8 Best Game of Thrones Spain Locations

Many fans know that most Game of Thrones filming locations are in the mesmerizing Croatia (also my homeland, I have to brag). But Croatia was not the only star of the show. Spain played a huge role in depicting Dorne, Dragonstone, and King’s Landing. Luckily, I had a chance to explore those locations while on my Erasmus Exchange Programme in Spain. During this period I also watched the GOT series for the first time! Shocking, right? I was so hooked that I watched all seasons in two weeks. And let me tell you, those locations were extraordinary in real life as much as on the screen. So, naturally, I had to explore the Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain. Soon, I found myself planning a trip to Seville and the rest is history!

Without much further ado, let me show you my top picks of 8 dramatic and, in my opinion, best Game of Thrones Spain locations!

1. Seville

First on my list is ever-magical Seville, also known as the residence of House Martell in Dorne. This beautiful Royal Alcazar doubled in season 5 (episodes 2, 6, 7, and 9) and season 6 (episode 1). The complex is beautiful, and it took me over 4 hours to explore it completely. What left me in awe were the gardens. And let me prepare you from the start, they are huge! So, finding the exact film scene was a real challenge. Eventually, I managed to find the fountain in front of which Trystane and Myrcella were having a conversation. 

However, when I tried to recreate the scene, it was almost impossible to find the right angle as the barrier was behind me. Honestly, I believe the camera had to be set right in the middle of the hedge for that scene. Also, I tried to take a picture from the columns where Dorian and Sea Snakes discussed revenge. Unfortunately, the last stairs that led to that part of the balcony were closed. Another two locations I absolutely had to visit were the Ambassador’s Hall (where Prince Doran welcomes Jaime) and Maria de Padilla baths (Sea Snakes plotting revenge). 

NOTE: Buy tickets in advance as they sell out quickly and bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Also, prepare to walk over 7 km to fully explore the entire complex. 

2. Cordoba

Around two hours from Sevilla by bus, you will reach Cordoba. This extraordinary city portrayed the Free City of Volantis in season 5. Or, to be more specific, the Roman Bridge doubled as the Long Bridge of Volantis. In the scene where Tyrion and Varys enter the Free City, the bridge is full of shops, brothels, taverns, and stalls. In real life, it is full of people. So I recommend coming here early to avoid the crowd. Also, you may not find it exactly as it appeared on the show, so don’t be too dissapointed as I was. The producers used CGI to extend the bridge to make it appear more massive and imposing.

Moreover, in season 7, Cordoba comes back to the series. But this time, the highlight is on Castillo Almodovar del Rio, which doubled as High Gardens of the House Tyrell. The castle appears for the first time in the third episode when Jaime Lannister arrives with his army at Highgarden. Later, you can spot the castle’s courtyard. Luckily, it is only 30 km from the city, and you can reach it with bus lines 3 and 12.

3. Girona

In previous seasons of Game of Thrones, the Croatian cities of Sibenik and Dubrovnik doubled as the cities of Braavos and King’s Landing, respectively. However, in season six, Girona, a Catalan city near Barcelona, was used instead. Arya Stark’s training to become No One was depicted in Girona, where she begs on the streets while blind. 

Later, in the same street she talks with Jaqen H’ghar about Waif. Episode 5 featured the Placa del Jurats square, where Arya watched an outdoor theatre show about the Lannisters. Girona Cathedral was used to represent the Great Sept of Baelor, and interestingly, it replaced the Jesuit Stairs of Dubrovnik.

4. Almeria

Remember the vast sandy lands of the Dothraki nation in season 5? Yes, those are in Almeria! However, Almeria is not limited to just that location. For example, scenes portraying Meereen are Torre de Mesa Roldan Tower and Cabo de Gata Park. One of the scenes that particularly stands out is in season 6, episode 9 when Dany punishes the Masters. 

Moreover, the Alcazaba of Almeria fortification also portrayed the residence of the House Martell, along with the Real Alcazar in Seville. If you watch closely, you can see the water gardens of Almeria behind Ellaria Sand and Doran Martell. If you want to visit the Alcazaba, you can take a bus line 1 from Casco Historico ( here you can check the timetable). Unfortunately for us low-budget student travelers, to visit Torre de Mesa, you will need to rent a car, which can be a bit pricey. 

5. Caceres

After Dubrovnik depicted King’s Landing in many seasons, the producers decided to move shooting to Caceres. This was due to the city’s cobbled streets and high stone walls. Therefore, Caceres became King’s Landing number 2. But in the end, after eight seasons, production returned to Croatia for the finale. 

But don’t worry. The glory of Caceres did not end with King’s Landing. The Castle of Trujillo in this mesmerizing town doubled as Casterly Rock in the scene with Unsullied attacking the castle. If you want to get to the Castle of Trujillo, you can take a bus. AutoRes runs buses to Trujillo six times a day, every day. The earliest bus leaves at 06:00 and the latest at 18:45. The journey takes about 40 minutes and a single ticket costs 3.40€.

6. Amphitheater of Italica

Who remembers Dany flying her dragons to King’s Landing? Well, Cercei will never forget. While all were waiting in the Dragonpit, Dany on Drogon’s back majestically landed there like a true heir to the Iron Throne. So, naturally, I had to find out whether a place like that existed. I was lucky, and this extraordinary place is real by the name of Amphitheater of Italica! Although I really wanted to make a day trip from Seville here, my dreams were sadly crushed. 

So let me give you the most important advice to avoid the disappointment I have endured. Plan ahead! The easiest way to get here is by car, and it only takes 25 minutes. But, if you are traveling by bus like I was, you don’t have many options. One is to go on the train at 7:45 and then catch a bus at Apeadero. But returning can be tricky because the buses do not fare all day. So be sure to check their schedules, which change depending on the season so you don’t stay in Seville like me. 

7. Gaztelugatxe and Itzurun Beach

Can we all agree that the absolute best and otherworldly landscapes are in Dragonstone? And let me tell you, when I saw actual locations in the Basque, and how similar they look, I immediately wanted to pack my suitcase and go. With its dramatic cliffs and dark sand, the Gaztelugatxe and Itzurun look like dragons carved in stone with fire. Basically, they look like Dragonstone. 

Namely, Gaztelugatxe is a small peninsula in Bermeo connected to the mainland by a bridge. Yes, THAT bridge, the same bridge from season 7 where Jon and Davos were heading to meet Daenerys! But let’s take a few steps back to the first episode of season 7 when Dany finally reaches the land. Do you remember that emotion-packed scene where she touches the sand of Westeros for the first time? Well, that is Itzurun Beach in Zumaia. Later, we see the same beach when Dany asks Jon for war advice. 

8. Zafra Castle, Campillo de Duenas

When Dorne was mentioned, with its good wine, beautiful tan people, and southern dunes, I always imagined Spain. One of the scenes where I felt as if the setting had to be in Spain was when Ned searches for Lyana in Dorne. And I was right. The Tower of Joy, where Lyana gave birth to Jon, is The Castle of Zafra in Spain!

The Castle of Zafra was constructed in the 12th century and is situated in Campillo de Dueñas, Guadalajara. The most convenient way to reach the castle is by car, and the nearest major city is Zaragoza, which is 149 km away. To get there, simply follow the A-23 highway and take the exit for Campillo de Dueñas.

The Map of 8 Best Game of Thrones Spain Locations