HBO teaser reveals Spain’s Basque Country plays a starring role once more in GoT finale. Here's how to visit Dragonstone
The opening clip of this tantalisingly short Game of Thrones teaser features Gaztelugatxe – a rocky outcrop an hour east of Bilbao in Spain. Since it first hit the screens as Dragonstone , fans have been flocking to the site from all over the world.
Photo: Ali Wood
Luckily for GoT fans, this breathtaking islet, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, is free to explore. However, footfall is controlled so to it’s best to book a slot online. There are two routes – one along the road, and another on a footpath past the Eneperi restaurant (which is great for pinchos afterwards). Take the latter, as the views are superb. Beware, though, as it’s a steep walk and can be slippery in the rain. There are toilets en-route and you can refill your water bottle before taking on the 241 steps that Daenerys climbs when she first arrives. Your reward for making it to the top is not a CGI castle, but a gorgeous 1000-year-old church with a little kiosk selling… beer! Soft drinks and crisps are also available. Don’t forget to ring the bell three times on your way out to make your wish come true!
Also in the teaser there’s the teeniest glimpse of a battle scene taking place on the beach. Could this be Itzurun – where Daenerys lands in the first episode of season 7? If so, it’s in a town called Zumaia about an hour’s drive east of Gaztelugatxe, which is famous for the longest set of continuous rock strata in the world, known locally as the ‘flysch’. Go at low-tide to see it in all its glory.
Photo: Itzurun beach, Ali Wood
It's hard to imagine that Game of Thrones is nearly all over! Filming for the finale finished last month, and the cast bid their final farewells to Northern Ireland - where production HQ is based. Stars were also spotted again in Dubrovnik, Croatia, which is used for Braavos and Kings Landing.