Game of Thrones Malta Filming Locations: The Complete FREE Season 1 Guide
Looking for every Game of Thrones filming location in Malta?
You’ve come to the right place.
Before Dubrovnik became King’s Landing, Malta was the original home of Westeros. HBO filmed much of Game of Thrones Season 1 across Malta and Gozo, transforming medieval streets, imposing fortresses and breathtaking cliffs into King’s Landing, the Red Keep, Pentos and the Dothraki Sea.
As a Maltese local, historian and professional tour guide, I’ve spent years researching these filming locations and guiding visitors through them. To help fellow fans, I’ve created this FREE Game of Thrones Malta video tour, allowing you to explore every major Season 1 filming location at your own pace.
Whether you’re planning a holiday to Malta or simply want to discover where your favourite scenes were filmed, this guide is designed to be your complete companion.
Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed in Malta?
Many fans ask:
Where was King’s Landing filmed?
Where was Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding filmed?
Where is the Red Keep in real life?
Can you still visit the Game of Thrones locations?
The answer is yes.
Many of the original Game of Thrones Season 1 filming locations can still be visited today, and they’re spread across both Malta and Gozo.
During this free guide you’ll discover:
Valletta
Fort Ricasoli
Fort St Angelo
Fort Manoel
San Anton Palace
Mdina
Rabat
Verdala Palace
Mtahleb Cliffs
Miġra il-Ferħa
Ras id-Dawwara
Manikata
Dwejra Bay, Gozo
Together these locations became some of the most iconic places in Game of Thrones.
Visit King’s Landing, the Red Keep and Pentos
One of the highlights of visiting Malta is seeing just how many famous scenes were filmed here.
Walk through Mdina, which became the entrance to King’s Landing.
Stand before Fort Ricasoli, transformed into the Red Keep’s imposing gate.
Visit Fort Manoel, where King Joffrey ordered the execution of Ned Stark.
Explore Verdala Palace, the magnificent residence of Illyrio Mopatis in Pentos.
Travel to Gozo’s Dwejra Bay, where Daenerys Targaryen married Khal Drogo beneath the legendary Azure Window.
Every location tells two stories.
The first belongs to Game of Thrones.
The second belongs to Malta itself
Caption: The Gate of Mdina
Looking for a Guided Game of Thrones Experience?
If you’d like to experience these incredible filming locations with someone who knows both Game of Thrones and the history of Malta, you’re welcome to join one of our guided experiences.
Led by a Maltese local and historian, our tours reveal the hidden stories behind each filming location while bringing Westeros back to life.
✔ Small groups
✔ Private tours available
✔ Perfect for Game of Thrones fans
✔ Ideal for photographers and history lovers
✔ Personal recommendations from a local guide
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to Malta, this free guide will help you discover the island through the eyes of HBO’s most famous television series.
From King’s Landing to Pentos…
From the Red Keep to the Dothraki Sea…
Malta is where Westeros began.
Watch the FREE Game of Thrones Malta Tour, explore the real filming locations and begin your own adventure across Malta and Gozo today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Malta?
Yes. Game of Thrones Season 1 was extensively filmed in Malta and Gozo before production moved to Croatia for later seasons. Many of the show’s most iconic early scenes—including King’s Landing, the Red Keep, Pentos and Khal Drogo’s wedding—were filmed at historic locations across the Maltese Islands.
Where is King’s Landing in Malta?
King’s Landing was created using several locations across Malta. The medieval city of Mdina served as the entrance to King’s Landing, while Fort Ricasoli became the Red Keep’s main gate. Fort St Angelo doubled as the Red Keep’s dungeons, Fort Manoel became the Great Sept of Baelor, and several streets in Valletta were also used for scenes set in the capital of Westeros. Valletta being a peninsula was also used as the foundation of King’s Landing from the side using CGI
Can you visit the Game of Thrones filming locations?
Yes. Most of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta are open to visitors and can be explored throughout the year. Historic cities such as Valletta, Mdina, Birgu (Vittoriosa) and Rabat are fully accessible, while many forts and palaces can also be visited during opening hours or viewed from nearby viewpoints. Some sites may occasionally have restricted access due to restoration works or special events, so it’s always worth checking ahead.
How many Game of Thrones filming locations are there in Malta?
There are more than a dozen major Game of Thrones filming locations spread across Malta and Gozo. These include Valletta, Mdina, Birgu, Fort Ricasoli, Fort Manoel, Fort St Angelo, San Anton Palace, Verdala Palace, Mtahleb Cliffs, Miġra il-Ferħa, Ras id-Dawwara, Manikata and Dwejra Bay in Gozo, where Daenerys Targaryen married Khal Drogo beneath the famous Azure Window.
Is there a Game of Thrones tour in Malta?
Yes. Malta offers several Game of Thrones experiences, including self-guided routes and organised tours. If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, Malta Themed Tours offers a private REAL Game of Thrones tour led by a Maltese local, historical researcher and Game of Thrones fan The tour visits the major Season 1 filming locations in Mdina while exploring both the fascinating history of Mdina
