Unveiling the Mystical Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia

When you think of the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones”, spectacular sceneries, epic battles, and enchanting castles immediately come to mind. While the world of Westeros is indeed a realm of fantasy, many of the striking landscapes and structures we see in the series are very real and set right here, in our beautiful Croatia. This European country, steeped in history, served as the backdrop for some of the series’ most unforgettable scenes. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a journey as we unveil the mystical Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia, spots that seamlessly blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

Since season 4, our favorite characters from Game of Thrones have found themselves in the narrow stone clad streets of Split, the Slaver City. The city and locations surrounding it, have been heavily used with many leading characters visiting the numerous kingdoms they represent in their search for the Iron Throne, and as such many of the iconic Game of Thrones Scenes were filmed in Split, Croatia.

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Diocletian’s Palace, served as a Meereen Game of Thrones Location. This monument, dating back 1700 years, stands as the most renowned attraction in Split. Constructed initially by Diocletian, one of Rome’s most esteemed emperors, the palace was intended to serve as his tranquil retirement haven. The captivating palace serves a significant purpose in the Game of Thrones saga. It is within these historical walls that Daenerys trains her trio of dragons. Furthermore, in the fourth season, it is here that the enslaved individuals gather by the fireside to deliberate whether to offer their allegiance to her.

The Fortress of Klis, known to locals as Klis tvrđava, is located in the small village of Klis, in the mountain pass between Mosor and Kozjak, overlooking the city of Split. Klis Fortress, in the Game of Thrones universe is known as Meereen, a city seized by Daenerys Targaryen in the fourth season of Game of Thrones. This dramatic fortress forms a key plot in the series, and one of the most famous Game of Thrones scenes, where Daenerys punishes the rules of Meereen by nailing them to crosses for all the slaves to see. It is incredibly easy to travel from Split to Klis, as the Klis Fortress lies only 15 kilometers away from the center of Split and is easily reached by car or by a local bus line number 22 from the stop in the old town, near National Theater. The tickets to visit this iconic location are quite affordable, as the ticket price for adults is 10 €, and for children, up to 15 years old, only 3 €.

A short 15-minute car ride southeast from Split you’ll find another two iconic shooting locations, Zrnovnica Quarry and Mill. Once the home to a great number of grain mills, many of which have disappeared since medieval times, but those that survived the test of time have been meticulously restored and are a sight to behold. You will recognize this area from season four, as the place where Daenerys’s trusted handmaid and interpreter Missandei had her bathing scene, and for the battle in which Daenerys and the Unsullied approach the Meereen gate.

Many of the locations used in Game of Thrones were filmed in the iconic Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia fronting the Adriatic Sea. Its ancient walls, baroque buildings, and winding cobblestone streets effortlessly morphed into the rich, intricate, and often perilous world of Westeros and served as a King Landing City.

Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic, doubled as King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones. With its sturdy stone walls, cobblestone streets, and ornate baroque buildings, it’s not hard to see why producers chose this city to represent the power and opulence of King’s Landing. Fans will instantly recognize the Pile Gate where riots erupted in season two, and the Jesuit Staircase, where Cersei took her infamous walk of shame.

Perched high above the sea on a rocky outcrop, Fort Lovrijenac, just outside Dubrovnik, was transformed into the Red Keep, the stronghold of the King of the Andals and the First Men. Several iconic sequences were brought to life at this location. The premiere episode of the second season, featuring King Joffrey’s name day celebration at the Red Keep, was filmed here. It was also the setting for the intense conversation between Cersei and Littlefinger concerning Arya’s daring escape from King’s Landing.

Trsteno Arboretum is a Mediterranean arboretum located just 20 minutes north of Dubrovnik. The arboretum was erected by the local noble family Gucetic – Gozze in the late 15th century, who requested ship captains to bring back seeds and plants from their travels. This stunning place can be reached from Dubrovnik by local bus lines 12, 15, 21, 22 and 35. In the Game of Thrones universe, Trsteno Arboretum was used to depict the lush, private gardens of the Red Keep. It’s in this idyllic setting where Lady Olenna Tyrell and Lord Varys schemed, and Sansa Stark and Margaery Tyrell forged their friendship. With its centuries-old trees, exotic plants, and stunning fountains, this Renaissance garden is as enchanting in reality as it is on screen.

The mystical city of Qarth, ‘the greatest city that ever was or will be’, was brought to life on Lokrum Island. A short boat ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum island can be reached by boat from the old town port with trips going every 15 minutes during high season. The price of a return ticket is around 26.60€ for adults and 5€ for children under 15. The most famous Lokrum Island Game of Thrones scene without a doubt was when Daenerys meets a warlock in the Qarth’s gardens which happen to be gardens of an old benedictine monastery from the 12th century. A special treat for the Game of Thrones fans is the Centre for visitors inside the monastery, which has an exhibition dedicated to Game of Thrones, with an original replica of the Iron Throne.

As you traverse these mystical Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia, you’ll be able to relive some of your favorite scenes from the show, feel the adrenaline of epic battles and marvel at the stunning landscapes that make up the Seven Kingdom. After an exciting day of exploring, rest up at one of our hotels near Game of Thrones Tour. Our top pick for a luxury accommodation in Split is Prima Life Spalato Guest House, a luxury boutique hotel in Split near the beach with a city view. All of the rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, a walk-in shower, free toiletries and WiFi. Another great option is the Central Square Heritage Hotel, a lavishly decorated 4 star hotel in the very heart of Split, just steps away from the city’s most popular sight, the Slavers City in Diocletian’s Palace. For those who still want the luxury, but in a more subtle way, there are the Nirvana Luxury Rooms.

Pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to journey back in time to a world of dragons and adventure and you visit the most popular Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia!