the fort is listed as a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site, and fans would argue it deserves inclusion due to its notable presence in the series.
5. Kirkjufell, Iceland
Scenes beyond the Wall were filmed at various breathtaking locations in Iceland. For instance, a memorable scene featuring Daenerys and her dragons saving others from the Night King—seen in season seven, episode six—was filmed at Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most iconic peaks. This waterfall-adorned hill is lush and green during warm weather and blanketed with snow in the winter, making it a prime filming location for the northern regions. It is conveniently located about a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, rendering it easily accessible for travelers.
Other notable Icelandic filming locations for beyond the Wall include Myrdalsjokull glacier, Hverfjall volcano, and Vatnajökull glacier, although many of these glaciers can be more challenging for tourists to access safely.
6. Doune Castle, Scotland
The pilot episode, featuring the Stark clan’s home of Winterfell, was shot at Doune Castle in central Scotland. The castle has also appeared in Outlander and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Situated about an hour and 15 minutes from Edinburgh and 45 minutes from Glasgow, this medieval structure was built in the 14th century and is recognized for its magnificent gatehouse, towering about 100 feet tall. Note that Doune Castle only featured in the pilot—later episodes were filmed at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Although the majority of King’s Landing was shot in a studio, several exterior shots were filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Trsteno Arboretum served as the palace gardens, while the Jesuit Staircase represented the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor, and St. Dominic Street was featured prominently in the market scenes.
Minčeta Tower, a 14th-century fortress providing sweeping views of the city and sea, was depicted as the House of the Undying, where Daenerys visits after her dragons are taken during her stay in Qarth.
8. Diocletian’s Palace, Croatia
Located approximately three hours up the coast from Dubrovnik is Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. This magnificent structure served as the backdrop for the former slave city of Meereen, where Daenerys locked up and trained her dragons. Built by the Roman emperor Diocletian during the fourth century, the palace is a UNESCO-listed site.
9. Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland
Remember the scenes when the Stark boys found dire wolf puppies in the forests of Winterfell or the rangers of the Night’s Watch uncovering bodies in the snow? Both of these were filmed in the enchanting Tollymore Forest Park situated in Northern Ireland. This 1,500-acre forest lies at the base of the Mourne Mountains and was the first named state forest in the area. Consequently, it now draws a plethora of Game of Thrones enthusiasts, often facilitated by local travel companies offering specialized tours. Here, you can immerse yourself in nature, hike, camp, and even ride horses, as it is conveniently located near the town of Newcastle.
10. Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Dothraki Sea—known as the Great Grass Sea—was filmed in the scenic Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. In reality, this means that the Dothraki existed quite near the Starks.
At the Glens of Antrim, you will find the Cushendun Caves, where Lady Melisandre gave birth to a “shadow” that later kills Renly Baratheon, in addition to the location of the battle between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy. Here, you can explore serene waterfalls, picturesque valleys, and captivating locations, including where the beloved character was initially found and eventually left to die.
11. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland boasts some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty, making the Dark Hedges—a breathtaking avenue of 18th-century beech trees—an ideal filming location for the grand Kingsroad. The intertwined trees create a romantic tunnel, reminiscent of a fairy tale, making this an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting the northern part of Northern Ireland, whether a Game of Thrones fan or not.
12. Basque Coast, Spain
In the series, Dragonstone Beach serves as the backdrop for several pivotal scenes. Here, the Burning of the Seven occurs, and it is where Dany returns in season seven. Although the interior scenes of Dragonstone are filmed on a studio sound stage in Belfast, the beach, cave, and footbridge are real locations on the Basque Coast of Spain—specifically, Itzurun in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika, which are about an hour’s drive apart. The Basque Country in northern Spain is known for its charming villages, coastal cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque vineyards.
13. Grjótagjá Lava Cave, Iceland
In perhaps one of the most intimate scenes in Game of Thrones history, Jon Snow illustrates that he doesn’t, in fact, know nothing while spending an emotionally charged night with his Wildling love interest, Ygritte. In the series, their encounter occurs north of the Wall, but in reality, this passionate moment was filmed inside an Icelandic lava cave that contains a thermal spring. Grjótgjá is located in the north, near Lake Mývatn.
This cave is notoriously difficult to access, mainly because its entrance can be hard to spot when the weather is less than ideal or visibility is poor. You can reach it via a rocky walking path from Dimmuborgir. However, note that bathing in the spring is prohibited and unsafe.
14. Lokrum, Adriatic Sea
Lokrum island was utilized as the filming location for scenes set in Qarth, the “Greatest City that Ever Was or Will Be.” This uninhabited island in the Adriatic Sea offers an escape that feels truly immersive in the story. It is situated close enough to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to be reached via a short 15-minute ferry ride. The Benedictine Monastery on the island represented Xaro Xhaon Daxos’ mansion, featured prominently in the second season’s fifth episode. Additionally, the Fort Royal Castle, located at the highest point on the island, provides outstanding views of Dubrovnik across the water.
15. Essaouira, Morocco
A standout character, Daenerys travels the furthest across the Seven Kingdoms. In season three, she travels to the Slaver’s Bay city of Astapor, where she encounters the Unsullied, a formidable army that becomes her loyal allies. Principal photography for these scenes took place in Essaouira, a Moroccan port city known for its resort, beautiful sandy beaches, and vibrant medina. This less-traveled destination is approximately three hours from the bustling city of Marrakesh, making it a charming escape.
16. Aït-Ben-Haddou, Morocco
Located far from the coastal regions of Morocco, a historic ksar (fortified village) made of earthen clay became the setting for various Slaver’s Bay scenes and also showcased Pentos, one of the Free Cities in Game of Thrones. The real-life structure is visually captivating, with a network of walkway winding through red mudbrick walls peppered with shopfronts offering traditional handicrafts.
This site is now a prominent tourist attraction, with excursions available from Marrakesh. The approximately three-and-a-half hour drive to witness this centuries-old settlement is undeniably worthwhile for Game of Thrones fans.
17. Sibenik, Croatia
In season five, Arya Stark arrives in the Free City of Braavos, the wealthiest and most powerful of the Free Cities. Notably, scenes from Braavos were filmed in the stunning city of Sibenik, located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. When visiting, ensure to stop by the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that portrayed the site of The Iron Bank, the most powerful financial institution in the Free World.
18. Seville, Spain
While watching the series, many viewers admired the Water Gardens of Dorne, the stunning palace of the beloved House Martell. Complete with colorful mosaics, intricate plasterwork, and serene gardens adorned with lofty palms and hedge-lined pathways surrounding a peaceful pool, this enchanting location truly exists in Seville, Spain. The Royal Alcázar, built in the 14th century for Peter of Castile, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling tourist hotspot in the Andalusian capital.
Seville is also home to the town of Osuna and the Plaza de Toros, which served as Daznak’s Pit, the largest fighting arena in the Slaver’s Bay city of Meereen. This thrilling location was featured prominently in the ninth episode of season five, where Sir Jorah fights for the Queen’s honor. In reality, the building houses the Museo Taurino, an engaging bullfighting museum.
19. Córdoba, Spain
Even beyond its connection to Game of Thrones, Córdoba’s Roman bridge, built in the first century B.C.E., is a significant attraction. With its 16 arches, based on ancient Roman foundations, it majestically spans the Guadalquivir River and serves as a landmark within historic Córdoba. The bridge appeared in the fifth season of the show as the Long Bridge in the Free City of Volantis.
Additionally, the Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, situated in the town of Almodóvar del Río just outside Córdoba, played a role in the fourth episode of season seven, as the only location temporarily free from the Lannister grip after Jaime Lannister seized Highgarden, House Tyrell’s ancestral home.
