Monsanto, Portugal
Built atop a rocky plateau, Monsanto village features cobblestone streets, Romanesque chapels, and quaint houses, some built into the mountain’s boulders. The village is also known for its Templar Castle, partially destroyed in the 19th century.
Some of the scenes from House of the Dragon were shot in the Castle, which, with arched doors and walls, easily fits into the Westeros aesthetic. Please note that Monsanto limits the number of hotels and businesses permitted to operate, as it is considered a “living museum” by the Portuguese government.
Cornwall, UK
Cornwall, with its dramatic cliffs and beaches, is a frequent location for films and series, especially as it is considered to have the most beautiful sea views in England.
The released trailer from the House of the Dragon reveals scenes shot at St. Michael’s Mount, Holywell Bay and Penhale Camp in Cornwall. In fact, the famous Dragon House of Targaryens is located here.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Here’s a familiar destination from the Game of Thrones days! Dubrovnik, the location for King’s Landing, is the world-famous medieval city in Croatia.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik overlooks the Adriatic Sea and features Baroque and Renaissance period architecture. A location site for Game of Thrones as well as House of the Dragon, visitors can take tours of each show’s filming locations!
Caceres, Spain
Caceres, in Spain, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and another filming location for the House of the Dragon! The town’s well-preserved streets and squares, and houses and palaces retain their essence. Conveniently, Caceres is about a two-hour drive from Portugal’s Monsanto village – you can visit two House of the Dragon locations in one day!
The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
As we explore the filming locations for House of the Dragon step by step, we move into a slightly colder climate in Ireland. Heading north, we arrive at the magical The Dark Hedges, bowing to the Starks. Surrounded by centuries-old trees, the Dark Hedges stand in for the King’s Road, home to Castle Ward and where the White Walkers are spotted. This dramatic route provides Game of Thrones fans with unforgettable and photo-friendly moments.
Svínafellsjökull glacier, Iceland
Iceland, featuring a landscape of waterfalls, glaciers and active volcanoes, is a fitting setting for a fantasy series. With its cloudy gray weather and wild rugged terrain, it is perfect for the House of the Dragon world!
The Svínafellsjökull Glacier, among the filming locations for House of the Dragon, was popular among tourists even before Game of Thrones, due to its accessibility. Now, Game of Thrones tours let visitors can walk where Jon Snow captured Ygritte and then fought the White Walkers. Fans can also rent a car to visit the area.
If your interest is piqued with this exploration of the House of the Dragon filming locations, you can check out more of the Seven Kingdoms in our Blog on Game of Thrones film locations!
