Sailing with Dragons: A Tour in Game of Thrones Filming Locations

One of the most popular TV series in the history of TV, you can visit some of the beautiful Game of Thrones filming locations around the world. Did you know that some of the most haunting scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed in Croatia? Let’s go on a unique boat tour, from King’s Landing to the Red Keep, with stopovers at other iconic GoT locations.

Here is a unique Game Thrones guide to boating for all dragon lovers out there.

Sail in Croatia, one of the top Game of Thrones filming locations

When looking for idyllic locations combining natural beauty and medieval castles, the series’ producers picked Croatia. Dubrovnik, a medieval city famous for its defensive fortifications, is home to King’s Landing. The capital of the Seven Crowns is where Cercei Lannister weaves her notorious plots.

The scenes of the slave city of Meereen, conquered by Khaleesi and her dragons, were filmed in the famous Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

For an island-hopping trip, we recommend Brac, Hvar, Vis and the Hell Islands near Split. And then there is Sibenik, where you might encounter some of the shrewd bankers of the Iron Bank of Braavos.

Check out our guide to boating in Croatia for more information.

Discover San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, aka Dragonstone

Daenerys’s return to Westeros after many years in exile. Jon Snow’s first encounter with Drogon, the fearsome dragon. And of course the former headquarters of a troubled soul called Stannis Baratheon. There is no doubt that Dragonstone is an iconic location in the imaginary world of George R. R. Martin. In real life, it’s the castle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. It’s located in the Basque Country, in Spain. As depicted in GoT, rough waters surround the medieval castle. It has a rich history of its own, making it an ideal choice as a Game of Thrones filming location. To mention just one legend around it: St John reached the castle in just three strides – today, you can still see the footprint left by his last step. Nowadays, you can visit this place by car from Bilbao or by renting a boat in Santander.

Malta, the island of the knights

Which island could serve better as a filming location for a TV series with a medieval vibe than Malta? Ruled for many centuries by the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, you will find no fewer than seven GoT filming locations!

Starting with San Anton Palace and Fort St Angelo, featured in the series as Red Keep. Or the walled city of Mdina, used to depict parts of King’s Landing.

Sadly, the location of Daenerys’ unfortunate wedding with Khal Drogo does not exist any more. The ‘Azure Window’ was a natural arch made of limestone on the nearby island of Gozo. The arch collapsed in 2017 during a storm.

Last but not least, visit Fort Manoel on Manoel island to check out the magnificent Great Sept of Baelor.