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HBO’s Game of Thrones is one of the most-watched and most-discussed television series in the world. Before you settle in to watch the season 8 premiere, check out a few of our favorite Game of Thrones filming locations and the best ways to see them with Ker & Downey.

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Have To Visit - Ker & Downey TravelMdina gate in Malta

Malta

If you’ve been a Game of Thrones fan since the beginning, you’ll recognize Malta as the original location of King’s Landing (filming later moved to Croatia, more on that below). Nevertheless, there are several Game of Thrones filming locations to uncover on this island. See Mdina’s main gate, where Catelyn and Ned Stark bid each other farewell, plus the sites of Ned Stark’s capture, Littlefinger’s Pleasure House, and the Red Keep’s prison.

The most exclusive location in Malta is the Verdala Palace, the official summer residence of the President of Malta. Verdala was filmed as Illyrio’s mansion, the place where Daenerys and Khal Drogo met for the first time. It’s off-limits to the public, but with Ker & Downey and a private local guide, you will have exclusive access to its corridors.

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Have To Visit - Ker & Downey TravelDubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia

Perhaps the best-known filming location for Game of Thrones, visitors will find a treasure trove of sites throughout Croatia. First is Dubrovnik, the setting of King’s Landing since the show’s second season. This ancient walled city provided the show’s visionaries with a variety of architectural exteriors to help bring the sets to life. Dubrovnik’s Minceta Tower also doubles as the mysterious House of the Undying in Qarth, where Daenerys searches for her dragons. Stunning Fort Lovrijenac also doubles as the royal residence, the Red Keep.

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Have To Visit - Ker & Downey TravelKlis Fortress near Split, Croatia

Croatia’s Split is another important stop on any Game of Thrones tour. For more than 1,000 years Split has been a safe haven behind two-meter-thick walls. You’ll find a remarkable ensemble of Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and other architectural remains, and a population that has descended from its original inhabitants: fleeing Roman refugees.

It was within Diocletian’s Palace that Daenerys and her faithful Unsullied led the Meereenese slave revolt and conquered the city in season 4. With Ker & Downey, you can meet an expert local historian for your own tour of the palace. You will also recognize Klis Fortress, an ancient stronghold overlooking the city, as part of the city of Meereen. Channel your inner warrior with a swordplay and archery class inside the fortress—you’ll leave ready to join up with Daenerys’ armies!

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Have To Visit - Ker & Downey TravelAlcazar Palace in Seville, Spain

Spain

In season 5, additional footage of Meereen was captured in the tiny town of Osuna, Spain, in the region of Seville. This area is best known as the setting for the tropical kingdom of Dorne. As you walk through the palaces and gardens of Alcazar, you will recognize the courtyards where the Ellaria and the Sand Snakes schemed, and where Trystane Martell courted Myrcella Baratheon. We suggest experiencing a bit of local flair with private wine and tapas tastings and one of the best Flamenco shows in Andalusia.

The crew of Game of Thrones filmed an extensive amount of season 6 in Girona, a beautiful medieval city just north of Barcelona. Fans will recognize scenes from Braavos, Oldtown, and King’s Landing within its streets. The main Girona Cathedral served as the setting for one of the pivotal scenes of the season: when Jamie Lannister and his troops marched to prevent Queen Margaery’s walk of atonement. The cathedral’s interior was filmed as the Great Sept of Baelor, where Cersei’s destructive plot played out in the final episode of season 6. Ker & Downey can reveal these destinations with after-hours access and behind-the-scenes tours, and we can show you a completely different perspective of the city by water. Enjoy a sail around Costa Brava in 80-feet private schooner while your professional chef host prepares an unforgettable dinner.

Game Of Thrones Filming Locations You Have To Visit - Ker & Downey TravelGirona Cathedral facade and steps in Girona, Spain

More Game of Thrones Filming Locations

If you’re brave enough to head “north of The Wall”, we suggest checking out the famous Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland and Northern Ireland. Click here to read more.

The final season of Game of Thrones premieres Sunday, April 14 on HBO.

Want to see the Game of Thrones settings for yourself? Contact the Ker & Downey luxury travel consultants to begin planning your own epic journey.

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