If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll likely be counting down the days until the show returns in all of its anticipated glory on July 16. To help tide you over until the return of Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen, we’ve tracked down the most stunning Game of Thrones filming locations to visit.

Cue theme tune.

Croatia

Photo credit Getty/Photo by Cuellar

The wonderful country of Croatia is well-known for the role it played in creating the world of Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik, in particular, features heavily as King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros.

The historic architecture of Split, centred around the fortified Diocletian’s Palace serves as a backdrop for the city of Mereen, where Daenerys’ throne room is located. Lokrum Island also features as Quarth, while Kastel Gomilica was used in scenes of Braavos.

If you haven’t already, visiting Croatia is a wonderful experience. After you’re done gawping at King’s Landing, we mean, Dubrovnik, there are stunning beaches, fascinating buildings and friendly locals to meet – did we mention it’s also one of the more cost-effective destinations in Europe?

Iceland

Grjotagja cave. Photo credit Getty/Ivan

While the blustery wilds of Northern Ireland are key filming location for Game of Thrones, Iceland has been a mainstay thanks to its frosty beauty. Mance Rayder’s wildling army makes camp by Lake Mývatn in season three, and Jon Snow and Ygritte have a steamy scene in the nearby hot springs inside the lave cave of Grjótagjá

Even if you aren’t a die-hard GOT fan, Iceland is a fantastic country to visit, with plenty to do in the capital of Reykjavik, as well as some of the nation’s most dramatic landscapes in the Westfjords.

Spain

Photo credit Getty/Danny Lehrman

Those in the know have identified a number of Spanish locations that made an appearance in season six of the show, providing a slightly warmer setting for Dorne and Essos. The former’s capital of Sunspear with its water gardens was filmed in the royal palace of Alcázar of Seville – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The regal Castell de Santa Florentina in the Catalonian town of Canet De Mar was Samwell Tarly’s ancestral home, while the Castle of Zafra became the Tower of Joy.

Travelling in Spain is always a pleasure, whether you’re sightseeing in Madrid or Barcelona or exploring the varied landscapes from Alhambra to the beach paradise of San Sebastián.

Wherever your love of Game of Thrones takes you, make sure you don’t leave home without travel insurance.