Check out my list of the most impressive Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain. Without a doubt, Game of Throneswas the biggest TV show of the last decade, with millions of loyal fans worldwide. Many of its stunning landscapes and castles were filmed right here in Spain. Who wouldn’t want to visit those incredible fantasy locations in real life?

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Top Filming Locations of Game of Thrones in Spain

Game of Thrones Locations Around the World

When it comes to breathtaking, “out of this world” places on screen, it’s hard to top Game of Thrones. Magical castles, enchanted gardens, fascinating landscapes – come on! Even if you’re not a die-hard GoT fan, you can’t deny the exceptional job the show’s creators did in showcasing the beauty of our world. The internet is flooded with posts revealing GoT filming locations across Europe, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of them in Malta, Dubrovnik, and Iceland. Now, I hope to explore the Game of Thrones spots in Ireland and Morocco soon. But all these posts are popular for a reason – the GoT filming locations often highlight some of the most stunning landmarks in their respective countries. As someone who’s constantly exploring Spain, from its most touristy spots to hidden gems, I can no longer ignore the Game of Thrones buzz. So, let’s dive into some of my favorite filming locations in Spain!

Game of Thrones Locations to Visit in Spain

1. Gaztelugatxe in The Basque Country / Northern Spain

The spectacular isle of Gaztelugatxe, located in the Basque Country, is a must-visit on any Northern Spain itinerary and a popular day trip from Bilbao. While the castle seen in Game of Thrones Season 7 is CGI (Computer-generated imagery), the real site is home to a 10th-century hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist. Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington filmed many scenes on the iconic winding bridge that connects the mainland to the isle. The hike to the top is quite steep, but rewarding. As this location has become very popular, it’s advisable to book your entrance online in advance to avoid crowds.

2. Seville

Seville’s Alcazar is a must-stop on any Southern Spain road trip and was featured in Game of Thrones as the setting for Dorne. The Royal Alcazar is a UNESCO World Heritage site, designated in 1987, and is often described as one of the top fairy-tale destinations in Spain, straight out of a storybook. This architectural marvel is a must-see on any Seville itinerary. Almost everything from Dorne‘s palace scenes to its stunning gardens in Season 5 was filmed here. The House Martell’s Water Gardens, for example, were set in the Alcazar’s Courtyard of the Maidens, one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain. Many people assume that the Great Pit from Season 5 – when Daenerys escapes on the back of her dragon from the Sons of the Harpy – was also filmed in Seville. However, that dramatic scene was actually shot in the Plaza de Toros in Osuna, a small rural town located 87 kilometers from Seville.

3. Cordoba

Two more Game of Thrones filming locations in southern Spain are in Cordoba, one of my favorite spots in the region. The Roman Bridge of Cordoba, one of the top Roman ruins in Spain, and Castillo Almodovar del Rio, located 30 km from the city, were both featured in the series. The Roman Bridge stood in for the entrance to the Free City of Volantis, while the castle served as the backdrop for two different kingdoms – Tyrell’s Highgarden and the dungeons of Casterly Rock.

4. Peniscola

The Castle of Pope Luna in Peñíscola appears in Game of Thrones as the city of Meereen. Several locations in Peñíscola were used for filming, including Plaza Santa María, Peñíscola Castle, and Parque de la Artillería. Rising 67 meters above the Mediterranean, Peñíscola Castle was the residence of Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna) from 1417 to 1423. Built in the 13th century on the remains of an Arab fortress, this castle is considered one of Spain’s dreamiest and is a must-see on any Valencia day trip. It’s also close to another gem, Morella – surprisingly overlooked as a filming location for Game of Thrones. You can read more about my visit to Peñiscola in this post.

5. Almeria

The unique, wide, and dry landscapes of Almeria, often referred to as the Spanish Wild West, served as the filming location for the lands of the Dothraki in Game of Thrones. This region has a long history with filmmakers, as the iconic Wild West scenes in movies like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly were also shot in the Tabernas Desert of Almeria. In GoT Season 6, scenes depicting Vaes Dothrak, the Dothraki capital, as well as parts of Meereen (filmed in Cabo de Gata Natural Park), were captured in this sunny Spanish province. The creators of Game of Thrones also couldn’t miss the Alcazaba of Almeria, which is frequently listed among Spain’s most unique castles.

Another GoT filming location with similar lunar landscapes is Bardenas Reales Natural Park, which I had the pleasure of exploring during a recent Navarra road trip.

6. Girona

As the largest city on the Spanish Costa Brava, Girona is featured in Game of Thrones during Season 6. The city’s old town serves as the Free City of Essos and Arya Stark’s home. Girona’s cathedral also doubles as the Great Sept of Baelor, which is famously destroyed by wildfire at the hands of Cersei Lannister. Exploring Girona’s filming locations has become a popular weekend trip idea from Barcelona.

Another unique filming location in Catalonia is Castell de Santa Florentina, a hidden gem near Barcelona. This castle was used as House Tarly’s home in Game of Thrones Season 6.

7. The Castle of Zafra

The most remote and secret Game of Thrones filming location in Spain is undoubtedly the 12th-century Castle of Zafra in the Guadalajara region. In the TV show, it appears as the Tower of Joy, the home of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. It is also the birthplace of their son Aegon Targaryen (without giving away any spoilers for those who haven’t watched the final seasons, but you know who he is if you’re a fan). This location is in the middle of nowhere, but visiting it could be easily included in a Madrid to Barcelona road trip, an Aragon road trip, or a weekend getaway to Albarracín.

8. Basque Country Beaches

Zumaia Beach is known as one of the most stunning beaches in Northern Spain. Honestly, no photo can do this place justice. It’s no wonder that the epic scene from Season 7 of Game of Thrones, when Jon Snow arrives at Dragonstone, was filmed here. In the summer, Zumaia Beach can get crowded, so make sure to visit during low tide. Additionally, you should check out Muriola Beach (Barrika), which also served as a filming location for the Dragonstone surroundings. Zumaia Beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs and is a must-visit stop on any Basque Country itinerary.

Map of Game of Thrones locations in Spain

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