Morocco boasts an enviable reputation for magical movie and TV series locations, long before Rick’s Place immortalized Casablanca. During a trip to Morocco, one might visit Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Essaouira, among other sites.
Game of Thrones film set in Morocco
Essaouira Skala du Port
Essaouira: Astapor in Game of Thrones
If you're looking for Game of Thrones Marrakech scenes shot within the city itself, you might be disappointed. However, there is another Game of Thrones filming location nearby: the town of Essaouira. Essaouira became the city of Astapor on Game of Thrones, and some scenes featuring King’s Landing were also filmed there. Game of Thrones fans love visiting filming locations, and there’s no wonder why - they’re stunning. And when it comes to Essaouira Game of Thrones scenes, the real-life site of Astapor doesn’t disappoint.
The main set locations of Game of Thrones in Essaouira are around the Ramparts and Sqala du Port, an artillery platform dating from the 18th century and one of the city’s main fortifications. Both in and around the Ramparts and Squala du Port are known filming locations. Once on site you’ll soon learn that HBO did little to change the area from Essaouira’s charm to Astapor, too.
Astapor in Game of Thrones
Read also: Discover Thula Thula
Exploring the Ramparts and Sqala du Port
There are two main filming locations that make up the HBO sets in Essaouira for Astapor’s fictional city. Both of which are easy to navigate and free to visit. First, you can visit the Ramparts along the coastal sea edge. The ramparts are in great condition, showcasing 18th century cannons still lining the walkways. You can visit anytime but it’s especially great at sunset or early in the morning. Getting to the Ramparts can be tricky and your riad might offer you a map to help find the entrance location. You’ll need to enter via Rue Skala, where you’ll find a stone arch leading into the Ramparts.
It’s hard not to miss the beautiful view of Squala du Port when walking around Essaouira. This well preserved port entrance is sure to get your camera out. In Game of Thrones the port was featured before heading through the archway (to where the fisherman docks are). I’d recommend walking into the port to see the local economy taking place. Fishing has long been the primary way of life in Essaouira. Keep in mind that fishing practices in Morocco are not as sustainable as other parts of the world. Most fishermen utilize big net fishing practices, which catch any and everything.
Astapor Scenes in Essaouira
Fictional Astaphor is shot in a variety of locations but some scenes that make up the city are shot in Essaouira. Astaphor is shown in Season 3 of Game of Thrones with scenes in Essaouira in episodes 1, 3, and 4. The Ramparts are heavily shown in Episode 1 of Season 3. Where you’ll see the towers, walkways, and bottom level throughout the episode. It’s here in Astaphor that Daenerys is looking to purchase the “Unsullied” to build her army.
In this episode you’ll so see the fishing area of Essaouira, Scala du Port. Episodes 3 and 4 show Essaouira as Astaphor on a small scale, featuring the Ramparts again through the “Unsullied” negotiations in Astaphor. What you’ll most likely notice throughout the episodes is how much CGI and set dressing was used to make Astaphor from Essaouira.
Astapor in Game of Thrones
Read also: Explore Madikwe
Astapor is one of the three great cities of Slaver’s Bay in Game of Thrones, and it’s famously where Daenerys Targaryen first builds her army. Walking around Essaouira today still feels like stepping into the world of Astapor. While there isn’t an official Game of Thrones tour in Essaouira, you can still explore the real-life filming sites. You can also easily DIY your own mini-tour. Grab a map from your riad or hotel and wander the Ramparts and Squala yourself.
Beyond Game of Thrones: Essaouira's Charm
However, much like Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, Essaouira is much more than just a Game of Thrones Morocco set. The town is simply charming, its European influence is clear to see from its white-washed buildings and Portuguese Fortress. Even if you’ve never seen Game of Thrones, Essaouira is worth visiting. I loved my 3-night escape to the seaside with a much slower pace than many of the Moroccan cities can offer you.
The old city of Essaouira which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, is a popular tourist destination. Famous for its selection of riads, the medina is known for its many artisan industries, especially inlaid cabinetwork made from fragrant Thuya wood.
Practical Information for Visiting Essaouira
If you’re planning on a trip to Essaouira the easiest way to get here is via air conditioned bus from Marrakech. The bus operates multiple times a day and takes 3 hours with a short stop along the way. SupraTours operates this bus line. You can go to the ticket office in advance or buy yours online. Tickets are 100 Dirham, or about $10 USD each way and don’t include baggage.
If you don’t want to take the public bus you can book a private transfer. From Marrakech you can book one for about $100 USD each way. The cheaper, private option is a fixed taxi at a Grand Taxi station. The taxi should cost you 600 Dirham, or about $60 USD each way.
Read also: Exploring South Africa's Game Reserves
The Essaouira Medina is a magical place. And honestly the perfect place to stay in Essaouira. With plenty of unique medinas to choose from you’ll find something that fits your budget and style perfectly.
There are two beaches located in Essaouira that you can swim at. I recommend the larger public beach, as it’s cleaner and a bit easier to access. You can choose to just take a day trip out to Essaouira from Marrakech. Personally, I stayed 3 nights and feel like I could have easily stayed a week.
Morocco: A Popular Filming Destination
Morocco has an enviable reputation for magical movie and TV series locations. To date, over 200 television shows have also taken advantage of both grand, sweeping vistas, a large resource of inexpensive technical talent and a government extremely welcoming to foreign filmmakers.
Ten years before the creators of “Game of Thrones” discovered the splendors of Moroccan landscapes, director Ridley Scott chose North African cities to replicate ancient Rome’s glories for his film, “The Gladiator” starring Russell Crowe. As did the production team for “Prince of Persia” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Moroccans are also proud of the two years of on location production, again in Ouarzazate for “Jewel of the Nile”…the action adventure starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in the 1980’s and more recently “Babel” starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.
Altogether a remarkable place to visit, whether you’re a movie fan, or not!
Other Game of Thrones Locations in Morocco
Besides Essaouira, other significant Game of Thrones filming locations in Morocco include:
- Ait Ben Haddou: Used as the setting for Yunkai, the slave city that Daenerys Targaryen liberates in season three.
- Ouarzazate Film Studios: Here, visitors can see sets from the show, such as the city of Meereen and the throne room of Daenerys.
Ait Ben Haddou
Multi-Day Tours
For those who want to see as many Game of Thrones filming locations in Morocco as possible, there are several multi-day tours available. This tour is perfect if you want to see the best of Morocco while immersing yourself in the world of Game of Thrones
As Quarzazate is located so close to Ait Ben Haddou it makes sense to visit both Game of Thrones shooting locations in one day, as already mentioned. Therefore, as above, It’s best to book to go on a day trip to see the whole region.
With its ancient cities, beautiful beaches, and bustling markets, Morocco offers something for everyone, and the Game of Thrones filming locations provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the show’s epic world. Enjoy the best private tours in Morocco, you will discover a unique destination.
Summary of Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Morocco
Here's a quick recap of the main Game of Thrones filming locations in Morocco:
| Location | Game of Thrones Setting | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Essaouira | Astapor | Coastal city with ramparts and a historic port, used for scenes of Daenerys acquiring the Unsullied army. |
| Ait Ben Haddou | Yunkai | Fortified city in the Atlas Mountains, used as the slave city liberated by Daenerys Targaryen. |
| Ouarzazate Film Studios | Meereen, Throne Room of Daenerys | Film studios where sets for various Game of Thrones scenes were constructed. |
Popular articles:
tags: #Morocco
