Explore the Real Worlds of Game of Thrones: 15 Epic Filming Destinations You Can Visit

This rugged harbor village became the Iron Islands, home of the fiercely independent House Greyjoy. Its dramatic cliffs and restless waves made it the perfect setting for Lordsport, where Theon Greyjoy returned to face his past. Located near the famous Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy’s weather-beaten beauty captures the spirit of the Ironborn — wild, untamed, and proud.

Fort Manoel in Malta is where one of Game of Thrones’ most heart-wrenching moments unfolded — the execution of Ned Stark. The 18th-century limestone fort overlooks the Mediterranean and stands as a powerful relic of history. With its geometric design and panoramic harbor views, it’s no surprise that the production team chose this as King’s Landing’s public square.

One of Iceland’s most photographed natural wonders, Kirkjufell, is instantly recognizable to fans as the haunting mountain that towers beyond the Wall. Featured during Daenerys’ daring rescue north of the Wall, its snow-draped slopes and cascading waterfalls embody the icy wilderness of the North. Just a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, it remains a pilgrimage site for both nature lovers and fantasy enthusiasts.

Before Northern Ireland took over as Winterfell, Doune Castle in Scotland played the role in the show’s pilot episode. This 14th-century fortress, with its towering gatehouse and medieval charm, was the perfect choice to introduce House Stark. Visitors today can explore its ancient halls, climb its towers, and imagine the echoes of the Stark family’s first scenes.

Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and seaside majesty became synonymous with King’s Landing — the beating heart of Westeros. Fans can stroll through the Jesuit Staircase, the site of Cersei’s infamous “walk of shame,” or visit the Trsteno Arboretum, which served as the palace gardens. The city’s sunlit fortresses and narrow alleys offer a cinematic blend of history and fantasy unlike anywhere else.

The fourth-century Diocletian’s Palace in Split transformed into Meereen, the city where Daenerys ruled and trained her dragons. Its labyrinth of ancient corridors and cellars made for perfect filming terrain. Now, this UNESCO World Heritage Site buzzes with life — cafés, boutiques, and GoT-themed tours that let visitors relive Daenerys’ reign in full grandeur.

Few fans forget the chilling opening scene beyond the Wall — filmed in Tollymore Forest Park. This sprawling woodland was also where the Stark children discovered their direwolf pups. Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, its moss-covered trees and whispering streams make it one of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting filming sites.

The rolling valleys and green meadows of the Glens of Antrim became the Dothraki Sea — vast, open, and endlessly cinematic. Visitors can explore the Cushendun Caves, where Melisandre’s shadow creature was born, or hike through sweeping landscapes that feel both ancient and alive. It’s a destination that effortlessly bridges the mystical and the real.

Perhaps no road in the series is as memorable as the Kingsroad — filmed at The Dark Hedges, an avenue of gnarled beech trees planted in the 18th century. Their intertwining branches create a naturally haunting tunnel that’s equally beautiful in sunlight or mist. Whether you’re driving or walking through, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

The jagged cliffs and sea-sculpted rocks of the Basque Coast stood in for Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen. Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika formed the backdrop for Daenerys’ return to Westeros. The rugged beauty of this coastline, with its waves crashing against volcanic stone, captures the power and solitude of her island fortress.

Deep beneath Iceland’s frozen surface lies Grjótagjá, a small lava cave housing a thermal spring. Here, Jon Snow and Ygritte shared their most intimate moment in Game of Thrones. Though bathing is no longer allowed due to high temperatures, the cave still radiates mystery and warmth, echoing one of the show’s most human scenes amid the harsh northern wilds.

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island became the lavish city of Qarth. The island’s Benedictine monastery served as Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ mansion, while the Fort Royal Castle offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Its unspoiled beaches, forest trails, and quiet ruins make it one of Croatia’s most serene escapes — and a hidden gem for GoT fans.

The Royal Alcázar of Seville brought Dorne’s Water Gardens to life, representing the home of House Martell. With its Moorish arches, tiled courtyards, and peaceful fountains, the palace glows with royal splendor. Nearby, the Osuna Bullring appeared as Daznak’s Pit, where Daenerys faced the Sons of the Harpy in one of the show’s most thrilling sequences.

Córdoba’s ancient Roman bridge became the Long Bridge of Volantis, one of the Free Cities’ most striking landmarks. The bridge’s 16 stone arches stretch gracefully across the Guadalquivir River, glowing at sunset. Just beyond the city, the medieval Castle of Almodóvar del Río stood as the proud fortress of House Tyrell in season seven — a symbol of power that even the Lannisters struggled to claim.

The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Northern Ireland: Step Behind the Scenes

For a complete journey through Westeros, the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, is a must. It offers an immersive look at authentic sets, costumes, and props used throughout the series. Visitors can walk through the Great Hall of Winterfell, explore weapon rooms, and even sit upon the Iron Throne itself — a fitting finale to a truly epic adventure.

From the misty highlands of Scotland to the deserts of Morocco, Game of Thrones united continents through its breathtaking cinematography. Today, these locations continue to draw travelers seeking magic in the real world — proof that the legacy of Westeros lives on far beyond the screen.

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