If you’ve ever watched HBO’s epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, you know that the fictional land of Westeros is a place of breathtaking beauty, intrigue, and of course, dragon-fueled drama. But what you may not know is that many of those stunning landscapes that served as backdrops for the show’s most iconic moments can actually be found in the very real country of Spain.
From sun-drenched southern provinces to the rugged northern wilderness, the creators of Game of Thrones have masterfully woven the Iberian Peninsula into the fabric of the Seven Kingdoms. So, grab your Valyrian steel and get ready to explore the 13 must-visit Game of Thrones Spain locations that will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of Daenerys, Jon Snow, and the rest of the characters we love (and love to hate).
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone Castle)
Probably one of the most famous Game of Thrones locations in Spain, this islet became the approach to Dragonstone castle in Season 7. It features in scenes of Daenerys’ return to her ancestral home.
Hike up to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the morning. Spend the afternoon in nearby Bilbao, perhaps visiting the Guggenheim Museum.
Tip: Booking ahead is mandatory for San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Reserve your free ticket at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season.
Zafra Castle (The Tower of Joy)
Zafra Castle became the Tower of Joy in Season 6 flashbacks, revealing the truth about Jon Snow’s parentage.
Visit the remote castle, then spend the afternoon hiking in the beautiful Sierra de Caldereros.
Tip: Zafra Castle is privately owned and not always open to visitors. Check in advance if tours are available during your visit.
Royal Alcazar of Seville (House Martell)
The Alcazar portrayed the Water Gardens of Dorne, home to House Martell, in Seasons 5 and 6. Several key scenes with the Sand Snakes were filmed here.
Dedicate a full day to the Alcazar and its gardens. Follow up with an evening flamenco show.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
Bardenas Reales Natural Park (Dothraki Sea)
The park’s desert-like landscape became the Dothraki Sea in Season 6, where Daenerys is found by a khalasar.
Spend a day exploring the unique landscapes of the park. Consider a guided tour to see the best spots.
Tip: The park can get extremely hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Exploring Game of Thrones filming in Spain can be tiring indeed.
Girona Cathedral (Great Sept of Baelor)
Another famous Game of Thrones Spain location, the cathedral stood in for the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing during Season 6, including the dramatic scene of its destruction.
Start with a morning tour of the cathedral. Then explore Girona’s old town, including the Jewish Quarter and the city walls.
Tip: Climbing the cathedral tower offers panoramic views of Girona, but it’s a narrow staircase, so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze.
Cordoba – Roman Bridge (Long Bridge of Volantis)
This ancient bridge became the Long Bridge of Volantis in Season 5. It’s where Tyrion and Varys walk, discussing their journey to meet Daenerys. CGI was used to add multiple levels of shops and buildings.
Start your day in Cordoba early at the Roman Bridge. Then visit the nearby Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning mosque-turned-cathedral. End your day with a stroll through the picturesque Jewish Quarter.
Tip: The Mezquita-Catedral can get crowded, so consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Trujillo Castle (Casterly Rock)
This castle represented Casterly Rock, the Lannister stronghold, in Season 7 when it was attacked by the Unsullied.
Visit the castle in the morning, then explore Trujillo‘s beautiful Plaza Mayor in the afternoon.
Tip: The castle offers night tours during summer, providing a unique perspective of the fortress.
Amphitheatre of Italica (The Dragon Pit)
This Amphitheatre hosted the pivotal Dragon Pit scene in the Season 7 finale, where major characters gathered to discuss the threat of the White Walkers. It also appeared in the series finale.
Visit Italica in the morning to beat the crowds. Afterward, head to Seville to explore the city center and enjoy some tapas.
Tip: Italica is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Peñíscola (Meereen)
This coastal town became parts of Meereen in Season 6, featuring in scenes with Tyrion, Varys, Grey Worm, and Missandei.
Explore the old town and castle in the morning. Spend the afternoon in Peñíscola relaxing on the beach.
Tip: The castle in Peñíscola offers audio guides, which can enhance your visit with historical information.
Itzurun Beach (Dragonstone beach)
This beach portrayed Dragonstone’s shoreline in Season 7, including scenes of Daenerys’ arrival and Jon Snow’s exploration of dragonglass caves.
Enjoy the beach in the morning. In the afternoon, take a coastal walk or visit nearby Zumaia town.
Tip: Be aware of the tides at Itzurun Beach, as the beach can become quite narrow during high tide.
Cáceres (King’s Landing)
The old town of Cáceres became parts of King’s Landing in Season 7, with its medieval architecture providing a perfect backdrop.
Spend a day wandering the old town, visiting its palaces and towers. Don’t miss the Co-cathedral of Santa María.
Tip: Many of Cáceres’ attractions are free to visit on certain days, so research beforehand to potentially save on entrance fees.
Castillo Almodovar del Rio (Highgarden)
This castle portrayed Highgarden, home of House Tyrell, in Season 7. It’s where Jaime Lannister led the Lannister army to defeat Olenna Tyrell.
Spend a morning exploring the castle. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Córdoba for sightseeing.
Tip: The castle offers guided tours, which can provide interesting historical context alongside Game of Thrones trivia.
Alcazaba Fortress of Almeria (House Martell)
The fortress represented parts of Dorne in Season 6, complementing scenes shot at the Alcazar of Seville.
Visit the Alcazaba in the morning. In the afternoon, explore Almeria‘s old town and cathedral.
Tip: The Alcazaba is free to visit on Sundays, which can save you the entrance fee.
Plan a Thrilling Tour of Game of Thrones Spain Locations
As you plan your journey through these incredible Game of Thrones locations in Spain, remember that you’re not just visiting filming sites – you’re stepping into the Spanish history and culture that made these places the perfect backdrop for the world of Westeros. From the sunny streets of Seville to the rugged coastlines of the Basque Country, each of these locations offers a unique blend of fantasy and reality.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and historical architecture, these Game of Thrones sites provide an unforgettable travel experience. As you walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters, you’ll discover that the real magic of these places goes far beyond what you’ve seen on screen.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to be amazed. Your tour of the Seven Kingdoms awaits in the heart of Spain. Who knows? You might even hear the distant roar of dragons as you explore these awe-inspiring Game of Thrones locations in Spain. The journey through Westeros – and Spain – of a lifetime begins now!
One Response
Great collection!
Been to Dragonstone in the Basques and it was unforgettable