If you’re a HUGE fan of the Game of Thrones, you don’t have to head to the North to experience the TV series IRL. Instead think of heading somewhere just a bit warmer… DYK that there are tons of filming locations from Game of Thrones located in Spain? If you’re planning a trip to Spain, we’ve got you covered. In partnership with the Tourist Office of Spain, we’ve wrapped up all of the spots from Game of Thrones you’ll need to add to your travel bucket list.
Bardenas Reales
Visit the badlands in the south east of Spain called Bardenas Reales. In Game of Thrones this location was the Dothraki Sea. On the continent of Essos, the Dothraki Sea is where Daenerys encounters several of the horse-riding warriors on her journey. IRL Bardenas Reales is much more peaceful with over 700KM of paths to hike and cycle, giving you lots of room to explore.
Image source:Bernard Hermant / Unsplash
Peñíscola
The largest city-state from Slaver’s Bay is Meereen. In real life, Meereen was filmed in a coastal town in the east of Spain called Peñíscola. Lucky for us, there are lots of places in the area for any Game of Thrones’ fan to enjoy. Explore the walls of Calle Mayor or Rampa de Felipe II and the streets of Plaza de Santa María. Spend the day walking through the beautiful Artillery Park where Tyrion, Missandei, and Gray Worm planned the future of the city.
Almería
The region of Almería was used for several filming locations from Game of Thrones. The Alcazaba fortress of Almería was House Martell and Torre de Mesa Roldán was used as part of the city pyramids in Meereen.
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Castle of Zafra
Located in Guadalajara, this 12th century castle appeared as the Tower of Joy. Bran had a vision back to when young Ned Stark and his Kingsguard fought with Ser Arthur Dayne and the Targaryens in season 6. The Castle of Zafra is made of sandstone and sits on top of a large rock overlooking sweeping meadows below. Talk about a view!
Castillo Almodóvar del Río
Another castle with a view is Castillo Almodóvar del Río in Córdoba. In Game of Thrones, this location is known as Highgarden. It’s where Olenna Tyrell said her famous words, admitting she killed King Joffrey, before dying in front of Jamie Lannister.
Image source:Lars Stuifbergen / Unsplash
Plaza de Toros
If you want to get in on the action, visit the small town of Osuna. Game of Thrones filmed for 14 days in Osuna’s Plaza de Toros to capture the fighting pits of Meereen. This classic bullring is no longer used for bullfighting but is open to the public as a tourist attraction. Now all you’ll need to do is imagine Daenerys flying off on the back of her dragon.
Seville
Seville is home to one of the most recognizable filming locations from Game of Thrones. The TV show features the Real Alcázar Palace of Seville as the Water Gardens of House Martell from the warm region of Dorne. Today, the Real Alcázar Palace of Seville is a major tourist attraction full of iconic architecture and can be seen on Contiki’s trip Spain, Morocco & Portugal.
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Roman bridge of Córdoba
This arched bridge was built in real life back in 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir River. After being restored several times, the bridge continues to stand in Córdoba. In Game of Thrones, this bridge was used as the Long Bridge of Volantis. CGI was used to extend the length of the bridge to make it look bigger to connect the two halves of Volantis together.
Gaztelugatxe
Season 7 opens with Daenerys reaching the shores of Dragonstone. The winding footbridge is known as Gaztelugatxe. Located on an island 35KM from Bilbao, Gaztelugatxe is an islet that is connected by a man-made bridge to the mainland.
Image source:Nuri Lopez / Unsplash
Itzurun Beach
The iconic diagonal cliffs of Dragonstone are from Itzurun Beach in Zumaia. Throughout Season 7, you’ll see Daenerys and Jon Snow discuss strategy to take over Westeros on these sands. Itzurun beach is a 1-hour drive outside of Bilbao and makes the perfect day trip while travelling throughout Spain.
Castell de Santa Florentina
This 11th century medieval castle in Barcelona was House Tarly in Game of Thrones. Samwell Tarly and Gilly spend time here during Season 6. If you’re thinking of visiting, this location is private property but definitely still worth the visit for the view alone.
Girona
The city of Girona acted as the town of Braavos where Arya Stark spent her time to learn from the Faceless Men. Spend your days exploring the streets of Girona’s Jewish Quarter where Arya practiced her skills in public. You can also visit the Girona’s Arab Baths. Not only is it the place where Arya tries to escape from the Waif, it also has historical significance in the area dating back to the 12th century.
Finally, Girona’s cathedral is the spot where Cersei burnt down a building with wildfire. Although Kind’s Landing is located in Dubronvik in real life, Girona’s cathedral used CGI to depict the building’s destruction from the distance.
Image source:Joan Villalon / Unsplash
Cáceres
This city in Spain was introduced in Season 7 as part of King’s Landing. The Old Town of Cáceres was the perfect spot to film Euron Greyjoy bringing his captives back to King’s Landing. The Castle of Trujillo in Cáceres also acted as Casterly Rock when the Unsuilled acted the Lannisters.
Itálica Amphitheater
A 20-minute drive from Seville, the Itálica Amphitheater in Andalusia was used by Game of Thrones in Season 7. You’ll recognize it as the place where both Queens met to discuss negotiations and the threat of the North.
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And that’s a wrap on the filming locations from Game of Thrones in Spain. Ready to book your trip to Spain? Check out Contiki’s trips to Spain.
This article was sponsored in partnership by the Tourist Office of Spain.
