If you are searching for Game of Thrones filming locations Morocco, you can visit several of the landscapes that became famous as the fictional cities of Westeros and Essos. Morocco was used for important scenes involving Daenerys Targaryen, including the ancient ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the coastal ramparts of Essaouira, and the cinematic landscapes around Ouarzazate.
This guide explains exactly where the Moroccan filming locations are, which Game of Thrones cities they represented, how to visit them, what to expect on the ground, and how to combine them with a Morocco itinerary. If you want to see several locations in one trip, the route between Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Sahara is particularly practical.
Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed in Morocco?
Morocco provided Game of Thrones with an unusual combination of fortified villages, desert landscapes, historic walls and dramatic coastal scenery. The main locations travelers can visit are concentrated in southern and western Morocco.
The most important locations are:
- Ait Ben Haddou – used as Yunkai
- Essaouira – used as Astapor
- Ouarzazate and its surrounding film landscapes – associated with Pentos and other Essos scenes
- The wider Ouarzazate region – one of Morocco’s major filmmaking areas, with studios and historic kasbahs that have hosted many international productions
The Moroccan National Tourist Office specifically highlights Ait Ben Haddou as a Game of Thrones location and describes Essaouira’s ramparts as the walls used to represent Astapor.
For travelers, the important point is that these are not simply film-themed attractions. They are real historic places, and visiting them gives you the opportunity to experience Morocco’s architecture and landscapes beyond the television series.
1. Ait Ben Haddou: The Game of Thrones Location Used for Yunkai
What is Ait Ben Haddou?
Ait Ben Haddou is a spectacular fortified ksar, or traditional earthen settlement, located in the Ounila Valley in southern Morocco. Its compact buildings, defensive walls and towers create one of the country’s most recognizable landscapes.
The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has appeared in numerous international film productions. Morocco Best Tour’s own itineraries include Ait Ben Haddou on routes between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, noting its appearance in Game of Thrones.
Which Game of Thrones city was Ait Ben Haddou?
Ait Ben Haddou was used as Yunkai, the yellow city in Slaver’s Bay.
This makes the location particularly interesting for fans of Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline. The architecture seen on screen is not a modern studio construction: much of the distinctive landscape comes from the historic ksar itself.
When you walk through the settlement, look beyond the famous exterior views. The narrow passageways, earthen walls, towers and elevated viewpoints help explain why filmmakers repeatedly choose this part of Morocco.
What should you do when visiting?
Allow enough time to walk through the ksar rather than stopping only for photographs from the road.
A typical visit can include:
- Walking across the riverbed or bridge toward the fortified village
- Exploring the narrow lanes inside the ksar
- Climbing toward the higher viewpoints
- Photographing the surrounding valley
- Looking at traditional earthen architecture
- Taking time to see the site without rushing through it as a quick photo stop
Wear comfortable shoes because the surface can be uneven, and bring water, especially during the warmer months.
How do you get to Ait Ben Haddou?
Ait Ben Haddou is approximately 30 km from Ouarzazate and is commonly visited while traveling between Marrakech and Ouarzazate.
From Marrakech, the journey crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Morocco Best Tour’s 3-day Marrakech desert itinerary follows this general route, visiting Ait Ben Haddou before continuing through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses and Dades Valley.
For travelers who want to combine the filming location with the Sahara, a 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is one practical option. The itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades and Erg Chebbi, allowing you to combine Game of Thrones sightseeing with a Sahara experience.
2. Essaouira: Astapor on the Atlantic Coast
Why is Essaouira a Game of Thrones location?
Essaouira is one of the easiest Moroccan filming locations to recognize once you know what to look for.
The historic coastal city appeared as Astapor, the slave-trading city in Slaver’s Bay. Its sea-facing ramparts provided a convincing setting for the fictional city.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office explicitly identifies the walls of Essaouira as the setting used for Astapor in Game of Thrones.
What can you see in Essaouira?
The filming location is integrated into the historic city rather than being a separate theme-park attraction.
Start with the Skala de la Ville, the fortified ramparts overlooking the Atlantic. The walls provide excellent views over the ocean and the Purpuraires Islands and are among the most recognizable Game of Thrones locations in Morocco.
After visiting the ramparts, explore the rest of Essaouira. Its medina, fishing port, seafood market and narrow streets make the city worthwhile even for travelers who are not particularly interested in the series.
This is one of the best examples of how to approach a Game of Thrones location: see the filming site, then spend time experiencing the real destination.
Can you visit Essaouira as a day trip?
Yes. Essaouira is a practical day trip from Marrakech, making it much easier to visit than the southern locations if your itinerary is short.
Morocco Best Tour offers an Essaouira day trip from Marrakech, which is particularly useful for travelers who want to see the Astapor filming location without adding an overnight stay.
If you have more time, consider staying overnight in Essaouira. The city has a slower pace than Marrakech, and an overnight visit gives you more time for the medina, harbor, ramparts and Atlantic coastline.
3. Ouarzazate: Morocco’s Cinematic Capital
Why is Ouarzazate important for Game of Thrones?
Ouarzazate is widely associated with Morocco’s film industry and is often called the country’s cinematic capital. The surrounding region has provided landscapes for major international productions, including Game of Thrones.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office describes Morocco’s kasbahs and desert landscapes as locations used to recreate the imaginary world of Westeros and also highlights Ouarzazate’s CLA and Atlas studios as major film-production sites.
For Game of Thrones fans, Ouarzazate is particularly relevant because the city and surrounding landscapes were used for Essos-related filming.
What can you visit in Ouarzazate?
The city is home to several attractions that make it worth including in a southern Morocco itinerary.
Atlas Film Studios is one of the best-known attractions for visitors interested in cinema. The studio complex contains large sets and props connected with numerous productions filmed in the region.
The CLA Studios are another important part of Ouarzazate’s film industry. The Moroccan National Tourist Office recommends visiting the studios when staying in Ouarzazate and notes the variety of large-scale sets found there.
You can also visit Taourirt Kasbah, one of Ouarzazate’s most important historic monuments.
Keep in mind that a studio visit and an outdoor filming location are different experiences. Studios may contain sets from several productions, while locations such as Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira are functioning historic places that you can explore as part of your normal Morocco trip.
4. Ouarzazate and Pentos
One of the most frequently searched questions about Game of Thrones filming locations Morocco concerns Pentos.
Ouarzazate and the surrounding region were used for Game of Thrones scenes representing Pentos, one of the Free Cities of Essos.
This makes Ouarzazate an especially useful base for fans because you can combine film-related sightseeing with some of southern Morocco’s most important cultural attractions.
Rather than planning a trip around one specific set, it is better to treat Ouarzazate as part of a broader film and desert route. From here, you can reach Ait Ben Haddou, explore kasbahs and valleys, visit film studios and continue toward the Sahara.
Morocco Best Tour’s 6-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech is one example of a longer route that includes Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate before continuing through the Dades region and toward the desert.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations Morocco Map: How the Locations Fit Together
The biggest mistake travelers can make is assuming that all the Moroccan filming locations are close to one another.
They are not.
Essaouira is on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, west of Marrakech. Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate are in the south, across the High Atlas from Marrakech.
A simple way to plan the geography is:
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley → Sahara
This route is ideal if your priority is southern Morocco and you also want to see the Game of Thrones locations.
For Essaouira, plan a separate coastal excursion:
Marrakech → Essaouira → Marrakech
Trying to visit Essaouira, Ait Ben Haddou and the Sahara in a single day would be unrealistic. The distances are significant, and rushing between locations would leave little time to actually explore them.
Best Game of Thrones Morocco Itinerary
If you have 1 day
Choose Essaouira if you are staying in Marrakech and mainly want to visit a recognizable Game of Thrones filming location.
The city works well as a day trip because you can combine the ramparts with the medina, harbor and seafood restaurants.
If you have 3 days
Choose a Marrakech-to-Sahara route that includes Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
A three-day trip is enough to see Ait Ben Haddou, travel through the Dades and Todra regions, reach Merzouga and experience an overnight desert camp.
Morocco Best Tour’s 3 Days From Marrakech tour follows this format, including Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorges and Erg Chebbi in the itinerary.
If you have 5–7 days
A longer itinerary is much more comfortable.
You can spend time in Marrakech, travel through the High Atlas, explore Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, stay in the Dades area, visit the Todra Gorges and spend a night or two around Merzouga.
You can then add Essaouira either before or after the southern route.
This approach gives you time to enjoy Morocco rather than simply collecting filming-location photographs.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Game of Thrones Locations in Morocco?
The best time depends on which locations you plan to visit.
Spring: March to May
Spring is an excellent period for a southern Morocco road trip. Temperatures are generally more comfortable than in the hottest summer months, making walking around Ait Ben Haddou and exploring outdoor sites more enjoyable.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is another strong choice. Temperatures become more manageable, and the combination of desert, mountains and historic villages works well for a multi-day itinerary.
Summer: June to August
Summer can be very hot in southern Morocco, particularly around Ouarzazate and the desert.
If you travel during this period, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or later afternoon, carry plenty of water and avoid assuming that a short-looking walk will be comfortable in midday heat.
Essaouira is generally more temperate because of its Atlantic location, although it can be windy.
Winter: December to February
Winter can be a good time for sightseeing, but temperatures can drop significantly at night in the desert and mountain areas.
The High Atlas can also experience winter conditions, so travelers crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass should allow flexibility for weather and road conditions.
Practical Tips for Visiting Game of Thrones Locations in Morocco
1. Do not visit only for the series
The filming locations are more rewarding when you understand their real history.
Ait Ben Haddou is a historic fortified settlement, Essaouira is a centuries-old Atlantic port city, and Ouarzazate is deeply connected to Morocco’s film industry.
Use Game of Thrones as the reason to visit, but give yourself time to discover the destinations themselves.
2. Wear suitable shoes
Ait Ben Haddou involves walking on uneven surfaces and climbing through narrow lanes. Comfortable walking shoes are much more useful than fashionable footwear.
3. Carry water and sun protection
Southern Morocco can become extremely hot. Bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, particularly when visiting outdoor locations.
4. Start early when possible
Morning light is excellent for photography, and early starts can make sightseeing more comfortable.
This is particularly useful at Ait Ben Haddou, where you may want to explore the settlement rather than simply photograph it from outside.
5. Check studio opening arrangements
If you specifically want to visit Atlas Film Studios or another studio, check the current opening arrangements before traveling. Studio access can differ from simply visiting a public historic site.
6. Allow extra time for road journeys
Morocco’s southern routes are scenic, but distances can take longer than they appear on a map. Mountain roads, viewpoints, villages and photography stops naturally extend the journey.
A private tour can be especially useful if you want to stop at filming locations without having to manage the route yourself.
Is a Game of Thrones Tour in Morocco Worth It?
For fans of the series, absolutely—but the best experience is not simply a checklist of filming locations.
A well-planned Morocco itinerary lets you connect the fictional world with the real landscapes that inspired it. You can stand on the ramparts of Essaouira where Astapor was represented, walk through Ait Ben Haddou as you remember it from Yunkai scenes, explore Ouarzazate’s film heritage and then continue into the Sahara.
The southern route is particularly valuable because the filming locations naturally combine with other major Moroccan attractions. Ait Ben Haddou can be visited alongside the High Atlas and Ouarzazate, while the route toward Merzouga adds Dades Valley, Todra Gorge and Erg Chebbi.
That combination makes a Game of Thrones-focused trip feel like a genuine Moroccan adventure rather than a film-location tour alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Game of Thrones Filming Locations Morocco
Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Morocco?
The main Moroccan filming locations associated with the series include Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira and Ouarzazate and its surrounding landscapes. Ait Ben Haddou represented Yunkai, while Essaouira was used as Astapor. Ouarzazate and the surrounding area were used for scenes representing locations in Essos.
Was Ait Ben Haddou used in Game of Thrones?
Yes. Ait Ben Haddou was used as Yunkai in Game of Thrones. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has appeared in numerous other film productions.
Which Game of Thrones city was filmed in Essaouira?
Essaouira represented Astapor, the city associated with Daenerys Targaryen’s storyline in Slaver’s Bay. The city’s historic sea-facing ramparts are among the most recognizable filming areas.
Can you visit the Game of Thrones locations without a tour?
Yes. Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira can be visited independently, and Ouarzazate has public attractions connected with Morocco’s film industry. However, a private tour can make the southern route easier because several locations are separated by long driving distances.
How many days do I need for a Game of Thrones Morocco trip?
For the southern locations, allow at least 3 days if you want to combine Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate with the Sahara. If you also want Essaouira, a 5–7 day itinerary gives you considerably more flexibility.
Can I visit Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira in the same trip?
Yes, but they should normally be treated as separate parts of your itinerary. Essaouira is on the Atlantic coast, while Ait Ben Haddou is south of the High Atlas. Combining both with the Sahara is much more comfortable over several days than attempting to do everything as short day trips.
The Game of Thrones filming locations Morocco offer a memorable way to explore some of the country’s most impressive landscapes, from Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate to the Atlantic ramparts of Essaouira. The key is to build your trip around the geography rather than trying to rush through every location; if you want to combine filming sites with the Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs and Sahara Desert, contact Morocco Best Tour to create a private Morocco itinerary tailored to your travel dates and interests.
