I’m in the midst of a DIY tour of Game of Thrones, the hit HBO series that depicts the civil war between nine noble families vying for the Iron Throne and control over Westeros. Parts of Split and Dubrovnik moonlight as mythical Westeros. And, despite the show’s dragons and direwolves, I’m fast approaching the realization that reality and fantasy easily marry in Croatia. Ever dreamed of standing in King’s Landing, climbing the steps of Meereen, or wandering the Red Keep’s gardens? In Croatia, you don’t need a portal to Westeros—just a plane ticket. The stunning coastal cities of Split and Dubrovnik, with their medieval fortresses and ancient palaces, served as some of the most iconic filming locations for Game of Thrones in Croatia.
Whether you’re tracing Daenerys’s path to power or reliving Cersei’s most humiliating moment, this is the ultimate journey for fans of the Seven Kingdoms.
The dungeons and dragons of Meereen
As we descend the stone staircase into the cellar beneath the fourth-century Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia, we swear we hear the low rumble of a dragon. After all, this is the Catacombs of Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, once kept her fire-breathing “pets” in chains. Have we just stepped straight into Game of Thrones in Croatia?
History buffs know this palace as the retirement home of Emperor Diocletian, one of the most remarkably preserved Roman architectural sites in the world. But for Game of Thrones fans, the palace’s cavernous basement is Daenerys’s domain. The high stone arches and limestone columns look as if they could still be hiding a dragon—or at least the echoes of their roars.
Klis Fortress: the stronghold of Meereen
There’s one more stop in Meereen—er, we mean Split. Just 20 minutes north, Klis Fortress rises dramatically over the landscape. This medieval stronghold, a symbol of Dalmatian resistance against the Ottomans, has seen centuries of real battles. But for Game of Thrones devotees, it is Meereen, the city Daenerys liberated, standing proudly above the Bay of Dragons.
Climbing the fortress stairs, we can’t resist the urge to channel our inner Targaryen and declare, “I will answer injustice with justice!” But instead of a roaring crowd, we’re met with a handful of amused (or mildly concerned) tourists.
Trsteno Arboretum: the gardens of King’s Landing
On the scenic coastal drive toward Dubrovnik, a stop at Trsteno Arboretum is a must. This lush, centuries-old garden—one of the oldest in Europe—served as the Red Keep’s gardens in Game of Thrones. With its shaded pathways, Renaissance fountains, and breathtaking sea views, it’s easy to imagine Lady Olenna and Lord Varys whispering secrets beneath the gazebos.
Reality and fiction blur here, especially when the Adriatic sparkles in the background, making it a perfect place to channel the intrigue of Westeros.
Dubrovnik: the heart of King’s Landing
We finally arrive in Dubrovnik, better known in the Game of Thrones universe as King’s Landing. Our first stop? The elegant Jesuit Stairs, which lead from Gundulić Square to the 18th-century Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. But for us, these steps will forever be the site of Cersei Lannister’s infamous Walk of Shame. We pause at the bottom, half-expecting a queen to emerge—alas, not today.
Next, we head outside the city walls to Fort Lovrijenac, a fortress perched high above the sea. Once a stronghold protecting Dubrovnik from naval invasions, it now offers some of the most breathtaking views of King’s Landing. The courtyard here was the backdrop for the tournament held in King Joffrey’s honor, and for a moment, we almost hear the clang of swords. But no Mountain, no Viper—just our own reflections in the centuries-old stone.
Lokrum Island: the throne awaits
For the ultimate Game of Thrones experience, we hop on a boat to Lokrum Island, the lush, uninhabited stand-in for Qarth. With its ancient monastery and legends of a Benedictine curse, Lokrum has an air of mystery all its own. But we’re here for one thing.
Inside a small museum, we finally find it—the Iron Throne itself. The seat of power, forged from a thousand swords, gleams before us. Taking a seat, we sit up straight, feeling every inch the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Just us, our imagination, and the lingering spirits of Westeros.
