King's Landing still floods Dubrovnik in summer. The difference is that the city now charges €5-10 per day-tripper, restricts cruise ship entry, and has locals literally cursing tourists who stop for selfies on the Walk of Shame stairs. Seville continues to absorb the load better — the Real Alcázar is large, Plaza de España is huge, and the city has 700,000 inhabitants to dilute pressure. Iceland proved that extreme landscape self-regulates crowds: Vatnajökull doesn't become a selfie spot because the place reminds you that you're small. House of the Dragon S3, filming in Cáceres and Trujillo in 2026, will repeat the King's Landing cycle — only in a Spanish city of 96,000 people. This guide maps the locations still worth visiting, the ones that aren't anymore, and how to slip in the back door before the bottleneck tightens.
14 min de leitura
Fifteen years ago Game of Thrones began transforming Europe's and North Africa's tourist map. It wasn't the first series to do it — Lord of the Rings already had with New Zealand — but GoT operated at a different scale: 10 countries, 73 episodes, 8 seasons, and the largest set-jetting footprint in history until the White Lotus effect appeared.
In 2026, with House of the Dragon entering season 3 and HBO confirming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (premiering January 2026), the cycle restarts. The original series' main locations still receive tourists — some, like Dubrovnik, at critical levels. Others, like Iceland or Malta, at civilized levels. This guide separates what's still worth visiting from what's become a trap.
If you haven't read it, I recommend the pillar Set-jetting: the 8 series of 2025-2026 that became destinations — it explains the "6-month rule" that applies here too, only on an annual scale: peak pressure in Cáceres happens 6-12 months after each season's premiere.
Dubrovnik (King's Landing) — overtourism case study
The capital of the Crown was filmed almost entirely in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from S2 to S8. Pile Gate, Stradun, Lovrijenac (Red Keep exteriors), Minčeta (House of the Undying in S2), and the famous Jesuit Stairs where Cersei walks naked in S5.
The problem is that Dubrovnik is a walled medieval city with 1,557 residents in its historic core, centuries-old infrastructure, and practical capacity to absorb maybe 8,000 visitors per day. In July 2024 it was receiving 35,000-40,000. In July 2025, with tougher restrictions, it was still receiving 22,000.
What changed in 2025-2026:
The city hall instituted a measure package called "Respect the City." A €5-10 fee per cruise day-tripper (depending on ship size), a cap of 2 simultaneous cruise ships in port (it was 8), a ban on wheeled luggage in the historic center between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. (€265 fine), and a ban on guided tours with groups larger than 25 people. In 2026 an extra restriction takes effect: GoT-themed tours only with city-certified guides, costing €45-65 per person.
How to visit without falling into the trap:
SP-Dubrovnik flight via Frankfurt or Istanbul, R$ 5,800-8,200 in May 2026. Apartment rental in the new city (outside the walls) runs €120-180 nightly — 40% cheaper than inside the walls. Walking to the center takes 15 minutes via Pile Gate.
The strategy that works: arrive in the city at 5:30 a.m. Stradun is completely empty until 8 a.m. Do the entire GoT circuit (Pile Gate, Stradun, Jesuit Stairs, Lovrijenac exterior, Minčeta) in 2.5 hours. Back to the hotel for breakfast. Cruises start offloading at 8-9 a.m. You're already out.
Another option is the Lokrum Island ferry — leaves the old port every 30 minutes. Lokrum was Qarth in S2 (Garden of Bones). It costs €27, the trip is worth it, and it relieves pressure on the main city.
Best month: October or April. Temperature 18-22°C, sea still swimmable through mid-October, crowds 60% smaller than in July.
When NOT to go: June to September. Specifically July-August is unbearable. Nightly rates triple, restaurants become impractical, and the historic center's microclimate (stone reflecting heat) reaches 38°C.
Expected crowding 2026: Critical in high season, even with restrictive measures. House of the Dragon S3 didn't film in Croatia (HBO migrated to Spain), which removes the hype renewal — so there's a window: 2026-2028 pressure tends to stabilize before rising again if A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms films in Dubrovnik (not yet confirmed).
Main alternative: Split.
Split is 230 km north. Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century Roman palace, served as Meereen between S4 and S6 — specifically the underground corridors where Daenerys keeps the dragons chained were filmed in the palace cellars. The city has 178,000 inhabitants, complete tourist infrastructure, more frequent direct flights, and hotels 30-40% cheaper.
Smart itinerary: 3 days in Split, day trip to Trogir (UNESCO, 30 min by car), day trip to Dubrovnik (4h drive, leave at 5 a.m., return at night — catch Dubrovnik empty without sleeping there), and close with 2 days in islands (Hvar or Brač).
Seville (Dorne) — the location that still works
Real Alcázar was the Water Gardens of Sunspear (S5-S6), where Doran Martell receives Jaime Lannister. Plaza de España (already used in Star Wars Episode II as Naboo's palace) became Dorne in some S5 sequences. Itálica, Roman ruins 9 km from the center, became the Dragonpit in S7.
Seville works because it's big — 685,000 inhabitants — and because the main locations are all open-air. Real Alcázar can absorb 4,000 simultaneous visitors without becoming hell. Plaza de España is gigantic. Itálica is an open archaeological park.
How to visit:
SP-Seville flight via Madrid, R$ 4,200-6,500. Boutique hotel downtown €120-200 nightly, design hostel €40-60. Ideal month: April, May, October. Summer (June-August) hits 40-44°C — inhumane for walking.
Real Alcázar ticket: €13.50 general entry, €19.50 with English guided tour. CRITICAL: buy online at least 30 days in advance via alcazarsevilla.org. In high season (April-May, October) tickets sell out for the entire week.
Plaza de España is free, open 24/7. For a crowd-free photo, go at 6:45 a.m. — sun rising through the arches. Itálica is in Santiponce, 30 minutes by public bus. Entry €1.50. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
Expected crowding 2026: Medium. Seville doesn't enter a peak cycle because GoT ended and House of the Dragon migrated to Cáceres. Good window for the next 5 years.
Smart combination: Seville + Córdoba (Mezquita) + Granada (Alhambra). 7 days, three cities, direct train between them. Covers all the Moorish-medieval Andalusia that visually defines Dorne.
Iceland (Beyond the Wall) — landscape that self-regulates
Almost everything that happens "north of the Wall" was filmed in Iceland. Vatnajökull (glacier) became the Wall's exterior in S2 and S7. Þingvellir National Park became the Bloody Gate in S4. Mýrdalsjökull (southern glacier) was the setting for scenes with Brienne and Sandor in S4. Hverir (geothermal field) and Dimmuborgir (lava formations) became wildling camps in S3.
Iceland has something Dubrovnik doesn't: self-regulating scale. You can have a thousand tourists at Vatnajökull and still each have 200 meters of glacier to themselves. The landscape is vast enough to absorb volume without becoming a selfie line.
How to visit:
SP-Reykjavík flight via London or Frankfurt, R$ 6,500-9,500. 4x4 SUV rental essential — R$ 450-650/day. Hotels/cabins on route vary widely: Reykjavík €180-280, interior €120-180. Gas US$ 2.40/liter — budget R$ 1,200-1,800 for fuel alone for a full Ring Road.
8-day GoT itinerary (partial Ring Road):
- Day 1-2: Reykjavík + Golden Circle (Þingvellir = Bloody Gate)
- Day 3-4: South coast to Vík (Mýrdalsjökull = Brienne/Sandor training)
- Day 5-6: Jökulsárlón + Vatnajökull (the Wall)
- Day 7-8: Mývatn + Hverir + Dimmuborgir (wildling camps)
Best month: June to August to have all roads open, midnight sun, accessible glacier trails. September has the northern lights starting. Winter (November to March) very restricted — several roads closed, but the landscape is the most "GoT" possible.
Expected crowding 2026: Low-medium in the interior. Reykjavík and Golden Circle run medium-high in summer. The rest of the country absorbs well.
Combo: Northern lights between September and March. If you go in September, you catch still-viable Ring Road weather + a chance of aurora at night.
Northern Ireland (Winterfell + Iron Islands) — the underrated location
Tollymore Forest became the Haunted Forest in S1 (opening scene). Castle Ward was Winterfell in all exterior scenes. Ballintoy Harbour was the port of Pyke (Iron Islands). Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is part of the S3 cinematic coastline. Dark Hedges (200-year-old beech trees) is the Kingsroad.
And there's the Iron Islands Studio Tour at Linen Mill, Banbridge — official opening 2022, expansion 2024. There you'll find the original sets for Winterfell's Great Hall, Dragonstone's Throne Room, the Inn at the Crossroads. £39.50 adult. It's the most complete GoT experience available today.
How to visit:
SP-Dublin direct flight via Aer Lingus, R$ 4,500-6,800. Car rental essential — Northern Ireland is rural territory. Base in Belfast (€120-180 nightly in a decent hotel) or Ballycastle (closer to coastal locations).
A 4-day itinerary covers everything: day 1 Belfast + Linen Mill Studio Tour, day 2 Castle Ward (Winterfell) + Tollymore, day 3 Causeway Coast (Carrick-a-Rede, Dark Hedges, Ballintoy), day 4 Cushendun Caves + Murlough Bay (where Davos returns from Dragonstone in S2).
Best month: May-June or September. Summer (July-August) is local high season but still manageable. Winter rains too much.
Expected crowding 2026: Low-medium. No peak phenomenon. Worth going now.
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Cáceres + Trujillo + Plasencia (House of the Dragon S3) — the next Dubrovnik
HBO confirmed Cáceres and Trujillo as the filming base for House of the Dragon S3, shooting between June and October 2026. Premiere expected in 2027. We've seen this movie before: season premieres, hype explodes, tourists arrive, city saturates.
Cáceres has 96,000 inhabitants. Plaza Mayor, Plaza de San Jorge, Palacio de los Golfines — all S2 settings already, and will appear even more in S3. Trujillo has 9,000 inhabitants. Nine thousand. Plaza Mayor's main parking lot holds 80 cars.
How to visit before the explosion:
Go in 2026 (between March and October, before the season premiere). You'll catch the city still in pre-hype mode. Atrio Restaurante Hotel in Cáceres, three Michelin stars, €450 nightly — expensive but legendary. Mid-range options €120-180. Car rental essential from Madrid (4h drive).
Expected crowding:
- 2026 before October: Medium. Good window.
- 2026 October-December: Active filming, areas closed, but hype still low.
- 2027 (premiere + 6 months): Peak. Avoid.
- 2028+: Stabilizes at a level 40-60% above 2025.
Alternative for those who want the aesthetic without the hype: Seville (previous item). Covers the Moorish-medieval visual vocabulary with infrastructure 10x more robust.
Malta — the forgotten location
The entire first season of GoT was filmed primarily in Malta before production migrated to Croatia. Mdina, the "Silent City," was King's Landing in S1. Fort Manoel was the Great Sept of Baelor (where Ned Stark is executed). St. Dominic's Monastery in Rabat became part of the Red Keep.
Malta dropped off the GoT radar after S1 — HBO moved to Croatia in S2. But the locations remain, and Malta today receives a fraction of Dubrovnik's tourism. Mdina has 250 residents and capacity to absorb visits comfortably.
How to visit:
SP-Malta flight via Rome, R$ 5,200-7,500. Boutique hotel in Valletta €120-180, in Mdina €140-220 (Xara Palace is the only hotel inside the walls — €280 nightly, worth one night for the experience). Car rental €40-60/day.
4-day itinerary: Valletta (capital, sea) + Mdina (silent city) + Rabat + Gozo island (Azure Window — collapsed in 2017 but the Dwejra Bay area where Daenerys's wedding scene was filmed is still worth it).
Best month: April, May, October. Summer is strong but manageable (coastal city).
Crowding: Low. Golden window.
Morocco (southern Essos) — Ait Benhaddou and Essaouira
Yunkai was filmed in Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage clay kasbah. Astapor was Essaouira (port city on the Atlantic coast). Pentos had scenes in Marrakech.
How to visit:
SP-Marrakech flight via Lisbon or Madrid, R$ 4,800-7,200. Base in Marrakech, 4h day trip to Ait Benhaddou (€80-120 per person on tour, or €180 renting your own car for the day). Essaouira is 3h from the coast, worth 2 days.
Itinerary: 7 days Morocco covering Marrakech + Ait Benhaddou + Essaouira + Atlas Mountains.
Best month: October-November or March-April. Summer (June-August) hits 45°C inland. Winter is rainy on the coast.
Expected crowding 2026: Low-medium. Ait Benhaddou has constant film flow (Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, GoT) but the location is large.
How to visit without falling into the overtourism trap
Three simple rules:
1. Avoid European high season (June-August). In all the locations cited, the problem isn't bad scenery — it's the crowd. September-October and April-May solve 80% of the problem.
2. Wake up early. 5:30 a.m. in Dubrovnik = empty Stradun. 6:45 a.m. in Seville = Plaza de España all yours. It's non-negotiable.
3. Use a larger base city, do day trips to the small locations. Split as base for a Dubrovnik day trip. Madrid as base for Cáceres. Marrakech as base for Ait Benhaddou. You sleep in a city with infrastructure and visit the location without feeding local saturation.
If you want to understand the complete overtourism framework with fees, quotas, and cities in hotel crisis, read the pillar Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam: the 2026 overtourism map. The same rules apply.
Verdict
GoT is still worth the trip. But the map has changed:
- Go now: Malta, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Seville. Reasonable crowding, good infrastructure, stable next 3-5 years.
- Go in 2026 before October: Cáceres, Trujillo. Final window before the House of the Dragon S3 peak.
- Go with strategy: Dubrovnik. Only if you can wake up at 5 a.m. and sleep in Split or outside the walls.
- Not worth it: Dubrovnik in July-August with a hotel inside the walls. You'll pay three times more for an experience three times worse.
Westeros and Essos remain accessible. The secret is understanding that the Iron Throne is worth less than the patience to avoid the line of people photographing it.
Pontos-chave
Dubrovnik instituted a €5-10 daily fee for cruise day-trippers in 2025, capped cruise ships at 2 per day (down from 8), and banned wheeled luggage on the old town's stone streets. Even so, in July the city receives 4x its local population.
Split is the obvious alternative. Diocletian's Palace served as Meereen (S4-S6), has better tourist infrastructure, and costs 30-40% less for hotels and restaurants.
Seville remains the best value: Real Alcázar (Water Gardens of Dorne) and Plaza de España (Dorne in S5) absorb visits without becoming hell. Buy Alcázar tickets 30 days in advance — they sell out fast but the bottleneck is planning, not capacity.
Perguntas frequentes
Not required, but it helps a lot. Dubrovnik, Seville, and Iceland are incredible destinations on their own. Those who watched the series get the bonus of recognizing settings — Iron Throne in Dubrovnik, Dorne in Seville, Beyond the Wall in Iceland.
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2 anos no editorial Voyspark
Time editorial da Voyspark — escritores, repórteres, fotógrafos e fixers em Lisboa, Tóquio, Nova York, Cidade do México e Marrakech. Coletivo. Sem voz corporativa. Cada peça com checagem cruzada por um editor regional e um chef ou curador local.
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