Top 15 Must-Visit Locations From the House of Dragon Series in 2025

Fans of the epic universe of Game of Thrones were thrilled to dive back into the world of Westeros with HBO's House of the Dragon. This ambitious prequel, which focuses on the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, not only captivated viewers with its intense plot lines and stunning visuals but also showcased some breathtaking Dragon filming sites. So, where was House of the Dragon filmed? Let’s journey through some of the enchanting filming sites that brought this story to life.

House of The Dragon Filming Locations from Season 1

Viewers of House of the Dragon rated the first season very highly, with the top episode receiving an astonishing 9.8. The stunning visuals and gripping characters make the series a must-watch, so it is time to discuss where House of the Dragon was filmed?

Spain

Spain is a key location for filming House of the Dragon, making it one of the most exciting places for fans of the show. If you’re wondering where House of the Dragon was filmed, you’ll be delighted to discover numerous beautiful sites that stand in for different parts of Westeros.

Castle of Zafra in Cuenca

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One of the most prominent House of the Dragon Spain locations is the Castle of Zafra in Cuenca. This castle represents Dragonstone, the home of House Targaryen. Important scenes happen here involving Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and King Viserys I Targaryen.

Gaztelugatxe

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Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country served as the dramatic House of the Dragon set for the bridge confrontation in House of the Dragon season one, where Rhaenyra arrives on her dragon. This stunning islet off the Biscay coast features a 10th-century hermitage. The iconic stone bridge was also used in Game of Thrones, representing Dragonstone in season seven.

La Calahorra

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La Calahorra that we saw as Penthos, is an early 1500s castle and one of the first examples of Italian Renaissance architecture outside Italy. If you plan to visit, be aware that it is privately owned and offers guided tours every Wednesday, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

Castillo de Bellver

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The Castillo de Bellver in Mallorca also plays an important role in the series. This impressive circular castle doubles as King’s Landing in some scenes, particularly in House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 6, "The Princess and The Queen." With its historical architecture, Bellver Castle captures the essence of the power struggles within the Targaryen family. In Catalonia, Girona stands in for King’s Landing as well. The city's narrow streets and ancient buildings help create an authentic medieval atmosphere. Key character interactions take place here in House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 2, "The Rogue Prince," where tensions rise between various characters.

Cáceres

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Cáceres, located in Extremadura, Spain, has made a significant mark in the realm of fantasy television. While Dubrovnik, Croatia, served as the backdrop for prior seasons, Cáceres took center stage as the iconic King’s Landing in the final two seasons of Game of Thrones, as well as in both seasons of House of the Dragon. Additionally, the city celebrates its connection to the franchise with an annual festival that invites fans of both series to immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere alongside fellow enthusiasts.

With House of the Dragon upcoming season filming taking place in Spain as well, fans can expect more breathtaking visuals from these real-world Westeros locations. If you’re planning to visit, there are many places to explore, making it a great opportunity to see where House of the Dragon was filmed. From castles to ruins, Spain offers numerous House of the Dragon spots that bring the magic of the series to life. Enjoy all these amazing shooting spots with the best eSIM for Spain.

United Kingdom

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House of the Dragon has also been filmed in stunning locations across the United Kingdom, showcasing its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

• Island of St. Michael’s Mount plays a role as the fictional Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon. This enchanting House of the Dragon castle features a medieval church dating back to the 12th century and boasts a close-knit community. Visitors can reach St. Michael’s Mount from the nearby town of Marazion via a causeway when the tide is low. The island’s main castle depicts Driftmark, which is situated in Blackwater Bay, near King’s Landing. This location was previously seen in Game of Thrones during the Battle of the Blackwater.
• Kynance Cove, known for its stunning beaches with blue waters, white sands, and beautiful caves. In House of the Dragon, Kynance Cove’s beach serves as the site for a Velaryon camp, adding to the series' coastal charm.
• Moving to Derbyshire, various castles are featured in House of the Dragon for scenes involving noble houses. These historic sites help depict the grandeur and power struggles of the series, creating a vivid backdrop for the royal drama that unfolds.

Read also: Top 15 Locations from the Series Game of Thrones To Explore

Portugal

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"Portugal is a beautiful country and an excellent location for filming," stated Ryan Condal , co-creator of House of the Dragon. "Upon discovering Monsanto perched on a mountain, we knew we had found the perfect Dragonstone."

In House of the Dragon, Portuguese city, Monsanto, stands in for Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen. The rugged cliffs and dramatic rocks of Monsanto perfectly mimic the fictional Dragonstone, making it an ideal filming location. The village’s fairy-tale ambiance captures the essence of Westeros, providing a realistic backdrop for scenes involving dragons and Targaryen heritage. The stunning landscapes depict the rich lore and noble lineage of the Targaryens, making it a key spot in the House of the Dragon filming location list.

Italy

Italy also features some of the House of the Dragon season 1 filming locations, including Santa Clotilde Gardens and the historic city of Trujillo, each transformed beautifully to fit the majestic landscapes of Westeros.

Santa Clotilde Gardens

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Santa Clotilde Gardens serve as a stunning backdrop when we meet King Viserys I and his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra. The gardens’ manicured landscapes and panoramic sea views perfectly set the tone for this royal encounter. The production company, Fresco Films (HBO's emissary in Spain), chose this location specifically for its ethereal beauty, encapsulating the elegance and grandeur of Westeros.

Trujillo

Trujillo transforms into a lively setting for Westeros. The main square, Plaza Mayor, becomes a bustling marketplace filled with medieval stalls, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the show’s intricate settings. Interestingly, the statue of Pizarro has been replaced by a dragon, fitting perfectly within the theme of the series. Additionally, scenes were filmed at La Alberca, an ancient pool carved from rock that adds an authentic historical touch to the series.

House of The Dragon Filming Locations From Season 2

The second season, featured the return of Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, along with several other key cast members from the first season. Filming took place throughout 2023, and upon completion, the producers expressed their gratitude, stating, "To the incredible crew of HOTD S2: Thank you for embarking on this wild journey with us, from the fiery sets of Leavesden Studios to the rain-soaked mountains of Wales and beyond. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve created together and deeply appreciative of all your hard work."

United Kingdom

In House of the Dragon Season 2, fans were taken back to the stunning landscapes of the United Kingdom, where the rich history and picturesque scenery beautifully complemented the show's epic storytelling.

• Surrey: Parts of the season were filmed in Surrey, particularly for key battles and dramatic castle scenes. The lush countryside and historic architecture provided the ideal backdrop for the intense action and intrigue that fans loved.
• Hertfordshire: This region featured notable historic estates and properties as filming locations. One standout scene was shot at a remarkable estate where Princess Rhaenys's dragon, Meleys, launched a breathtaking attack on Prince Aemond and Vhagar. The majestic setting added depth and authenticity to these pivotal moments, showcasing the grandeur of the Targaryen legacy.

North Wales

Season two features numerous outdoor Westeros locations set in the Vale, the Riverlands, and Dragonstone that were all filmed in Wales. Additionally, old Welsh quarries served as the backdrop for the exteriors of Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles. The season includes several shoots in North Wales, particularly on Anglesey, Conwy, and in Barmouth, Gwynedd, as noted by Joedi Langley, Head of Sector Development at Creative Wales.

"It was fantastic to film in Wales, with its breathtaking scenery and landscapes that beautifully depict our version of Westeros," said Kevin de la Noy, executive producer of House of the Dragon. "I had no doubts about bringing House of the Dragon to this region, knowing the support from the government and the local community would help us capture remarkable footage. We were also fortunate to enjoy some truly spectacular weather."

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Travel Tips for Visiting House of the Dragon Filming Locations

Planning to explore the stunning landscapes from House of the Dragon? Whether you’re trekking through historic sites or quaint villages, here’s a quick guide to enhance your visit.

Best Times to Travel

• Late Spring (May to June): Enjoy blooming scenery and pleasant weather.
• Early Fall (September to October): Experience beautiful autumn colors with fewer crowds.
• Midweek Visits: Travel Tuesday to Thursday for a quieter experience.

Early Booking

• Accommodation and Tours: Book your stays and any guided tours in advance to avoid sold-out options, especially during peak seasons.
• Attraction Tickets: Purchase tickets online to save time and skip queues at popular sites.

Research filming locations and local attractions to maximize your visit. Wear good walking shoes for exploring outdoor sites. And opt for an eSIM to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. Check compatibility and purchase a local plan upon arrival.

Conclusion: Visiting Dragon Locations

For die-hard fans eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters, the real-world Westeros locations featured in House of the Dragon are becoming hot spots for tourism. Many travel packages are now available that cater specifically to fans, offering guided tours of the castillo, castles, and other mesmerizing filming sites.

House of the Dragon captivates not only through its compelling storytelling and rich production quality, but also through the mesmerizing House of the Dragon film locations that evoke the heart of Westeros. As the new season approaches, the anticipation grows – not just for the unfolding drama but also for the breathtaking locales that will undoubtedly add to the lore of this fantasy saga. Whether you're planning a trip or simply dreaming from your couch, the intrigue of these real-world dragon locations will keep fans enthralled for years to come.

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