There is no doubt that HBO series Game of Thrones is one of those most well-written, and well-portrayed stories that are currently on air. With all the realistic computer-generated animation and special effects, it is no wonder that viewers turned into fans in just a few minutes into the first episode.
However, the incredible effects could not be credited solely to the tireless graphics crew. Some filming sites are real places on Earth that are undeniably breathtaking. Plus, it could be visited by fans and tourists any time.
KING'S LANDING
In season five, Cersei Lannister had to admit that she was an adulterer and had to walk down a long narrow street buck naked while people shouted "SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!" and threw rotten fruit and vegetables at her. Tourists frequent Stradun, Dubrovnik in Croatia because of this scene. Locals are pretty much desensitized by the role-playing that fans do. However, they do not appreciate fans who role play in the nude. Stradun stretches for 300 meters of limestone pavement through the Old Town.
WINTERFELL
In the first episode, King Robert Baratheon and his family come to Winterfell with two agendas: Ned as Hand of the King and Sanza's - hand in marriage, that is. As trumpets sound the royals in, the majestic backdrop is Doune Castle in Scotland. However, entry to the castle is not free, tickets, with the optional audio tour, are available at the entry. The castle is an irregular pentagon in plan and is comprised of the Lord's Tower, Great Hall, a kitchen tower, a courtyard, and a curtain wall.
BEYOND THE WALL, WILDING TERRITORY
The ice-covered terrain is a staple of the movie because - "Winter is coming." Tours are available around Iceland for Game of Thrones filming locations. A tourist even asked one of the tour guides where the wildlings are. Unfortunately, there were none.
PYKE
One of the seven Iron Islands west of Westeros is Pyke where the House of Greyjoy is the authority. The series features Ballintoy Harbour where Theon Greyjoy looks out to his ship and later meets her sister for the first time. Dunluce Castle was the dwelling place of The House of Greyjoy. Both are in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is truly a tourist hotspot. Rory Carroll, a correspondent for The Guardian, quips "Tourism is coming..." The castle is connected to the mainland only by bridge. Site excavations have revealed that the stronghold had cobblestone roads.
DRAGONSTONE
In the seventh season, Daenerys Stormborn has come home to Dragonstone. The series featured the entrance to the castle of House Targaryen as the majestic rock formations by Itzurun Beach in Spain. Game of Thrones fan or not, the place is worth the visit.
HIGHGARDEN
Highgarden is home to House Tyrell. Later, Jamie Lannister takes the castle. Castillo de Almodóvar, the real-life Highgarden is open to tourists where they can storm the castle in a guided tour, unguided tour, or even a Game of Thrones tour! Fees are paid upon entry. One of the most notable features by the beach nearby is the flysch or the sedimentary rock formations that are frequented by tourists and locals alike.
CASTERLY ROCK
Home to the Lannisters, Casterly Rock is fittingly portrayed by The Castle of Trujillo in Spain. The castle is the setting for the battle between the Lannister armies and the Unsullied took place in season seven. Tourists are suggested to check on daytime hours of the castle, it sometimes closes for siesta during midday. The castle with square towers is built with masonry and mortar and is located atop the highest part of Trujillo. The main features of the castle include the main courtyard and the Albacara.
