Love Game of Thrones? You’ll Love These Destinations

Games of Thrones enthusiasts won’t need reminding that the new and last ever series started this week! If you are a big fan and are looking for some holiday destination inspiration, there are some amazing places to visit where the iconic series has been filmed over the years – many now offer special Game of Thrones location tours too.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

A Unesco World Heritage Site and a gorgeous holiday destination on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik now has added appeal thanks to being the location of the King’s Landing on the HBO show. Channel Tyrion Lannister when explore the winding cobbled streets of the medieval old town followed by a climb to the fortress and theatre at Fort Lovrijenac, perched on the cliff front overlooking the fictional Blackwater Bay. Beware that it gets very busy and crowded in the summer months thanks to exposure given by the show, so much so that steps are being taken to limit visitor numbers in peak season.

Iceland

Iceland provided the stunning backdrop for many locations in the Kingdoms of Westeros. The glacier landscapes of Snæfellsjökull and Svínafellsjöku were adapted as the winter world north of the border and the rock sculpture Kirkjufell was often referenced in the show as the “mountain shaped like an arrowhead”. The dramatic, moss covered crags at Hengill and Thingvellir National Park also were used as the landscape of the Vale.

Gaztelugatxe, Spain

Rocky island landscape was also the scene for Dragonstone, found off the coast Bermeo near Bilbao , Spain. Although you won’t find Targaryen’s castle here (created by clever CGI) the treacherous, cliff top stairway does exist, with thousands of visitors now making a pilgrimage each year thanks to the popularity of the show making it a must-visit spot.

Northern Ireland

Nearer to home, Northern Ireland is the unofficial home of Games of Thrones, with over 25 filming locations used on the series. Winterfell was created at Castle Ward in County Down, a National Trust site that, following the success of the show has hosted guided Game of Thrones tours, archery classes and even had a Winterfell Festival. The capital Belfast also, with the main soundstage based at the Titanic Studios, has a large Games of Thrones exhibition at TEC Belfast, complete with costumes, sets, props and the iconic Iron Throne.

Seville, Spain

The royal palace of the Alcázar of Seville, another Unesco World Heritage Site, is the setting for Sunspear, the sunny Dornish home of the House Martell and the Sand Snakes. The palace boasts Mudéjar architecture and it’s surrounding gardens are gorgeous, so it’s a place both Game of Thrones fans and those (few) oblivious to the show will love.