Some of the best characters in the Game of Thrones were the locations. The location scouts for the show chose some of the most incredible settings for the action and drama to take place. Sites that were mystical and ethereal, making a dragon look like it belonged.
There are so many locations that it was so hard to choose but here are my top 10 filming locations for Game of Thrones. These locations are all over the world, making this truly an adventure. This list will focus on the Game of Thrones series, I will wait until House of the Dragon has finished before doing a list for that to avoid any potential spoilers.
1. Alcázar of Seville, Spain (Dorne’s Sunspear)
This beautiful and extravagant palace and its gardens were used as Dorne, the home of House Martell. Specifically, the palace was used to film scenes in Sunspear and the Water Gardens. The incredible architecture and picturesque grounds are unique and ornate, making them the perfect home for someone such as Oberyn Martell!
2. Gaztelugatxe, Spain (Dragonstone)
This islet in northern Spain was home to Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen. While Stannis Baratheon called it home in the earlier part of the series, Daenarys Targaryen made her triumphant return by the end of the show. The Dragonstone castle was CGI but the bridge leading up to it and the hill itself are very real and impressive all on their own.
3. Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland (King’s Road)
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland was one of the earliest filming locations that became a popular destination for fans. The line of twisted beech trees makes an otherworldly natural tunnel over the street, making it an impressive setting for the King’s Road.
4. Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland (Iron Islands)
The dramatic and picturesque islands of the Ballintoy Harbour were used for scenes set in the Iron Islands, the home of the Greyjoys. In the show, the Iron Islands are a harsh and unforgiving place. In reality, Ballintoy Harbour is just as dramatic, but much cheerier.
5. Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia (King’s Landing)
Many pivotal moments throughout the series happened within the walls of King’s Landing. Walk around the beautiful, walled coastal city, Dubrovnik and you’ll see site after site where these scenes took place – there are too many to name! There are filming locations around every corner.
6. Šibenik, Croatia (Braavos)
Wander the streets of the scenic city of Šibenik and follow in Arya Stark’s footprints as she learns to become a Faceless Man. You can even visit the Iron Bank – well the outside of it anyway. The city’s UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James served as the exterior of the headquarters of the Iron Bank.
7. Trsteno, Croatia (King’s Landing Palace Gardens)
The Trsteno Arboretum, just north of Dubrovnik, served as the backdrop to some of the most well-delivered lines in the series, said by the sharp-tongued Olenna Tyrell. The beautiful gardens were used as the setting of a critical conversation where the House Tyrell matriarch plotted to insert her granddaughter Margaery into the court. Because of the show, the Arboretum is now nicknamed, “Tyrell Garden”.
8. Vatnajökull, Iceland (Beyond the Wall)
Iceland’s (and Europe’s) largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and its outlet glacier, Svínafellsjökull, serve as the icy and unforgiving world beyond the Wall. What better location for a wintery wasteland than the largest expanse of ice in Europe! Strap on some ice shoes and grab an ice axe and you can follow in the footsteps of Jon Snow and the Wildlings.
9. Grjótagjá, Iceland (Jon Snow’s Love Cave)
The beautiful cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte got together is located near Lake Myvatn in Iceland. A visit to the geothermal pool is a must see on a trip to Iceland. Unfortunately, the temperatures are too unpredictable to actually submerge in, but you can dip a toe in if you like!
10. Ait Benhaddou, Morocco (Yunkai)
This UNESCO world heritage site, known for its earthen clay houses, some of which are hundreds of years old, serves as the setting for Yunkai – the city of slavers that Daenerys liberates in Season 3. After laying siege to the city and freeing the slaves, the outside gate of Ait Benhaddou is the backdrop for Daenerys and her adoring crowd.
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