Fans of the series will recognise a lot when they step off the plane: honey-coloured limestone, narrow lanes, thick fortress walls. Malta Game of Thrones tourism took off because the production used the island in its very first season, and parts of it still turn up on screen as the capital of Westeros. If you like to see where scenes were shot, this is a compact island where you can tick off several places in a day or two.
Why Malta worked for King’s Landing
Malta has an unusually well-preserved set of old cities, bastions and palaces, many built by the Knights of St John. Walls rise straight from rock, and streets look much as they did centuries ago. For a producer needing a medieval port city with a sense of heat, light and history, there was little to change. The island is also small, which made filming logistics simpler.
Not every location is as famous as the others, and some details differ between sources, so treat the list below as a guide to the best known spots rather than a complete record.
The main Malta Game of Thrones locations
Mdina, the Silent City
Mdina is the star. This walled town on a hill in the centre of the island is often called the Silent City, because cars are heavily restricted and the lanes are quiet. It was used in the first season as King’s Landing, including the main gate and surrounding streets. Even if you have never seen the show, it is worth visiting for the views, the cathedral square and the medieval atmosphere. Come early or late, when day trippers are fewer.
San Anton Palace and Gardens, Attard
In Attard, San Anton Palace is the official residence of the President of Malta, while its gardens are open to the public. They are widely linked to scenes in the first season, standing in for gardens at the Red Keep. The gardens are pleasant to walk around even without screen connections, with fountains, citrus trees and shaded paths. The palace itself is not generally open for visitors, so check what is accessible.
Fort Ricasoli and the Grand Harbour area
Fort Ricasoli, at the entrance of the Grand Harbour, has also been a popular filming site for many productions, and was used for the gates of King’s Landing. The fort is large and often in a state of partial repair, so access can be limited. Check current visiting arrangements before making a special trip. Even from across the water in Valletta, its walls make an imposing sight.
The Azure Window on Gozo
Gozo’s famous Azure Window, a huge natural limestone arch near Dwejra, was the setting for the wedding of Daenerys and Khal Drogo. Sadly, the arch collapsed in a storm in 2017, so it can no longer be seen. The area remains attractive for its cliffs, the Inland Sea and clear water, and it is still a popular spot for divers and photographers.
How to plan a Game of Thrones trip to Malta
Malta is small, so you can combine locations with other sights. A sensible plan could look like this.
- Day one: Mdina and Rabat in the morning, then San Anton Gardens in Attard in the afternoon.
- Day two: Valletta for the city walls and the harbour views, and a boat trip around the Grand Harbour to see the forts from the water.
- Day three: a ferry trip to Gozo, with a stop at Dwejra to see where the Azure Window once stood.
Public buses connect most of these areas, though they can be slow and crowded in summer. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but remember that Malta drives on the left and parking in towns can be tricky. Guided tours that focus on film locations exist too and can save time if you are short of days.
Best time to go
Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, especially inside stone cities with little shade. Winter is mild but may have rain and rough seas, which can disturb ferries.
Beyond the show
It is easy to get stuck on a single series, but Malta has much more to offer. Valletta, the capital, is full of baroque churches, rooftop terraces and good places to eat. The Three Cities across the harbour are quieter and rich in history. Swimming spots, from sandy bays to rocky inlets, give you a break between sightseeing stops.
If you go for the Malta Game of Thrones angle, you will find that the island does most of the work. The stone walls and golden light speak for themselves, and you do not need a script to feel like part of a story. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat and a bottle of water, and enjoy the walk.
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Featured photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
