Filming Locations of Game of Thrones: in Malta and Greece

When Game of Thrones first aired on television, I can’t imagine many people thought it was going to be such a hit series. However, ever since season one appeared in 2011, the series would only get bigger and attract more and more viewers, before the climatic (or anti-climactic, depending on who you speak to) ending when season eight aired in 2019. Year after the series finished, it still has a loyal fanbase. There were several countries in the world that were used as location sets, and they have since become popular tourist destinations.

Croatia may be the best-known location to portray King’s Landing, but it wasn’t the first. If you have been following our series - or you’re a hardcore fan of the series - you’ll know that Croatia wasn’t used as a location for the capital of Westeros until season two. So where was the season one shot? We’ll talk about that and the locations used, as well as brief cameo made by a nearby country. Also, there be spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones.

This is the newest entry for our Game of Thrones locations tour. Feel free to have a look at the other ones in Northern Ireland, Spain and Morocco, Croatia, and Iceland to explore the real-life Game of Thrones.

Malta

Though it may not be as prominent as the likes of Croatia and Northern Ireland, Malta still had a significant part to play in the production process of Game of Thrones, especially suring the first season. An Island country between Libya and Italy, Malta and its sister island Gozo hosted many different locations, from the scene where Daenerys first meets Khal Drogo to the exterior sets of King’s Landing. 

As with many of the countries that were used in the filming of Game of Thrones, the show had a positive economic impact on Malta. Locals were hired during the filming process, and though one of its most notable attractions was damaged, Malta still very much felt the effect of the Game of Thrones Effect with fans touring the islands. And now, so can you! There is also a free app available to help you navigate Malta which is worth your consideration should you visit.

Know Before You Go

Getting there

Malta is an island country and the best way to get there is by air. There is only one international airport that serves the country, and that is Malta International Airport located in Luqa town - southwest of the Maltese capital Valletta. It is served by many European airlines, including acting as one of the main hubs for Air Malta.

You can also get to Malta by ferry, though this is admittedly less reliable. Ferries operate seasonally as well as being affected logistically. You can get a direct ferry to Malta from Salerno or Catania, though depending on which ferry you take, it can take anywhere from two hours to 24 hours to reach Malta.

Public Transportation

Using public transport is a cheap and reliable way of getting around Malta. Day fares are €2 while night fares are €3, and the bus network takes you within walking distance of the attractions, if not directly to them. While there aren’t many dedicated Game of Thrones tours on Malta, there are a couple of different ones which take you to some of the locations used in the filming.

Driving

Driving a car is another good way of getting around Malta and renting one is relatively cheaper compared to other European countries. Of the three islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino - driving is permitted on Malta and Gozo, and they use the left-hand side like in Northern Ireland. While the bus is a cheap and reliable way of getting around, a car will allow you to get to more remote spots. Roads can be narrow here, so the smaller, the better. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 and to have held their license for more than one year. Some companies impose a surcharge for renters aged under 25.

Weather 

Malta is in the Mediterranean, so you can expect hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit here for sunshine is between June and September, but don’t forget your sun cream is at can get very hot. The wettest month of the year in Malta is November.

Money 

Malta is part of the EU, so the currency is the euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Malta, although sometimes American Express will be refused, and it’s handy to carry some cash on you, especially if you want a small souvenir.

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Fort St. Angelo

The firs place worth visiting on Malta from Game of Thrones is the Fort St. Angelo. In real-life history, it served as a defensive structure, with its latest use being a shore establishment for the Royal Navy from the Second World War all the way to the late 70’s. In the show, it actually served as the dungeons of the Red Keep, first appearing on camera when Arya Stark is chasing a cat to where Ned Stark is imprisoned before his ultimate fate in the first season.

The Fort is open all week from 10am to 6pm, with it being closed on Good Friday, Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day. The most expensive admission is €10.00 for adults, but alternatively, you can sign up for this tour where you can get a pass to four other attractions about the history of Malta.

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Fort Manoel

It isn’t a Sean Bean project without him dying, and undoubtedly the most pivotal moment in season one was the death of Ned Stark. It would ripple throughout the series, kickstarting the war between the Lannisters and the Starks, sending Arya on the run, and eventually sending Brienne of Tarth to rescue the Stark girls. Well, if you want to see the moment where that happened, you’ll have to visit Fort Manoel. This 18th-century fortress also doubled as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in season one before the producers moved to Croatia. 

There is typically free entry into this fort. However, it is closed at the moment due to an ongoing restoration project, which you can look at here. You can still walk up to the fort and give it a look, the area is also popular with dog walkers and great for a swim.

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Fort Ricasoli

Built by the Order of Saint John during the late 17th century and named after one of their knights Giovanni Francesco Ricasoli, Fort Ricasoli is the largest fort on Malta was used a military installation by different factions throughout history until the early 60’s. Back when Malta was a British colony, this is where some of the British forces were garrisoned. In Game of Thrones, it depicted one of the gates of King’s Landing in season one, where Arya Stark jumps into some guards. It was also used as a set in other projects, like the Colosseum in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator.

Sadly, Ricasoli is also closed due to its current condition and is currently only allowed access through special permissions. It also has its own restoration project underway to preserve its history, but it’ll take years before the public can visit its interior. Like Manoel, though, you can walk up close to the Fort.

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San Anton Palace and Gardens

One notable attraction is the San Anton Palace and Gardens. As well as serving as exteriors of the Red Keep and its connected gardens in season one, it is also the official home of the President of Malta. Some of the scenes featuring this location range from when the Starka first arrive at the Red Keep to when Joffery takes Sansa to see what has become of her father in the season one finale.

Since this is the residence of the President of the country, the interior of the palace is closed off to the general public. However, you can still access the garden between 7 am and 7 pm.

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Mesquita Square

One of the more recognisable exterior sets in Malta which is accessible is the Mesquita Square in Mdina. Just south of the Palazzo Falson, the square acts as the exterior set for Little Finger’s brothel in season one. There are businesses at this square, though they are cafes and restaurants. 

You’ll more than likely inevitably pass it if you’re exploring on foot, as it connects many different parts of the city. So why not sit and enjoy a coffee? Better yet, take a photo of the scene where Jaime and Ned have their sword fight and see if you can line up the shot perfectly.

St. Dominic’s Convent

“When you play the game of Thrones, you win, or you die.” This iconic quote from Cersei Lannister in season one echoes throughout the series, and it was shot in the gardens of St. Dominic’s Convert. The church itself is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and you can find it on the outskirts of Rabat. you can learn more about St. Dominic here. 

The marble statue of the Virgin Mary inside is also worth noting due to it weeping tears in 1999. This was a phenomenon that was observed again on two other occasions. Private tours are avaliable upon request, but keep in mind that this is still church property, so keep your hands to yourself.

Verdala Palace

Illyrio Mopatis might have been a minor character in the first season, but his actions also have long-term repercussions throughout the show, since he set up the marriage between Drogo and Daenerys. For his mansion in Pentos, the Verdala Palace was used. Built in the 16th century, it is now the summer home of the President of Malta and has been since 1987. 

Typically, it is closed off to the public, except for one night of the year - the annual Ball of the August Moon, an event which is held every year on the 6th of August in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. Tickets can be on the pricey end though, so keep that in mind before you consider attending.

The Azure Window

Outside of the Mesquita Square, the Azure Window is - or was - probably one of Malta’s most recognisable attractions in terms of Game of Thrones locations, featuring the scene where Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen get married. This unique rock formation was created by sea erosion. Unfortunately, this is also what caused it to collapse inevitably.

The rock continued to be eroded and on the morning of March 8th 2017, a violent storm hit Malta. Due to a mixture of the battering waves and the conditions due to the storm, the base of this pillar became too weak to support the full thing and fell into the sea. It’s a huge shame because this location was as set not just for Game of Thrones, but also the 1981 Clash of the Titans and The Count of Monte Cristo. If you want to learn a bit more about the site now, watch this video here.

Mdina Gate

If you’re going to be visiting other attractions in Mdina, you’re more than likely going to pass through the Mdina Gate. Built in the Baroque architectural style in 1724, the gate does date back to the middle ages but this current gate was part of a full restoration and renovation of Mdina during the early 18th century. 

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This location served as a set for one of the scenes in season one, notable when Ned and Catelyn Stark have their last on-screen moment together. It is one of three gates that the Mdina fortifications have and also acts as a good starting point for tours around the island

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Mtahleb Cliffs

And last but not least for our Malta destination is the Mtahleb Cliffs outside of Rabat. Found on the south eastern point of the island of Malta, these stunning sea cliffs were where the Dothraki make camp after Khal Drogo collapses and where season one concludes with Daenerys surviving the burning of the funeral pyre. 

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If you want to get there though, it can be a bit tricky as there is no marking to show where the location actually is. It is near the hill of Tal-Merħla, but it isn’t as easy to get to as other attractions on Malta.

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Where to stay

Budget - Quayside, Marsaxlokk - The ground floor of this apartment complex sits in a 19th-century building and is located on the seafront of the town of Marsaxlokk, offering free parking. 

Mid-range - Seaview Stays, St Paul’s Bay - Out of the many apartments this guest house offers, the studio with a sea view is right on the beach front and there is also a shuttle service to Malta Airport.

Luxury - Land’s End Boutique Hotel, Sliema - If you want to spend your trip to Malta in style, this hotel has everything - a restaurant, sauna, private balconies which offer stunning views and a paid shuttle to the airport.

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Greece

While there are many countries which use a vast amount of locations for the show, Greece only really has one notable location. However, it deserves an honourable mention because of its significance in the story arc of season one. Remember the scene where Tyrion gets locked up by lady Arryn and he gets abused by the jailer because “Dwarf man making noise”? Well, you might not recognise this location at first as it’s in the background, but a unique rock formation at Meteora serves as the backdrop of the Eyrie, where Tyrion is precariously left hanging - literally - after trying to defend his case. 

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The main cast and crew didn’t actually film here due to its protected status, but a separate camera unit was sent down here to shoot for the scene. Even if it hasn’t properly felt the Game of Thrones Effect and it only appears for a couple of scenes, Meteora is still worthy of a visit just to see the many monasteries built upon this region's cliffs.

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