- Travel Enthusiast
- Nov 12
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 16
THE FILMING LOCATIONS OF GAME OF THRONES IN SPAIN
Spain gave Game of Thrones some of its most unforgettable real-world locations. When the production needed sunlit palaces for Dorne, ancient bridges for Essos, medieval streets for King’s Landing, or a wild, windswept coastline for Dragonstone, they came here.
Across 14 filming locations in 8 Spanish provinces, the series transformed royal palaces, medieval towns, and rugged landscapes into the heart of Westeros and beyond.
This guide takes you through the most iconic filming locations of Game of Thrones in Spain – from Andalusia up to the Basque Country. For each stop, you’ll find the exact place that was used, the scenes filmed there, and helpful tips to help you visit.
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SEVILLE - THE WATER GARDENS OF DORNE
Filming Location: Real Alcázar of Seville, Andalusia
The Real Alcázar, Seville’s royal palace and a masterpiece of Moorish design, became the Water Gardens of Sunspear, home to House Martell. Built in the 10th century and still in use by Spain’s royal family, the Alcázar’s intricate arches, colorful tilework, and tranquil courtyards captured Dorne’s elegance perfectly.
The lush gardens and glittering pools made the setting as much a character as any in the series – and they remain one of the most breathtaking sights in Spain today.
Scenes Filmed: Several key moments set in Dorne were filmed here, including Prince Doran Martell’s court meetings, Myrcella and Trystane’s romantic scenes by the pools, and Jaime and Bronn’s infiltration of the palace gardens.
Tips: Book your tickets online in advance and visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. You can easily pair your visit with the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, both just a short walk away.
OSUNA - THE FIGHTING PITS OF MEEREEN
Filming Location: Plaza de Toros, Osuna (Andalusia)
The quiet town of Osuna, an hour east of Seville, became one of the show’s most dramatic locations – the Fighting Pits of Meereen. Its 18th-century bullring, Plaza de Toros, set the stage for Daenerys’ rescue by Drogon in one of the series’ most unforgettable episodes. With its grand stone terraces and sweeping arena, it was the perfect backdrop for Meereen’s chaos and spectacle.
Today, the town honors its role in the series with a small museum exhibition displaying photos, costumes, and props. Beyond its Game of Thrones fame, Osuna’s charming streets and Andalusian architecture make it worth the short detour from Seville.
Scenes Filmed: The Great Pit of Daznak sequence was filmed here, featuring Daenerys’ confrontation with her enemies and Drogon’s dramatic arrival.
Tips: Plan a morning visit to avoid the midday heat, explore the local museum for behind-the-scenes details, and pair your trip with a visit to Seville’s Real Alcázar to see two of the show’s most striking worlds come to life.
CÓRDOBA - THE LONG BRIDGE OF VOLANTIS
Filming Location: Roman Bridge of Córdoba, Andalusia
Córdoba’s ancient Roman Bridge, dating back to the 1st century BCE, transformed into the Long Bridge of Volantis, one of the great cities of Essos. Spanning the Guadalquivir River with 16 graceful arches, it created the perfect illusion of a bustling trading hub filled with merchants, priests, and travelers – just as the show’s creators imagined Volantis to be. The production digitally extended the bridge and added towers and market stalls, but the real structure already carried centuries of history.
Standing here today, with the Mezquita-Catedral rising in the distance, it’s easy to see why the filmmakers chose Córdoba’s timeless skyline to capture the spirit of Essos.
Scenes Filmed: The bridge was used for Tyrion and Varys’ journey across Volantis, with wide shots showing the city’s lively atmosphere and the followers of the Lord of Light lining the bridge.
Tips: Visit near sunset for golden light and fewer crowds, then enjoy the views from the Calahorra Tower.
ALMODÓVAR DEL RÍO - THE STRONGHOLD OF HIGHGARDEN
Filming Location: Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, near Córdoba
Rising above the Guadalquivir Valley, the Castillo de Almodóvar del Río became Highgarden, the seat of House Tyrell. Its towers, battlements, and golden-hued stone made it a natural choice to portray the Tyrells’ elegant yet powerful world. Built in the 8th century by the Moors and later restored, the castle’s mix of Andalusian and medieval influences mirrors the grandeur seen on screen.
Inside, you’ll find vaulted halls, displays of medieval armor, and terraces offering panoramic views that capture the same light and beauty that defined Highgarden in the series.
Scenes Filmed: The castle appeared in Season 7 during Jaime Lannister’s attack on Highgarden and his final encounter with Olenna Tyrell.
Tips: Drive from Córdoba in the morning to enjoy cooler weather, explore the castle before noon, and stop in the village of Almodóvar del Río for a traditional Andalusian lunch before heading back.
CÁCERES - KING'S LANDING AND OLDTOWN
Filming Location: Historic Center of Cáceres, Extremadura
The medieval city of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as both King’s Landing and Oldtown in Season 7. With its honey-colored stone, fortified walls, and mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it perfectly captured the grandeur and intrigue of Westeros’ most powerful cities. The production used several locations within the historic center, transforming its ancient streets into two distinct worlds – the political heart of the realm and the scholarly home of the Citadel.
Cáceres’ preserved architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it one of Spain’s most cinematic historic centers – an ideal stop between Madrid and Seville.
Scenes Filmed: Cáceres was featured in Season 7 as both King’s Landing and Oldtown, including scenes of Jaime’s arrival, Arya’s return, and Samwell Tarly’s journey.
Tips: Stay overnight to experience the quiet charm of the old town after dark, explore on foot to find familiar filming spots, and don’t miss the views from the Torre de Bujaco.
LOS BARRUECOS - THE LOOT TRAIN BATTLE
Filming Location: Los Barruecos Natural Monument, Malpartida de Cáceres (Extremadura)
Los Barruecos, a protected natural area dotted with enormous granite boulders and quiet ponds, became the setting for one of the most unforgettable battles in Game of Thrones – the Loot Train Battle. With its rugged rock formations, wide fields, and still waters, the landscape offered a raw, cinematic backdrop that needed almost no modification for the show’s most explosive sequence of Season 7.
The combination of open plains and dramatic boulders created the perfect stage for the confrontation between Daenerys’ Dothraki horde and the Lannister army. Walking through the site today, it’s easy to recognize the natural features that shaped the battle’s most intense moments.
Scenes Filmed: The entire Loot Train Battle (“The Spoils of War”) was shot here, including Drogon’s sweeping fire attacks, Jaime’s charge, and Tyrion watching from the hillside.
Tips: The site is a short drive from Cáceres and easy to explore on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to follow the marked paths around the boulders and ponds, and bring water – shade is limited and temperatures can get high depending on the season.
CASTILLO DE ZAFRA - THE TOWER OF JOY
Filming Location: Campillo de Dueñas, Guadalajara
Hidden deep in the province of Guadalajara, the Castillo de Zafra became the Tower of Joy, the setting of one of Game of Thrones’ most emotional revelations. Built in the 12th century, this fortress rises from a rocky sandstone outcrop in complete isolation, surrounded by the vast plains of the Molina–Alto Tajo region.
The site’s remote beauty and haunting stillness made it the perfect choice for the flashback that redefined Jon Snow’s lineage. Today, it remains one of Spain’s most striking and cinematic castles, accessible only by rural roads through the quiet landscapes of Castilla–La Mancha.
Scenes Filmed: Zafra appeared in Season 6 during Ned Stark’s flashback duel and Lyanna Stark’s final moments revealing Jon Snow’s lineage.
Tips: Drive from Madrid (around 2.5 hours) with supplies and good shoes, as the last stretch is an unpaved road, and allow time to enjoy the quiet landscape surrounding the castle.
PEÑÍSCOLA - THE STREETS OF MEEREEN
Filming Location: Peñíscola Old Town, Castellón (Valencian Community)
Peñíscola’s fortified old town, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Mediterranean, became one of the most memorable portrayals of Meereen. Its maze of whitewashed streets, archways, coastal walls, and sudden sea views made it the perfect backdrop for Daenerys’ rule in Slaver’s Bay. The production used several spots around the castle, the city walls, and the steep alleys leading up to the historic center, bringing Meereen’s sunlit streets to life without heavy CGI.
Scenes Filmed: The old town appeared throughout Seasons 6, including Tyrion and Varys walking through the streets of Meereen, the Sons of the Harpy ambush, and several exterior shots around the city walls.
Tips: Visit early in the day for quieter streets, walk up to Peñíscola Castle for sea views, and, if you have a car, continue to Serra d’Irta Natural Park just south of town for a quieter stretch of coastline.
GIRONA - THE STREETS OF BRAAVOS AND KING'S LANDING
Filming Location: Old Town of Girona, Catalonia
Girona’s old town became one of the most versatile filming locations in Spain, standing in for both Braavos and King’s Landing. Its narrow stone alleys, grand cathedral steps, and Romanesque landmarks gave Arya Stark’s storyline a striking backdrop that fans instantly recognize. The production used several areas around the cathedral and the medieval walls, transforming Girona into the mysterious canals and markets of Braavos.
Today, the city’s timeless character and elevated viewpoints still carry that same cinematic feel, making it one of Catalonia’s most atmospheric historic centers.
Scenes Filmed: Girona appeared throughout Seasons 6 and 7, including Arya’s chase through Braavos, the Great Sept’s exterior at Girona Cathedral, and Citadel interiors filmed at Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery.
Tips: Take the high-speed train from Barcelona, join a Game of Thrones tour to visit key filming locations, and walk the city walls for panoramic views over Girona’s rooftops.
SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE - THE CLIFFS OF DRAGONSTONE
Filming Location: Basque Country, near Bermeo
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, perched dramatically on Spain’s northern coast between Bakio and Bermeo, became Dragonstone, Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestral home. A winding stone bridge with more than 200 steps connects the mainland to a tiny chapel atop the cliffs, offering sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay. The location’s rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and wild coastal scenery gave the series one of its most powerful visuals – and in person, it feels just as striking as it did on screen.
Scenes Filmed: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was used for Daenerys’ arrival at Dragonstone and Jon Snow’s meeting with her in later episodes.
Tips: Check if a free access ticket is required before visiting on the official Bizkaia website and wear comfortable shoes for the 241-step climb. If you’re staying in Bilbao, consider joining this guided day trip to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka.
BARDENAS REALES - THE DOTHRAKI SEA
Filming Location: Bardenas Reales Natural Park, Navarre
Bardenas Reales, a vast semi-desert in northern Spain near Tudela, brought the Dothraki Sea to life. Its eroded cliffs, dry ravines, and golden plateaus created an otherworldly landscape that perfectly matched the sweeping scenes of Daenerys’ journey across Essos. The park’s lunar-like terrain, carved by centuries of wind and water, gave the series a sense of scale and wildness rarely found in Europe. In person, its silence and shifting light make it one of Spain’s most striking and surreal natural settings.
Scenes Filmed: The park appeared in Daenerys’ capture by the Dothraki and the wide aerial shots of the horde crossing the plains.
Tips: Bring plenty of water, and consider a guided 4x4 tour for easier access to remote areas.
OTHER FILMING LOCATIONS IN SPAIN
Filming Locations: Almería, Trujillo & Zumaia
Spain’s cinematic beauty stretches far beyond its main filming hubs, and Game of Thrones made use of every corner to bring Westeros and Essos to life.
In Almería, the Alcazaba Fortress – a masterpiece of Moorish architecture overlooking the Mediterranean – became a striking setting for the series. Its ancient walls and sea views reveal centuries of Andalusian history, while the surrounding desert landscapes give the area a raw, cinematic atmosphere.
Further north, the Castle of Trujillo rises above one of Extremadura’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its sturdy walls and commanding hilltop position create a sense of timeless strength that fits perfectly within the world of Westeros.
On the Basque coast, Itzurun Beach in Zumaia impresses with its dramatic cliffs and layered rock formations shaped by the Atlantic. It remains one of the region’s most distinctive coastal spots – wild, scenic, and unforgettable in person.
Scenes Filmed: Almería featured Meereen’s exteriors and Dothraki scenes, Trujillo appeared as King’s Landing in Season 7, and Zumaia’s beach was used for Daenerys’ arrival at Dragonstone.
Tips: Combine Trujillo and Cáceres in a single trip to explore both of Extremadura’s filming sites, or pair Zumaia with Gaztelugatxe for a complete Dragonstone experience.
PLANNING YOUR GAME OF THRONES JOURNEY THROUGH SPAIN
Best time to visit:
The best time to explore Spain’s Game of Thrones filming locations is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are lighter.
Summer can be very hot, especially in Andalusia, so spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring comfortably and enjoying the scenery at its best.
Regions and routes:
You can visit the filming locations region by region:
Southern Spain (Andalusia): Seville → Osuna → Córdoba → Almodóvar del Río
Central Spain (Extremadura & Castilla–La Mancha): Cáceres → Los Barruecos → Zafra
Eastern Spain (Valencian Community): Peñíscola
Northern Spain (Catalonia & Basque Country): Girona → Gaztelugatxe → Bardenas Reales
Getting around:
Spain’s AVE trains connect cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Girona via Madrid or Barcelona.
Renting a car is the easiest way to reach remote filming sites such as Gaztelugatxe, Zafra, and Bardenas Reales.
Guided tours are available if you want to visit specific filming spots and learn how these historic landmarks were transformed for the series.
