Morocco is one of the most striking backdrops used in Game of Thrones. With its fortified kasbahs, desert valleys, and Atlantic coast, the country became the perfect stand-in for the lands of Essos. Its unique mix of history, architecture, and landscapes gave the series a sense of authenticity that no set could recreate.
Fans from all over the world now travel to explore these Morocco Game of Thrones locations, walking the same paths where Daenerys Targaryen freed the slaves of Yunkai and Astapor. These spots are more than filming sites — they are living pieces of Moroccan culture and heritage.
Why Morocco Was Chosen for Game of Thrones
Morocco’s Unique Landscapes
The producers of Game of Thrones wanted places that looked powerful, exotic, and full of history. Morocco was the perfect choice because the country has many different landscapes that look like they belong in another world.
In the south, the Sahara Desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Its golden sand dunes, especially in Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, create the feeling of endless space. These wide desert views gave the series the dramatic setting it needed for the slave cities of Essos.
Closer to the coast, Morocco changes completely. The Atlantic Ocean brings fresh air and powerful waves. Essaouira, with its stone walls standing strong against the sea, was the perfect place to film the scenes of Astapor. The mix of ocean views and ancient walls looks both beautiful and fierce.
The Atlas Mountains add yet another side to Morocco’s landscapes. Their snow-covered peaks in winter and green valleys in spring show how much contrast exists in the country. Villages built from red clay sit on the mountainsides, making every corner look like a painting.
Even the smaller details of Morocco’s landscapes made it perfect for filming. Palm-filled oases, rocky valleys, and kasbahs (fortresses) made of mudbrick all gave Game of Thrones the authentic look of a land filled with history and power.
Every region of Morocco offers a new scene, which is why so many filmmakers, not only those from Game of Thrones, choose to come here. From desert heat to cool sea breezes, from ancient caravan routes to coastal ports, Morocco provided the perfect natural stage for the story of Essos.
Historical Kasbahs and Medinas
One of the main reasons Game of Thrones chose Morocco is because of its living history. The country is filled with kasbahs and medinas that look almost the same as they did hundreds of years ago.
A kasbah is a type of fortress made from clay and stone. These were once homes for powerful families and safe places for travelers crossing the desert. Their high walls, towers, and gates gave protection against invaders. When you walk through a kasbah today, you feel as if you have stepped into another time. This is exactly why filmmakers love them — they don’t need to build fake sets, because the real thing already exists.
Medinas are the old parts of Moroccan cities. They are made up of narrow streets, busy souks (markets), and traditional houses. Inside a medina, you can see daily life that has not changed much for centuries. The colors, sounds, and smells all create an atmosphere that feels both real and magical.
For Game of Thrones, these kasbahs and medinas became the perfect stand-in for the cities of Essos. Ait Benhaddou, for example, is a ksar (fortified village) that was transformed into Yunkai. Its towers and gates already looked like they belonged in a fantasy world. Essaouira’s medina, with its strong walls facing the ocean, gave the producers a ready-made setting for Astapor.
What makes these places even more special is that they are not only filming locations. They are part of Morocco’s heritage. Families still live in the houses, markets are still full of traders, and mosques continue to call people to prayer. When visitors come to see the Morocco Game of Thrones locations, they are also experiencing real Moroccan history and culture.
This combination of ancient architecture and living tradition gave the series a sense of truth and depth that no studio could recreate.
Main Morocco Game of Thrones Locations
Ait Benhaddou – The City of Yunkai
Ait Benhaddou is the most famous Game of Thrones filming location in Morocco. This fortified ksar (village) was chosen to represent Yunkai, the Yellow City, in season 3. When Daenerys Targaryen arrives with her army to free the slaves, the scenes were filmed right here. The walls, towers, and desert background of Ait Benhaddou made it look like a city from another world.
History of Ait Benhaddou
The village dates back to at least the 11th century and was once part of the caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. Traders carrying salt, gold, and spices used to stop here to rest and exchange goods. The houses are built from a mix of clay, straw, and wood, giving them their reddish-brown color that blends perfectly with the surrounding hills.
Over the centuries, Ait Benhaddou became known not only as a trading post but also as a stronghold. Its tall defensive walls and watchtowers made it difficult for invaders to attack. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ksars in Morocco.
Game of Thrones Scenes Filmed Here
In Game of Thrones, Ait Benhaddou was transformed into Yunkai. The dramatic shots of Daenerys standing before the gates with her Unsullied army were filmed in the lower part of the ksar. The mudbrick walls and ancient gates gave the perfect atmosphere for these powerful scenes. Even though digital effects were added in post-production, the main structure and setting you see on screen are real.
Ait Benhaddou is not only famous for Game of Thrones. It has also appeared in many other films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia. This makes it one of the most filmed locations in Morocco.
How to Visit Ait Benhaddou
Visiting Ait Benhaddou is like stepping into history. The ksar is about 30 km from Ouarzazate and around 4 hours from Marrakech by road. Most travelers stop here on their way to the desert in Merzouga or Zagora.
To explore, you can walk across the river (dry in summer, but with stepping stones or a small bridge in winter) and enter the ksar. The narrow alleys lead you past traditional houses, some still occupied by local families. Small shops sell handmade crafts, and some houses are open for visitors to see how people live inside.
Climbing to the top is the highlight of the visit. From there, you get an amazing panoramic view of the desert plains, the High Atlas Mountains, and the entire ksar below. Sunset is especially magical, when the clay walls turn golden under the fading light.
If you are interested in the film history, many local guides can point out the exact spots where Game of Thrones and other movies were filmed. Staying overnight in nearby guesthouses also allows you to see the ksar in the quiet of the morning or evening, away from the daytime crowds.
Why It Is Special
What makes Ait Benhaddou so unique is that it is both a filming location and a living piece of Moroccan history. While travelers come to see Yunkai, they also discover a place that has been important for centuries. It is a bridge between the fantasy world of Game of Thrones and the real culture of Morocco.
Essaouira – Astapor, the Slave City
Essaouira is one of the most beautiful cities on Morocco’s Atlantic coast and an important Game of Thrones filming location. In season 3, it became Astapor, the city where Daenerys gains the Unsullied army. The combination of strong stone walls, the sound of the ocean, and the old medina made Essaouira the perfect choice for the role.
History of Essaouira
Essaouira has been a trading port for centuries. In the 18th century, Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah rebuilt the city with the help of European architects, giving it its current design. The walls and towers that protect the medina were built to defend the city from attacks by sea. Today, the medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its whitewashed houses with blue shutters, narrow alleys, and lively souks.
The city has always been a meeting point for different cultures. Traders from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East passed through its port, leaving behind influences in music, food, and traditions.
Game of Thrones Scenes Filmed Here
In Game of Thrones, Essaouira’s seaside walls and ramparts were used as the setting for Astapor. This is where Daenerys stands with her dragons and meets the slave traders. The scenes where she frees the Unsullied army were filmed along the battlements that overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
When you walk on the ramparts today, you can easily recognize the views shown in the series. The ocean crashing against the walls gives the same dramatic feeling seen on screen.
Exploring Essaouira Beyond Game of Thrones
Essaouira is much more than a filming location. The medina is full of souks selling spices, carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it very different from bigger cities like Marrakech.
The fishing port is one of the most lively places in town. Early in the morning, you can watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day, and later you can enjoy grilled fish prepared right by the harbor.
Essaouira is also famous for music. It is home to the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Street performers and musicians give the city a creative and cultural energy.
For those who love nature and adventure, Essaouira’s beaches are perfect for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. The constant coastal breeze keeps the temperature cool and fresh even in the middle of summer.
How to Visit Essaouira
Essaouira is about a 3-hour drive from Marrakech, making it a popular day trip. Many tours combine Marrakech and Essaouira for travelers who want both the mountain and coastal experience.
Walking through the medina is the best way to enjoy the city. The streets are easy to navigate compared to other Moroccan medinas, and the mix of shops, cafés, and art galleries makes it a very enjoyable experience. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy quiet evenings by the sea and colorful sunsets over the Atlantic.
Why It Is Special
Essaouira is special because it is both a real living city and part of television history. Fans of Game of Thrones can stand on the same walls where Daenerys appeared, while also experiencing the daily life of a Moroccan coastal town. It is a place where history, culture, and fantasy meet in one unforgettable destination.
Ouarzazate – Morocco’s Hollywood
Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert and is often called the Hollywood of Africa. This city played an important role in bringing Game of Thrones to life and is home to Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. For fans of the series, Ouarzazate is a must-visit stop among the Morocco Game of Thrones locations.
History of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate’s name comes from a Berber phrase that means “without noise,” showing its history as a peaceful stop along caravan routes. In the past, traders from Sub-Saharan Africa passed through Ouarzazate on their way to Marrakech, carrying gold, ivory, and spices. Because of its location between the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, the city became a natural crossroad of cultures and commerce.
In the 20th century, Ouarzazate gained new importance as a center for the film industry. Its landscapes, clear skies, and open desert plains made it ideal for big productions. Directors realized that Ouarzazate could double as ancient Egypt, Arabia, or even fantasy worlds like Essos.
Game of Thrones Highlights
In Game of Thrones, Ouarzazate and its surroundings were used for scenes connected to the slave cities of Essos. While many of the sets were supported with digital effects, the desert views, old kasbahs, and studio-built sets in Ouarzazate gave the show much of its atmosphere. Scenes related to Daenerys’s storyline were filmed here, blending real locations with film magic.
Atlas Studios and Other Films Shot Here
Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate is one of the largest film studios in the world and is open to visitors. Walking inside feels like stepping into a museum of cinema. You can see sets and props from not only Game of Thrones but also from movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven.
The studios also have sets designed to look like ancient temples, palaces, and whole city streets. Some of these were used in Game of Thrones, while others were reused from earlier productions. For film lovers, this is an incredible place to explore.
Exploring Ouarzazate Beyond Game of Thrones
Ouarzazate itself is more than just a film city. It is surrounded by beautiful kasbahs and villages. The most famous is the Kasbah of Taourirt, located right in the city center. With its maze of rooms and decorated walls, it is a fascinating example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
Nearby, you can also visit the Fint Oasis, a hidden valley filled with palm trees and small Berber villages. This area shows a quieter and more traditional side of Moroccan life.
Ouarzazate is also the starting point for trips into the Sahara Desert. From here, many tours head toward Merzouga, Zagora, or the Dades and Todra Gorges.
How to Visit Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is about a 4-hour drive from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Many tours include Ouarzazate as part of the route to the desert, with stops at Ait Benhaddou along the way. The city has hotels, restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good base for exploring the region.
Why It Is Special
Ouarzazate is special because it combines film history with Moroccan tradition. It is a place where travelers can stand on the same ground as famous actors, see where Game of Thrones was filmed, and at the same time experience the culture of southern Morocco. For fans, it offers both the excitement of cinema and the discovery of real Moroccan heritage.
Other Notable Filming Spots
While Ait Benhaddou, Essaouira, and Ouarzazate are the most famous Morocco Game of Thrones locations, there are other places nearby that also add to the cinematic atmosphere of the series. These sites may not appear as clearly on screen, but they are often included in Game of Thrones tours because of their beauty and historical importance.
Telouet Kasbah
Telouet Kasbah is hidden in the High Atlas Mountains along the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. It was once the home of the powerful Glaoui family, who controlled trade in the region during the 19th and 20th centuries.
From the outside, Telouet looks like a crumbling fortress, but inside it still holds beautifully decorated rooms with colorful tiles, carved cedar wood, and painted ceilings. Walking through its halls gives a sense of the power and wealth the Glaoui family once had.
While not a central filming spot in Game of Thrones, Telouet Kasbah is often included in tours because it reflects the type of architecture and atmosphere that inspired the producers. Its remote mountain location, winding roads, and dramatic setting make it feel like a place from the world of Essos.
Visiting Telouet also offers the chance to see traditional Berber villages and landscapes along the way. The journey itself is part of the experience, passing through valleys, rivers, and mountain passes.
Skoura Oasis
Skoura is an oasis filled with palm trees, kasbahs, and small villages, located east of Ouarzazate. It is one of the greenest areas in southern Morocco and has been used in films for its natural beauty and timeless atmosphere.
The oasis is famous for the Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. Its mudbrick walls, towers, and courtyards give a strong image of what life was like in past centuries. This type of location was often used to support filming in Game of Thrones and other productions.
Exploring Skoura allows travelers to see a different side of Morocco compared to the desert or the mountains. The palm groves stretch for kilometers, and many guesthouses are hidden among the trees, offering a peaceful stay.
Like Telouet, Skoura may not appear directly as a major scene in Game of Thrones, but it adds depth to the overall cinematic experience of the region. For fans visiting Morocco, these places help complete the journey through both the world of the series and the heritage of the country.
How to Visit Morocco’s Game of Thrones Locations
Suggested Tours and Itineraries
The easiest way to explore the Game of Thrones filming spots in Morocco is with a planned itinerary. Many travelers begin their journey in Marrakech, since it is well connected by international flights and close to the High Atlas Mountains.
A popular 3 to 5-day circuit includes Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and the desert dunes of Merzouga or Zagora. This route gives you the chance to see Yunkai at Ait Benhaddou, explore Morocco’s Hollywood in Ouarzazate, and finish with a magical night under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
If you have more time, you can add Essaouira as a coastal stop. Essaouira is about three hours from Marrakech and makes a perfect day trip or an overnight stay. Walking along the city’s ramparts where Astapor was filmed is an unforgettable highlight for fans.
For those starting in Casablanca, longer tours often combine both the Atlantic coast and the desert route. This way, you can enjoy Essaouira, Rabat, and Marrakech before heading south to Ouarzazate and the desert.
Why Book with a Local Agency
While it is possible to visit these locations on your own, distances between them are long, and some areas are remote. Hiring a local agency makes the trip easier, more comfortable, and richer in experience.
Touring In Morocco is a licensed Moroccan travel agency that specializes in private tours to these filming locations. With our knowledge of the routes, comfortable vehicles, and professional local guides, we make sure you not only see the Game of Thrones sites but also discover the culture, food, and traditions around them.
We arrange everything from airport pick-ups, hotel bookings, and desert camp stays to guided visits of Ait Benhaddou, Essaouira, and Ouarzazate’s film studios. Tours are fully customizable, whether you want a short 3-day escape from Marrakech or a longer 7 to 10-day journey that includes both the Atlantic coast and the Sahara Desert.
Traveling with Touring In Morocco means you can focus on enjoying the scenery and the history while we take care of the details.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Best time to travel: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is pleasant.
- Transport: hiring a driver or booking a private tour gives you flexibility and comfort. Public transport is possible but more limited in rural filming spots.
- Time needed: plan at least 4–5 days to fully enjoy the main Morocco Game of Thrones locations. Add extra days if you want to include the desert or more coastal stops.
- Photography: early morning and sunset provide the best light, especially at Ait Benhaddou and Essaouira.
FAQs About Morocco Game of Thrones Locations
Yes, you can. Many of the places used in Game of Thrones are real and open to visitors. Ait Benhaddou, which appeared as Yunkai, is a living village with families still inside its walls. You can climb up to the top and see the same view shown in the series. In Essaouira, the ramparts and old city walls where Daenerys stood are easy to walk along. In Ouarzazate, Atlas Studios allows visitors to tour the film sets, where not only Game of Thrones but also many other famous movies were shot.
The best time to visit is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, not too hot in the desert and not too cold in the mountains. Summer can be very hot in Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, while winter is mild on the coast but can be chilly in the High Atlas Mountains. If you are going to Essaouira, the city has a cool breeze most of the year, so it is comfortable even in summer.
Morocco appears in season 3 of Game of Thrones. The main episodes are those showing Daenerys in Yunkai and Astapor. Ait Benhaddou was used as Yunkai, while Essaouira’s ramparts were used as Astapor. Ouarzazate and the surrounding areas also supported the filming with desert views and studio sets.
Yes, absolutely. Even if you have never watched the series, these places are some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Morocco. Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira is a charming coastal city full of culture, and Ouarzazate is the starting point for desert adventures. These destinations are worth visiting on their own, and the Game of Thrones connection is an extra highlight for fans.
From Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou is about a 4-hour drive across the High Atlas Mountains. Ouarzazate is just 30 km further, making it easy to combine the two in a single trip. Essaouira is about a 3-hour drive in the opposite direction, along the Atlantic coast. Many tours from Marrakech include these places either as day trips or as part of multi-day journeys that also visit the Sahara Desert.
