11 Game of Thrones filming locations to visit
Rarely has a television series left such a lasting impression – and such a desire to travel. Game of Thrones, the HBO saga adapted from the novels by George R.R. Martin, was filmed in the four corners of the world, transforming real landscapes into the epic settings of Westeros and Essos. From Icelandic glaciers to Croatian medieval alleyways, Andalusian gardens to Irish cliffs, Game of Thrones film locations have become veritable pilgrimages for millions of fans. If you dream of walking the same pavements as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen or Cersei Lannister, this article is for you. We’ve selected 11 must-see Game of Thrones filming locations, with all the advice you need to visit them in the best possible conditions. Some of them can even be explored on foot, thanks to the Navaway audio tours, which will help you relive the history and atmosphere of these exceptional cities.
Also read the Dubrovnik guide :
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- Top 5 best hotels to stay in Dubrovnik
- Following in the footsteps of Games of Thrones in Dubrovnik
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia: in the footsteps of King’s Landing
Dubrovnik is undoubtedly the Game of Thrones destination par excellence. Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, has been the main setting for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Crowns, since the second season of the series. Its medieval ramparts, white limestone streets and fortifications overlooking the Adriatic Sea immediately appealed to the HBO production teams. The match with the world of Westeros was too perfect to ignore.
Stroll around the old town and you’ll recognise dozens of iconic locations. The famous ramparts of the Old Town were used as the backdrop for several strategic scenes, and the view they afford of the sea is instantly reminiscent of the aerial shots in the series. Fort Lovrijenac, perched 37 metres above the sea, is one of the most recognisable symbols: it embodies the Red Keep, the fortress of House Lannister, in many episodes. The stairs of St Ignatius Church were immortalised in Cersei Lannister’s famous Walk of Shame scene. Further on, the island of Lokrum, visible from the ramparts, embodied the city of Qarth.
A visit to Dubrovnik is a dual experience: that of a medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that of a true plunge into the world of Game of Thrones. To make sure you don’t miss any of the filming locations and to understand the history of this fascinating city, let the Navaway itinerary be your guide.
Download the audio tour to discover Dubrovnik on foot and on your own
The Navaway audio tour for Dubrovnik takes you on a 2.5km journey through 18 must-see sights in the Old Town, including several Game of Thrones film locations. In less than an hour, you’ll be strolling along the Stradun, passing under medieval gates and skirting the fortifications that so impressed the HBO directors. All at your own pace, with historical and anecdotal commentary delivered straight to your ears.
2. Seville, Spain: in the heart of the gardens of Dorne
From season 5 onwards, the Game of Thrones teams set their sights on Seville to represent the kingdom of Dorne, the domain of House Martell. And the choice was an obvious one, given that the Mudéjar architecture and lush gardens of the Andalusian capital match the image of an exotic and refined southern kingdom.
The jewel in the crown of this shoot is undoubtedly the Alcazar in Seville, the royal palace whose Dorne Water Gardens have been recreated with striking fidelity. Four specific areas were used for filming: the Hall of Ambassadors (Dorne’s throne), the Pool of Mercury (the gardens where little Myrcella plays), the Baths of María de Padilla and the outdoor gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar is one of the most visited monuments in Spain, and a must-see destination for fans of the series.
But Seville doesn’t stop there: the Roman ruins of Italica, located 10 km from the city centre, were also used as a backdrop for the famous Daznak pit in seasons 7 and 8. Similarly, the nearby town of Osuna has hosted film shoots for the Meereen Arena. So a visit to Seville means a double journey: to Andalusia and to the warmer lands of Westeros.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Seville on foot and on your own
With theNavaway itinerary for Seville, you’ll travel 8.4 km through 28 points of interest, from the Plaza de España to the historic district of Santa Cruz, including of course the Alcázar and its legendary gardens. It’s the perfect way to rediscover the iconic locations of Game of Thrones while learning about the fascinating history of the “Princess of the Guadalquivir”.
3. Split, Croatia: the underground passages of Meereen
A two-hour drive from Dubrovnik, the city of Split offers another facet of Croatia as seen in Game of Thrones. It was here, in the bowels of Diocletian’s palace, that Daenerys locked up her dragons in the underground tunnels of Meereen. Built over 1,700 years ago by the Roman emperor Diocletian, these thousand-year-old cellars form a labyrinth of vaulted rooms that give the perfect impression of a mysterious ancient citadel.
A few kilometres north of Split, the fortress of Klis(see Google Maps, Klis, 21231 Split, Croatia, rated 4.6/5 on Google with over 3,800 reviews) has also been used as a set for Meereen, notably during the spectacular crucifixion scene of the Masters in season 4. Perched high between the Kozjak and Mosor mountains, this fortress offers a stunning panoramic view over the bay of Split and the island of Brač.
For Game of Thrones fans, visiting Split is a unique experience: wandering through a Roman palace that is still inhabited today, whose darkest corners have been transformed into epic fantasy settings. The Navaway tour accompanies you on this exploration.
Download the audio tour to discover Split on foot and on your own
The Navaway audio tour for Split covers 17 places of interest in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town, including the famous Meereen Underground. It’s a fun and rewarding way to combine Roman history with the world of Westeros, at your own pace.
4. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland: on the Royal Way
One of the most poetic images in Game of Thrones is undoubtedly the Dark Hedges(Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, United Kingdom, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 14,090 reviews), an avenue of hundred-year-old beech trees with intertwined branches forming an almost mystical plant tunnel. Planted around 1775 by the Stuart family to adorn the driveway to their estate, these spectacular trees were chosen to embody the Kingsroad in season 2, when Arya Stark leaves dressed as a boy.
Since the series aired, the Dark Hedges have become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed sites, attracting visitors from all over the world. With the road now closed to vehicles, you can wander freely through this enchanted tunnel, which retains all its magic whatever the season – although early morning fog days give it a truly otherworldly atmosphere.
5. Essaouira, Morocco: in the city of Astapor
For the scenes set in the slave cities of the Bay of Serfs, Game of Thrones production turned to Morocco. The coastal town of Essaouira(Essaouira 44000, Morocco, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 40,000 reviews) played the role of Astapor, the city of the Unsullied, throughout season 3. It was here that Daenerys acquired her elite army in one of the most memorable scenes of the series.
The ramparts of the Essaouira medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are immediately recognisable in several sequences. The port, the narrow streets of the medina and the special atmosphere of this town bathed in Atlantic winds make it a travel destination in its own right, far beyond its role in the series. The wild beauty of its beaches, its colourful markets and the hospitality of its inhabitants make it one of Morocco’s most endearing towns.
6. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland: beyond the Wall
For the desolate glacial landscapes beyond the Wall,Iceland was the natural choice. Vatnajökull National Park(Iceland, rated 4.9/5 on Google for over 1,000 reviews), the largest in Europe, is home to landscapes of ice and volcanic rock of wild and hypnotic beauty, perfectly suited to the scenes filmed with the Wild Ones and the White Walkers.
It was on the Svínafellsjökull glacier, nicknamed the “Hollywood glacier” because it has been filmed so much, that many of the scenes beyond the Wall were shot. This glacier offers a vision of the end of the world, with its imposing seracs, bluish ice and shades of volcanic grey. To make the most of it, you can go on guided ice walks. A trip to Iceland also includes Lake Mývatn and the geothermal cave of Grjótagjá, where Jon Snow and Ygritte shared one of the most romantic scenes in the series.
7. Mdina, Malta: the very first King’s Landing
Not many fans know this, but before Dubrovnik established itself as King’s Landing, it was Malta that hosted the first shoots in the series. In season 1, the fortified city of Mdina(Mdina, Malta, rated 4.7/5 on Google with over 12,000 reviews), the island’s former capital, was used as the setting for King’s Landing. Its monumental gateway is recognised as the gateway to the capital, through which Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik Cassel passed.
Mdina is a timeless city, nicknamed the “City of Silence” for its almost deserted alleyways and unspoilt medieval atmosphere. Its noble architecture, Baroque palaces and breathtaking views over the Maltese plain make it one of the most enchanting destinations on the Mediterranean. By season 2, production had shifted to Croatia, but Malta remains a must-see for long-time fans – and for any traveller who loves authenticity.
8. Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland: the forest of the Starks
This is where it all began. Tollymore Forest Park(176 Tullybrannigan Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PT, UK, rated 4.8/5 on Google for over 7,000 reviews) is where the very first shot of the series was filmed, in the prologue to season 1: the group of Night’s Watch heading into the great unknown, before the terrifying encounter with the White Walkers.
Situated in Bryansford, near Newcastle in County Down, this woodland park offers stunning scenery, with paths winding through pines, beech and ancient oaks, stone bridges over streams and hidden waterfalls. Just a few miles away is Inch Abbey, the setting for Riverrun, and Ward Castle, the setting for Winterfell in several of the outdoor scenes. Northern Ireland offers a complete circuit of Game of Thrones film locations, best explored on a road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route.
9. Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland: Dothraki lands
Also in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains(County Down, Northern Ireland, UK, rated 4.8/5 on Google for over 3,000 reviews) embodied the vast plains of Vaes Dothrak, the only major town of the Dothraki people. This range of granite hills, with peaks over 800 metres high, offers dramatic views of the Irish Sea and the green valleys of County Down.
The Mountains of Mourne are a walker’s paradise, with dozens of waymarked paths crossing wild moorland, peat bogs and windy mountain passes. As well as their role in Game of Thrones, these mountains also inspired C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, who spent part of his childhood there. Twice the reason to venture there!
10. Doune Castle, Scotland: the soul of Winterfell
In Scotland, the magnificent Doune Castle(Castle Rd, Doune FK16 6EA, United Kingdom, rated 4.6/5 on Google with over 3,800 reviews), located in Stirling, has been chosen as the Winterfell setting for the outdoor scenes of season 1. Built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries for the Duke of Albany, this medieval castle is one of the best preserved in Scotland. Its great towers, moats and austere architecture exude an atmosphere that perfectly matches the severity of the North of Westeros.
Doune Castle is less than an hour from Edinburgh, making it an ideal day out during your stay in the Scottish capital. To explore Edinburgh in the best possible conditions before or after your visit to the castle, consider visiting Edinburgh on the Navaway audio tour: 8.3 km of walking through 24 places of interest, between Scottish myths and fascinating historical realities. A great way to extend your adventure in the north of Great Britain – and in the spirit of winter is coming.
11. Island of Gozo, Malta: Dothraki encampments
The second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, Gozo(Gozo, Malta, rated 4.8/5 on Google for over 5,000 reviews) also played a role in the first season of Game of Thrones, hosting scenes from Khal Drogo’s Dothraki camp. The rocky, golden landscapes of this Mediterranean island, bathed in warm, intense light, perfectly captured the arid, nomadic atmosphere of the Dothraki people.
Gozo is an island on a human scale, ideal for a few days off the beaten track. It is renowned for some of the finest scuba diving in the Mediterranean, medieval citadels, megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and dreamy coves. In Homer’s Odyssey, Gozo is said to be the island of the nymph Calypso, who held Ulysses prisoner for seven years – a story only slightly less epic than that of Daenerys Targaryen.
In conclusion, the filming locations of Game of Thrones are an invitation to travel in their own right, a fantastic excuse to discover often little-known destinations or to rediscover emblematic cities from a new angle. Whether you choose to start in Dubrovnik and its chiselled ramparts, lose yourself in the spellbinding gardens ofSeville’s Alcazar or reflect in the silence of Tollymore Forest Park, each of these places offers an unforgettable experience, at the crossroads of history, nature and fiction. For the Croatian and Spanish stops, consider downloading the Navaway audio tours – Dubrovnik, Split and Seville – to explore these fascinating cities at your own pace, with all the richness of a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik directly in your ears. Winter is coming, but with such a great list of trips in the pipeline, it’s never looked so welcoming.
FAQ – Game of Thrones filming locations
Where was the majority of Game of Thrones filmed?
The majority of Game of Thrones episodes were filmed in Northern Ireland (notably in Belfast for the studios and in the surrounding area for the natural settings) and Croatia (mainly in Dubrovnik for King’s Landing and Split for Meereen). Other countries made occasional contributions, including Iceland, Spain, Malta, Morocco and Scotland.
Can you visit Dubrovnik in the footsteps of Game of Thrones?
Absolutely! Dubrovnik is the ideal destination for fans of the series. You can visit Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), the old city walls, the stairs of St Ignatius Church (scene of the March of Shame) and take the ferry to the island of Lokrum (Qarth). The Navaway audio tour takes you on an exploration of 18 points of interest.
When is the best time to visit the Game of Thrones filming locations?
It all depends on the destination. For Dubrovnik and Split, the best time is spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) to avoid the heat and overcrowding of the summer season. ForIceland, summer (June-August) offers easier access to the glaciers. Spring is the ideal time to visit Seville, with the Semana Santa as the highlight. ForNorthern Ireland andScotland, May to September are the most pleasant months.
Is Seville’s Alcazar really in Game of Thrones?
Yes, the Alcazar of Seville was used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in seasons 5 and 6. Four specific areas of the palace are recognisable: the Hall of Ambassadors, the Pool of Mercury, the Baths of María de Padilla and the outdoor gardens. This is the seat of power for House Martell in the series.
Can you visit the Game of Thrones filming locations without a car?
Many of the most emblematic sites are easily accessible without a car. Dubrovnik, Split and Seville are best visited on foot, thanks in particular to the Navaway audio tours available for these three cities. For more remote sites such as the Dark Hedges, Tollymore Forest Park or Vatnajökull Park, a vehicle (car hire or organised tour) is generally required.
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