Winterfell, King's Landing, Dragonstone... These names resonate in the imaginations of fans of the legendary series Game of Thrones, emblems of fantastic places that come to life through the series' marvellous settings. While Winterfell and its vast snow-covered expanses seem to have stepped straight out of the pages of a book, many of these iconic locations are firmly rooted in our own reality. Here's a spellbinding journey through twenty of the filming locations from this epic saga, revealing the secrets and hidden beauties behind each set.
North Ireland
If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland is a veritable goldmine.
Dark Hedges, the avenue lined with gnarled, century-old trees, has become the emblem of the "King's Road".
Castle Ward, with its vast landscapes and imposing castle, served as Winterfell, home of the Starks.
Ballintoy, a small coastal village in Northern Ireland, is the Game of Thrones filming location for Lordsport, Pyke's main port. Pyke is one of the Iron Islands where Theon and Yara Greyjoy live, a place we see for the first time in season 2 of GOT. It's where Theon returns home after being a ward at Winterfell. It's here that we meet Yara, his sister whom Theon doesn't recognize and mistakes for a commoner, whom he then tries to seduce.
Croatie
Dubrovnik: The medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, was the majestic setting for King's Landing, the capital of the 7 Crown Kingdoms. This coastal city abounds with cobbled streets, imposing ramparts and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Fans of the series will recognize Fort Saint-Laurent (Lovrjenac) as the location for the filming of the Red Keep, the Jesuit staircase of St. Ignatius Church as the setting for the scene from "The Walk of Shame", the Bay of Pile, between Fort Saint-Laurent and the Fortress of Bokar, and the Bay of Néra (kayaking excursions are organized here). The majestic Rector's Palace was chosen as the residence of the King of Spices of Qarth.
Since the launch of the second season of the series, tourism in this Croatian city has really taken off. Thanks to guided tours and specialized stores, strolling through Dubrovnik is like walking through King's Landing.
Trogir
While Dubrovnik is often associated with Game of Thrones, the Croatian city of Trogir has also been used as a setting for the series. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with cobbled streets, medieval palaces and picturesque squares, offering an immersion in the world of the series. In the series, Trogir was Qarth's trading port, where Qarth's conjurers imprisoned Khaleesi's dragons in season 2. And don't miss a visit to the magnificent monastery of St. Dominic, which was also used as a filming location for certain scenes.
Iceland
Grjótagjá and Dimmuborgir caves
The scene in which Jon Snow and Ygritte become lovers was filmed in this small geothermal cave. This scene takes place during season 3 of the series. Unfortunately, you won't be able to swim in the cave like the actors, as it has been forbidden for some years now due to the often too-high water temperature.
Thingvellir National Park: Iceland has been the setting for many episodes of Game of Thrones, and Thingvellir National Park is a case in point. This remarkable site, marked by tectonic faults and breathtaking scenery, has served as the backdrop for iconic scenes in the series. In the Game of Thrones series, the site is used to represent the Bloody Gate and the Val d'Arryn. So we see a fort that doesn't exist in reality.
Spain
Alcazar de Séville - Water Gardens of Dorne: This magnificent Andalusian palace becomes the enchanting setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne.
The small island of Gaztelugatxe, linked by a stone bridge, becomes Daenerys Targaryen's inhospitable lair.
Castillo de Zafra- Tower of Joy: This secluded tower embodies the mystery and legend surrounding Jon Snow's birth.
Bardenas Reales- Dothraki Sea: The arid expanses of Bardenas Reales perfectly capture the essence of the vast plains of the Dothraki Sea.
Morocco
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco - Yunkai
Nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas, Aït Benhaddou emerges like a mirage from the desert, its bewitching mud towers rising against the azure sky. This UNESCO World Heritage site embodies the slave city of Yunkai, where Daenerys Targaryen defied the masters and liberated the oppressed. The narrow streets and adobe walls of this ancestral kasbah transport visitors into a world of wealth and mystery, where every stone tells a story of glory and defiance. Aït Benhaddou, with its timeless charm, becomes a vibrant stage for the struggles for freedom and the quest for power, as depicted in Game of Thrones.
Essaouira, Morocco - Astapor
The port city of Essaouira, with its imposing ramparts and bustling streets, provides the backdrop for the city of Astapor, where Daenerys acquires part of her army of the Unsullied. The whitewashed ramparts and historic buildings of the medina create an authentic atmosphere that evokes the exoticism and ruggedness of life in the slave cities of the Game of Thrones universe. Essaouira also offers spectacular coastal scenery, with its golden sandy beaches and powerful waves, adding a breathtaking visual dimension to the story of the Mother of Dragons. As you explore Essaouira, you can't help but feel the imprint of adventure and bravery, central themes of the epic saga.
Exploring Game of Thrones film locations transports us into a world of fantasy and reality. Each location, steeped in history and beauty, is a reminder of the incredible diversity of our planet. Whether you're a fan of the series or simply an adventurer, these destinations offer an unforgettable experience, reminding us that magic can be found around every corner, both in Westeros and in our real world.
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