Filming Locations: On the Trail of Game of Thrones

What if you followed the tracks of this cult series? I have designed for you a world tour inspired by the iconic filming locations.

Join me on this journey that will take you through countries as diverse as Croatia, Iceland, or Morocco. You will discover deserts and oceans, cities and islands, lakes and geysers... Follow in my footsteps and let's live this beautiful adventure together.

What if you followed in the footsteps of this cult series?

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik is the first stop on our itinerary. After being heavily bombarded, it has regained its character with its monasteries, fountains, and small squares. It lent its outlines to the capital of Westeros, otherwise known as King's Landing. This is where the plot thickens, making it an essential destination. In the same way, one can see the Croatian arboretum of Trsteno in the series. It contains many rare exotic species. The icing on the cake: its pavilion offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic, making it an unforgettable spectacle.

Let's now embark for Northern Ireland. South of Belfast, let's visit County Down, and more specifically Castle Ward alias Winterfell. Once there, I recommend you put on period clothing and practice archery.

In Ireland, you cannot miss the Dark Hedges, this avenue lined with twisted beech trees between Black Castle and King's Landing. I recommend this place which die-hard fans of the series know as Kingsroad.
On a cloudy day, the light struggles to filter through the branches creating an intriguing atmosphere. Note that for the filming, the asphalt ground had to be covered with mud. Finally, let's make a stop in the fishing village of Ballintoy nestled within a rocky formation. It's up to you to spot the Game of Thrones plaque put up by the locals!

Spain seems to compose a perfect country judging by the number of episodes that were filmed there. Not only does the Alcazar of Seville appear as the Palace of Dorne but also the Girona Cathedral which corresponds to the free city of Braavos. Moreover, the director chose spectacular landscapes. 
Take for instance the Basque Country with the island of Gatzelugatxe on the coast of Biscay. The project was to use these steep cliffs as the setting for Dragstone.

A few miles away is the Itzurun beach, which also appears in Dragstone. To end, the Bardenas Reales desert in Navarre served as the backdrop for the vast plains of Essos and the Dothraki sea.

Then let's head to North Africa, and more specifically to Morocco. What better spot than Essaouira can one imagine, a city tailor-made? This Vauban fortress on the Atlantic once served as a haven for pirates. In the 60s, hippies traveled to this authentic place, and the Game of Thrones crews brought their cameras here. 

It is here, you hear in Astapor, that Daenerys organized her army and set off to conquer the seven kingdoms. Another fortified town nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains: Aït Benhaddou, which for the series, transformed into the city of Yunkai. This citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is familiar to you. Some scenes from the movies Lawrence of Arabia or Gladiator were filmed there.