Game of Thrones in Morocco: Complete Guide to Filming Locations

When Game of Thrones producers needed authentic locations for the exotic continent of Essos, they found their answer in Morocco’s diverse landscapes and ancient architecture. Morocco's game locations are celebrated for their real-life historical and architectural features, making them ideal for filming. From the Atlantic coast to the edge of the Sahara Desert, Morocco provided the perfect backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen’s liberation campaign across Slaver’s Bay. This comprehensive guide will take you through all the thrones filming locations where the Mother of Dragons conquered cities and freed slaves, transforming Morocco into one of television’s most memorable fantasy realms.

Morocco’s rich history, stunning fortified villages, and UNESCO World Heritage sites—many of which have appeared in many movies, not just Game of Thrones—required minimal digital enhancement to become the free cities of Essos. Whether you’re a dedicated Thrones fan planning a pilgrimage or a traveler seeking to explore Morocco’s amazing locations through a different lens, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting these iconic filming locations.

Morocco’s Role in Game of Thrones

Morocco served as the primary filming location for Essos continent scenes during Season 3 of the acclaimed TV series in 2013. The country’s diverse geography, from Morocco’s Atlantic coast to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, provided production designers with authentic medieval backdrops that required minimal CGI enhancement.

Three main Moroccan cities—Ouarzazate, Essaouira, and Ait Ben Haddou—each city located in a unique region of Morocco, doubled as the infamous Slavers’ Bay locations: Yunkai, Astapor, and Pentos. The Thrones production company chose Morocco specifically for its well-preserved historical architecture and dramatic landscapes that perfectly matched George R.R. Martin’s vision of the eastern continent. The decision proved so successful that many fans consider these among the most visually stunning scenes in the Game of Thrones series. Thrones decided to use these towns for their visual impact, making them central to key plot events and decisions in the show.

The country’s pre-Islamic and Islamic architecture, combined with Berber fortifications, created an authentic medieval atmosphere that transported viewers directly into the world of Westeros and Essos. Various games and scenes filmed in these towns brought the fictional cities to life. Morocco’s natural beauty and historical significance made it an ideal stand-in for the exotic locations where Daenerys Targaryen built her legend as the Breaker of Chains.

Visitors today can tour sets or catch a quick glimpse of the thrones set locations used in the series.

Major Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Morocco

Ait Ben Haddou - Yunkai the Yellow City

Ait Ben Haddou stands as perhaps the most recognizable filming location for Game of Thrones in Morocco, serving as the yellow city of Yunkai in Season 3. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fortified village that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, making it the perfect backdrop for one of the series’ most triumphant moments.

The ancient kasbah provided the setting for Daenerys Targaryen’s famous “Mhysa” scene, where she was proclaimed liberator by the freed slaves of Yunkai. The crowd-surfing sequence, which became one of the show’s most iconic images, was filmed among the traditional mud-brick buildings and narrow alleyways of this spectacular location.

Located 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate in the Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou has appeared in over 20 major films, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy. The pre-Saharan architecture of this fortified city perfectly matched the descriptions from the original novels, requiring virtually no digital enhancement during post-production.

Visitors today can explore the same walls where the Unsullied army marched and walk the paths where Daenerys made her grand entrance. The village offers guided tours that highlight specific Throne filming locations, though the local Berber community continues to live within parts of the ancient structure, maintaining its authentic character.

Essaouira - Astapor Home of the Unsullied

The Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira transformed into Astapor, the red city where Daenerys acquired her legendary Unsullied army. This 18th-century port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast provided the dramatic seaside setting for some of Season 3’s most pivotal scenes.

Essaouira’s impressive ramparts and the historic Sqala du Port featured prominently in the sequences where Daenerys negotiates with the Good Masters and ultimately frees the Unsullied army. The massive Bastion Nord walls served as the backdrop for several “Walk of Punishment” sequences, their weathered stone providing an authentic medieval fortress atmosphere.

Known locally as the “Windy City of Africa,” Essaouira combines Portuguese colonial architecture with traditional Moroccan design, creating the unique visual blend that made it perfect for representing one of the free cities. The city’s medina, with its narrow streets and traditional markets, added depth to the Astapor scenes without requiring extensive set construction.

Located just two hours from Marrakech, Essaouira remains one of Morocco’s most accessible Thrones filming locations. The city offers fresh seafood, vibrant markets, and stunning ocean views that make it a must-visit destination even beyond its Game of Thrones connections. Many fans choose to take day trips from Marrakech to experience both the filming locations and the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios - Gateway to the Sahara

Atlas Studios, the world’s largest film studio by area, served as the primary production hub for Game of Thrones filming in Morocco. Located in Ouarzazate, this massive facility created the elaborate studio sets used for both interior and exterior scenes of various Slaver’s Bay locations.

The studios constructed impressive recreations of throne rooms, slave markets, and city squares that were used for close-up dialogue scenes and indoor sequences. These detailed studio sets allowed the production team to maintain continuity with the outdoor throne locations while providing controlled environments for complex filming requirements.

Ouarzazate itself, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” provided additional filming locations, with its Taourirt Kasbah serving as another backdrop for Astapor scenes. The city’s unique position between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert created the perfect transition zone for representing the diverse geography of Essos.

Atlas Studios now offers comprehensive tours of the Game of Thrones sets, displaying original costumes, props, and detailed recreations of key locations. Visitors can see still images from filming, explore the impressive structures built specifically for the series, and learn about the complex logistics of bringing Essos to life in southern Morocco.

Located just 30 minutes from Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate serves as the ideal base for exploring multiple thrones in morocco locations. The city offers numerous accommodation options and serves as the starting point for many organized thrones tours throughout the region.

Game of Thrones Tours and Travel Options

For Thrones fans seeking to experience all the filming locations, several tour options provide comprehensive access to these amazing locations across Morocco. Multi-day tours from Marrakech typically cover all three major thrones morocco locations, offering transportation, accommodation, and expert guides familiar with the specific scenes filmed at each location.

Day trip options include intensive 12-hour excursions from Marrakech to both Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, allowing visitors to experience two key throne locations in a single day. These tours typically depart early morning and return by evening, maximizing time at each filming location while providing detailed commentary about the production process.

For those specifically interested in Essaouira, dedicated day trips from either Marrakech or Casablanca offer 4-6 hours of travel each way, with several hours to explore the ramparts, medina, and specific Essaouira filming locations. These coastal excursions often combine Game of Thrones sites with traditional Moroccan cultural experiences.

Private 4WD tours through the Atlas Mountains provide the most authentic experience, following the same routes used by the production crews and offering access to more remote filming areas. These specialized tours can be customized for serious GOT fans who want detailed access to specific scene locations and behind-the-scenes information.

Combination packages frequently include extensions to the Sahara Desert, allowing visitors to experience the broader Moroccan landscape that influenced the show’s visual design. One such tour might combine all the major Thrones filming locations with camel trekking and desert camping for a complete Moroccan adventure.

Hidden Game of Thrones Locations

Tazentoute - Daenerys’s Desert Camp

Beyond the major cities, several lesser-known locations contributed to the authentic atmosphere of game of thrones in morocco. Tazentoute, a remote area near Ouarzazate, served as the setting for Daenerys’s desert encampment scenes where she negotiated with representatives from Yunkai.

This fascinating place showcases the authentic Moroccan desert terrain that required minimal CGI enhancement. The production team chose this location specifically for its untouched landscape and dramatic mountain backdrop, creating some of the series’ most visually striking desert scenes.

The remote nature of this filming location means it’s accessible only through specialized private tours with experienced local guides. These tours offer fans a unique glimpse into the production process while exploring some of Morocco’s most spectacular and unspoiled desert landscapes.

Draa Valley - Additional Essos Scenes

The Draa Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” provided establishing shots and background scenes for various Slaver’s Bay sequences. This beautiful valley showcases traditional Berber villages that enhance the authentic medieval atmosphere without requiring extensive set decoration.

The valley’s ancient kasbahs and oasis towns were used for caravan scenes and wide shots that established the geographic scope of Daenerys’s campaign across Essos. The production team utilized several scenes filmed in this region to create the sense of a vast, interconnected world of cities and trade routes.

Best visited during the spring months from March to May, the Draa Valley offers optimal weather conditions and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. Many fans incorporate valley visits into longer tours that combine multiple Thrones filming locations with exploration of Morocco’s traditional Berber culture.

Day Trips to Filming Locations

For Thrones fans eager to experience Morocco’s iconic filming locations in a single day, several convenient day trips make it easy to step into the world of Game of Thrones. One such tour is a day trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Thrones filming locations. The journey itself is a highlight, winding through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains and offering travelers a chance to soak in beautiful landscapes and traditional Berber villages along the way.

Upon arrival at Ait Ben Haddou, visitors can explore the ancient fortified village that brought the yellow city of Yunkai to life on screen. Walking through its narrow alleys and climbing its mud-brick towers, you’ll recognize the very spots where Daenerys Targaryen’s story unfolded. Guided tours often point out specific Thrones filming locations, making the experience even more immersive for fans.

Another popular day trip option is to Essaouira, the vibrant port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast that doubled as Astapor in the series. Here, you can stroll along the city’s historic ramparts, visit the Bastion Nord, and stand atop the Sqala du Port, all of which featured in memorable Thrones scenes. Beyond its filming location fame, Essaouira is renowned for its fresh seafood, lively markets, and laid-back coastal charm, making it a perfect destination for a day of exploration.

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Thrones filming locations or simply want to enjoy Morocco’s stunning scenery and rich culture, these day trips offer a memorable way to experience the magic of the series in real life.

Behind the Scenes of Game of Thrones

The Game of Thrones production company selected Morocco for its extraordinary variety of landscapes and its rich history, making it a natural fit for some of the most memorable Thrones filming locations. Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate played a pivotal role, serving as the creative hub where elaborate sets for King’s Landing, Astapor, and the cities of Essos were constructed. Today, visitors can take guided tours of these studio sets, gaining insight into the craftsmanship and attention to detail that brought the world of Game of Thrones to life.

Ait Ben Haddou, the fortified village that became the yellow city of Yunkai, required almost no modification to transform into a Thrones filming location. Its ancient walls and unique appearance provided an authentic backdrop for Daenerys’s dramatic scenes, showcasing the power of Morocco’s historical architecture. The Thrones production company also decided to use Morocco’s Atlantic coast to represent the Free Cities of Slaver’s Bay, with Essaouira’s reputation as the “windy city” and its impressive structure making it the perfect stand-in for Astapor.

From the bustling port city of Essaouira to the timeless beauty of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s filming locations offered the Thrones team a wealth of real-world settings that needed little more than a camera to capture the magic. For fans and travelers alike, visiting these sites offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of television’s most epic productions.

Morocco’s Cultural Heritage

Morocco’s cultural heritage is woven into every corner of its Thrones filming locations, from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira to the fortified cities and ancient kasbahs that dot the landscape. Ait Benhaddou, with its striking mud-brick architecture and labyrinthine streets, stands as a testament to centuries of Moroccan tradition and craftsmanship, offering visitors a window into the country’s storied past.

The Atlas Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for many Thrones filming locations, their rugged peaks and lush valleys adding depth and grandeur to the series’ most iconic scenes. Meanwhile, the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert offers a unique and unforgettable landscape, both for filming and for those seeking adventure beyond the screen.

Cities like Marrakech and Ouarzazate blend the old and the new, with bustling souks, historic palaces, and vibrant modern life coexisting side by side. Exploring these cities, you’ll discover the same blend of tradition and innovation that made Morocco such a compelling choice for Thrones filming, and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s enduring cultural legacy.

Final Tips and Recommendations

For Thrones fans planning a journey to Morocco, booking a guided tour to Thrones filming locations such as Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira is highly recommended. A day trip from Marrakech to either of these iconic sites allows you to experience Morocco’s beautiful landscapes and rich history firsthand, while expert guides provide context and behind-the-scenes stories from the Game of Thrones production.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios, where you can walk through the very sets used in the series and learn more about the Thrones production company’s creative process. With its blend of ancient architecture, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant culture, Morocco is truly a must-visit destination for Thrones fans and anyone eager to explore fascinating places and amazing locations.

Whether you’re retracing the steps of your favorite characters or simply soaking in the atmosphere of these legendary filming locations, visiting Morocco promises an unforgettable adventure that brings the world of Game of Thrones to life.

Planning Your Game of Thrones Morocco Adventure

Planning the perfect thrones location tour requires consideration of Morocco’s climate, travel logistics, and the specific locations you want to prioritize. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October through April, when temperatures are comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration and photography.

A recommended itinerary spans 3-4 days to properly experience all the major filming locations without rushing. This timeframe allows for thorough exploration of each city, time to appreciate the cultural and historical significance beyond the Game of Thrones connections, and opportunities for additional activities like shopping in traditional markets or enjoying Morocco’s famous cuisine.

Marrakech serves as the ideal base for visiting southern locations, including Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, while Casablanca provides better access to Essaouira for those focusing on the coastal filming locations. Many visitors choose to split their time between both cities to maximize their thrones location experiences.

Budget considerations should include tour costs ranging from $100 to 300 per day, depending on group size and luxury level, accommodation in each city, entrance fees to various sites, and meals. Many tours include transportation and guide services, making them cost-effective options for covering multiple locations efficiently.

Practical tips for Thrones fans include bringing reference materials like episode screenshots or books to enhance the experience, working with local guides who were present during filming, and respecting photography restrictions at certain UNESCO sites. The local customs are generally welcoming to film tourism, though visitors should dress modestly and respect local traditions.

What to expect includes moderate crowd levels at major sites, especially during peak tourist season, but the vast scale of locations like Ait Ben Haddou means that finding quiet spots for photography and contemplation remains possible. The experience of visiting these locations provides a unique connection to the series that enhances appreciation for both the show’s production values and Morocco’s incredible historical heritage.

Whether you’re a casual fan curious about the beautiful landscapes or a dedicated enthusiast seeking to walk in Daenerys’s footsteps, Morocco’s Game of Thrones filming locations offer an unforgettable journey through both fantasy television history and North African culture. The combination of stunning natural beauty, well-preserved historical architecture, and the magic of seeing iconic scenes come to life creates an adventure that resonates long after the cameras stop rolling.