Spoilers Are Coming
Another weekend has passed without Game of Thrones. The show is officially over, and the seemingly endless coverage is beginning to wind down. Soon, the memories of the good old times of when Jon’s lineage mattered, Ghost had both ears, and Dany wasn’t crisping children with her boy Drogon will fade. But unlike the writers of the show, we are not in any rush to see the end of the beloved phenomenon. This article is for all those fans, like us, who won’t let go and may even consider a trip to one of the show’s destinations. We’ve partnered with our friends at Glamping Hub to list some of our favorite vacation rentals near Game of Thrones filming locations.
King’s Landing – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Before it was utterly vaporized, King’s Landing was one of the prettiest locations consistently featured on the show. And sure, the parents of the 731 newborns that named their daughters “Daenerys” or “Khaleesi” in 2018 may have some major regrets, but a visit to Dubrovnik is still very much worth it.
This incredibly enchanting cottage on the waterfront of the nearby Lastovo Island is fantastic. While the crowds of Dubrovnik during tourist season will not create any illusions, a stay here may actually have some transportive quality to make it feel like guests are actually in another era, or in the GoT universe. The home is complete with a small balcony that overlooks the pristine waters of the Adriatic that nearly touch the rental’s doorstep.
North of the Wall – Iceland
Jon may not have wanted the throne and he may have known nothing, but it seems that by the end he knew/wanted to be north of the Wall. This amazing glass vacation rental on the waters near Reykjavik makes it clear why the frozen tundra can be an appealing retirement spot for a brooding bastard. While going to a country that has “ice” in its name during winter seems reckless, we recommend it. The glass bedroom makes it a perfect spot for viewing the Northern Lights of Iceland. Plus the outdoors hot tub adds an extra layer of appeal.
Alternatively, the southern town of Vik and its black sand beaches were the sites of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. These charming cottages are a good place to crash while visiting this part of the island usually only seen by committed backpackers.
Palace of Dorne – Seville, Spain
All the Game of Thrones nerds out there know that the Dornish storyline fell flatter than The Golden Company’s ambitions of defending King’s Landing. However, before they quickly pivoted away from that plotline, Dorne had some beautiful sets. Many of the Dornish scenes were filmed in the Real Alcázar Palace in Seville. Although it’s one of the most visited attractions in Spain, the crew was able to transform it into Sunspear.
Outside of Seville is this spot where guests can book a stay inside of these very tasteful and luxurious yurts. Although it’s close to the Dorne filming sites, staying in a yurt may give off some Dothraki vibes. While this spot is located on an organic farm where they host yoga retreats, something tells us Khal Drogo never did yoga or ate vegan.
Winterfell – Doune Castle, Scotland
Winterfell! Feels like just yesterday a fully capitated Ned Stark was admiring his children, all of whom were alive, not nameless assassins, and had bipedal abilities. During the earliest seasons, Doune Castle in Scotland was used as a filming site for the Stark’s stronghold. We love this glamping tent nearby in the town of Stirling. A stay in summer will reveal a much greener locale than what the Starks had.
Astapor – Essaouira, Morocco
Astapor, just as a reminder, is where Daenerys picks up friends Missandei (RIP), Ser Barristan Selmy (RIP), Grey Worm and his Unsullied brothers. It’s also where Drogon gets his first feel for barbequed human. Speaking of barbecues, there’s one for use in the fabulous backyard of this vacation rental in Morocco. The home, which may make visitors feel like they are in their own castle, is in the gorgeous seaside Moroccan city of Essaouira.
King’s Landing Gate – Mdina, Malta
Before it was turned to shrapnel, the gate at King’s Landing was shot on location in Malta. Although it was only used for the first season, it remains a worthy place to visit for Game of Thrones fanatics. On top of that, the Mediterranean island is one of the most vastly underrated European destinations. With incredible beaches and picturesque cities (like Mdina), it should be higher on more people’s travel lists. This farm, which is closer to the coast than Mdina, offers up some unique accommodations. The domes definitely have a Pinterest-worthy look to them but are also incredibly environmentally-friendly.
Dragonstone – Zumaia, Spain
One of the most memorable scenes for hardcore fans is when Daenerys finally reaches Westeros at her familial home of Dragonstone. The wet, moody-looking beach is actually located in the Basque country in the north of Spain. The beach is hardly enhanced by the show’s effects team as the rolling cliff line and jagged rocks below still create a striking scene. This home is classically Basque and is just about equal walking distance from the town and the beach.
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Braavos – Sibenik, Croatia
Sibenik is a beautiful Croatian town on the Adriatic but is overlooked often in favor of other coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Trogir. This classic glamping tent is right on the water and provides guests with a relaxing stay. As for Game of Thrones lore, this is where Arya became a miniature murderer with no name, so draw whatever parallels necessary.
Main Studio and Other Locations – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones’ main hub and primary shooting location for the last decade has always been in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast’s tourism industry is on the rise, and Game of Thrones tourism may have its part to play. Outside of the studio, Northern Ireland is home to some iconic filming locations. Some of these include The King’s Road (Dark Hedges of Ballymoney), The Iron Islands (Ballintoy), and Castle Black (Magheramorne). For a central place to stay in Belfast we recommend this vacation rental which is close to the city’s non-Thrones attractions like the waterfront and the Cathedral Quarter.
The best vacation rentals for the lowest price