Game of Thrones: Travel to Westeros and Beyond
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the lands of Westeros, where the epic saga of Game of Thrones unfolded. From the icy expanse of Beyond the Wall to the sun-soaked shores of Dorne, the world of Game of Thrones is filled with breathtaking real-world locations. If you’ve ever wanted to walk through Winterfell, explore the magnificent King's Landing, or step into the heart of Dragonstone, this travel guide is your ultimate companion to experiencing the stunning filming locations that brought George R. R. Martin’s world to life.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia – King’s Landing
The beautiful coastal city of Dubrovnik in Croatia is perhaps the most iconic filming location from Game of Thrones. As the primary location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, Dubrovnik’s fortified walls and medieval architecture became the perfect backdrop for the political drama, intrigue, and battles of King’s Landing.
What to See:
Walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which served as the heart of King's Landing. Visit the Pile Gate (which leads into the city) and the stunning Fort Lovrijenac, a hilltop fortress that doubles as the Red Keep in the series. The Stradun (main street) and Sponza Palace are also key locations where major scenes were filmed.
Travel Tip:
Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination, so be sure to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. You can also take a Game of Thrones tour to get an insider’s look at filming locations.
2. Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland – The Kingsroad
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland is one of the most enchanting and iconic filming locations from the show. This eerie, tunnel-like avenue of beech trees became the perfect stand-in for the Kingsroad, the main highway that runs through Westeros. The dark, winding path leading through the trees gives visitors the feeling of walking through a mystical landscape.
What to See:
Visit the Dark Hedges for an unforgettable walk down the Kingsroad. The trees are particularly striking at dawn and dusk when the light filters through the branches, casting long shadows on the ground. Nearby, you can also explore the Ballintoy Harbour, which was used to film the rugged shores of Iron Islands.
Travel Tip:
The Dark Hedges is located near the Ballygally Castle. Take some time to explore this charming castle, which is now a hotel, and enjoy its stunning views of the coastline.
3. Alcázar of Seville, Spain – Water Gardens of Dorne
For fans of the Martell family and the hot, arid land of Dorne, Seville in Spain provides the perfect setting. The Alcázar of Seville, a stunning palace complex, served as the location for the Water Gardens of Dorne, the beautiful and exotic home of the Martell family.
What to See:
Visit the Alcázar to explore its beautiful courtyards, intricate tilework, and lush gardens. The Patio de las Doncellas and Fountain of Mercury were key filming spots for the Water Gardens of Dorne scenes. The gardens offer a tranquil and stunning atmosphere that mirrors the beauty of Dorne.
Travel Tip:
Seville is also famous for its flamenco dancing and vibrant culture. After visiting the Alcázar, take time to explore the Plaza de España and enjoy a traditional flamenco show in the evening.
4. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco – Yunkai
The ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most striking filming locations in Game of Thrones. The city of Yunkai, where Daenerys Targaryen frees the slaves in Season 3, was filmed here.
What to See:
Explore the dramatic, fortified mud-brick buildings of Aït Benhaddou as they rise above the desert landscape. The site provides a stunning view of ancient architecture against the backdrop of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the world of Daenerys Targaryen.
Travel Tip:
Aït Benhaddou is located about 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate, also known as the Gateway to the Sahara. If you have time, consider a day trip into the desert to explore the Sahara’s vast sand dunes.
5. Þingvellir National Park, Iceland – Beyond the Wall
The frozen wilderness Beyond the Wall is one of the most memorable and desolate settings in Game of Thrones. Filmed in Iceland, the vast and rugged landscapes of Þingvellir National Park and other locations around the country bring the world Beyond the Wall to life. From the icy forests to the volcanic ridges, Iceland provides the perfect backdrop for the Free Folk and the Night’s Watch.
What to See:
Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Almannagjá Gorge and Thingvellir Rift Valley provide dramatic landscapes. Scenes featuring Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch were filmed here. You can also explore the Lake Thingvallavatn, where key scenes involving the Wildlings were shot.
Travel Tip:
Iceland’s stunning landscapes are best experienced by renting a car and taking a Golden Circle tour. Make sure to stop by the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Hot Springs.
6. Mdina, Malta – King’s Landing (Season 1)
Before Dubrovnik became the filming location for King’s Landing, Malta played host to the early days of King’s Landing in Season 1. The fortified medieval city of Mdina, with its narrow winding streets and impressive city walls, was the perfect stand-in for the capital of Westeros.
What to See:
Explore the Silent City of Mdina, where Ned Stark and his family entered the capital for the first time. The Mdina Cathedral and the Bastion Square are recognizable from the show. Gozo Island, just off the coast of Malta, also served as the backdrop for several of the Dothraki scenes in Season 1.
Travel Tip:
Malta is a beautiful island nation with rich history, so be sure to take time to explore its charming villages, beaches, and other filming locations, including Fort Ricasoli, which doubled as Blackwater Bay.
7. Gaztelugatxe, Spain – Dragonstone
One of the most iconic and visually striking locations in Game of Thrones is Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen. The island fortress of Gaztelugatxe, located on the Basque coast of Spain, served as the stunning setting for Dragonstone in Season 7.
What to See:
Take a hike up the steep path to the Gaztelugatxe chapel, perched dramatically on the cliffside. The jagged rocks and the crashing waves below create an unforgettable atmosphere, mirroring Daenerys’s return to her ancestral home.
Travel Tip:
The hike to Gaztelugatxe can be challenging, but the views are worth it. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.
8. Ballintoy, Northern Ireland – The Iron Islands
The rugged, wind-swept coast of Ballintoy in Northern Ireland served as the location for the Iron Islands, home to Balon Greyjoy and his rebellious family. The rocky coastline and dramatic cliffs provide the perfect setting for the harsh, seafaring world of the Ironborn.
What to See:
Visit Ballintoy Harbour, where scenes of the Iron Islands were filmed, including key moments with Yara Greyjoy and the Ironborn fleet. The cliffs and coastal views are breathtaking, making it easy to imagine the Greyjoys fighting for control over their harsh, isolated lands. You can also visit nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which offers incredible views of the rugged coastline.
Travel Tip:
Ballintoy is located along the famous Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, so make sure to explore other nearby landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle for even more breathtaking scenery.
9. Skellig Michael, Ireland – The Last Jedi (Game of Thrones Influence)
Although not directly a Game of Thrones location, Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of Ireland, became famous for its appearance in Star Wars: The Last Jedi as Luke Skywalker’s exile. However, the island's remote beauty and ancient stone structures bear a resemblance to the world of Westeros, and fans of Game of Thrones will undoubtedly appreciate its stark beauty.
What to See:
Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an awe-inspiring location that features steep climbs and dramatic cliffs. The island is known for its monastic beehive huts and towering, ancient structures that add an air of mysticism, which would not be out of place in Game of Thrones’ mystical landscapes.
Travel Tip:
Due to its remote location, access to Skellig Michael is only available through boat tours from Portmagee on the Ring of Kerry. Plan your visit in advance as access is limited and weather dependent.
10. Pyrenees, Spain – The Battle of the Bastards (Influence on Battle Scenes)
While Spain’s Pyrenees Mountains may not directly appear in Game of Thrones, they served as an inspiration for some of the show’s most stunning battle sequences, including the Battle of the Bastards. The high mountain ranges, rolling hills, and valleys are perfect for recreating some of the show’s most epic moments.
What to See:
The Pyrenees offer incredible views, hiking trails, and small medieval villages that have a timeless, almost mythical quality. Though not featured directly in the show, these mountain landscapes share similarities to the battlefields and rugged terrain seen in scenes of Jon Snow’s fight for control of Winterfell.
Travel Tip:
The Pyrenees span both France and Spain, so be sure to visit both sides of the mountain range to fully experience the natural beauty of the region. The nearby Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a great place for hiking and sightseeing.
Journey to Westeros and Beyond
From the grand walls of King's Landing to the desolate beauty Beyond the Wall, the real-world filming locations of Game of Thrones offer an unforgettable experience for fans. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of Dubrovnik, hiking the dramatic cliffs of Ballintoy, or soaking in the serenity of Seville’s Water Gardens of Dorne, these locations bring the rich world of Westeros and Essos to life.
Ready to embark on your own Game of Thrones adventure? Use our flight search tool to book your tickets to Westeros and beyond, and relive your favorite moments from the iconic show!