Did you know that the Arboretum in Trsteno was used as the setting and filming location for the world famous series Game of Thrones ?
The main characters weave their plot and exchange secrets in King’s Landing in these wonderful surroundings. The fans of Game of Thrones will most surely recognise the garden as the setting of Red Keep, and revive the intense conversation where Lady Olenna Tyrell discuss Sandra’s insecure with Lord Varys.
Many visitors that come to Dubrovnik chose to visit Trsteno Arboretum as a part of one of many guided Game of Thrones tours.
Trsteno Arboretum is situated about 12 km outside Dubrovnik north, in the small village of Trsteno. The entrance is found right next to a huge Oriental plane tree that stretches up 50 m in the sky. Impressive! The tree has stood there for 500 years accidentally to the legend, and was planted at the same time as the Arboretum was founded. Let the adventure begin!
Total Game of Thrones Experience, including Trsteno Arboretum
Join a specialized tour designed for fans, offering in-depth insights into the iconic settings of King’s Landing and the Iron Throne.
Dubrovnik gained fame as a key filming location for HBO’s "Game of Thrones," but identifying the real-life sites can be challenging without guidance. Highlights include Fort Lovrjenac, Lokrum Island, Trsteno Arboretum, and Srdj Mountain, which provides breathtaking views of Dubrovnik.
Highlights
- Discover Dubrovnik's prime "Game of Thrones" filming locations
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town
- Experience the sights on foot for the most immersive experience
- Hear exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from your guide
History of Trsteno Arboretum
The Arboretum is the oldest renaissance garden in Dalmatia. It’s dated back as far as 1492 when a irrigation aqueduct was built there. The garden developed and was owned by the family residence Gučetić-Gozze. The family was very interested in plants so they ordered seeds and greenery from ships coming from exotic places from different parts of the world. Here lived the philosopher and writer Nikola Vitov Gučetić. The last owner Vito Gučetić Bosiljević (Gozze Basegli) a stone sculpture collector, made a artificial ruin and some of the sculptures were even placed around the mansion. The garden is lush and filled with Japanese banana trees, date palms, magnolia, various cactus species and other exotic plants.
During the Croatian War of Independence, Arboretum in Trsteno was heavily damaged by Serbian and Montenegrin forces, attacked from sea and by air. Arboretum was tragically burnt during the massive attack’s and 80% of the vegetation burnt down ( more than 30 exotic species and about 10.000 older and younger trees). An estimate is that it will take more than 80 years to regrow the magic gardens of Arboretum, Trsteno.
Visiting Trsteno Arboretum
It can be quite difficult to get to Trsteno Arboretum with local bus transportation, as the bus is not running that frequent. From Dubrovnik Main Bus Station, you can catch bus 12, 15, or 35 to Trsteno. These buses have limited schedules, so it's a good idea to check the Dubrovnik-Trsteno bus timetables beforehand. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €10 per person.
When taking the bus, keep in mind that the return timetables can be confusing, as they only list the start and end destination times, not the stops in between. This is manageable on the way to Trsteno, since Dubrovnik is the starting point, but for the return trip, it's a bit trickier as Trsteno isn't the start of the line. To avoid any confusion, make sure to ask at the bus station for the specific return stop times.
A good idea is to book a private transfer that take you there without hustle and let you decide the pace of your trip. We suggest also visiting Zaton, a picturesque small village by the sea on your way there. Zaton has two delicious seafood restaurants right by the sea, Ancora and Kasar, be sure to bring swimming clothes and towels.
Trsteno Arboretum Opening Times & Ticket price
Winter opening times: November to April: 08:00 – 16:00
Summer opening times: May to October 7:00 – 19:00
Tickets: 10 Euro for adults; children & students 7 Euro
Dubrovnik Panorama & Arboretum Trsteno Tour by Cruiser Taxi
Discover Dubrovnik's stunning vistas and historic gardens with this Panorama & Arboretum Trsteno Tour.
Relax in comfort as you visit some of the Dubrovnik's most picturesque spots, including the Franjo Tuđman Bridge, Ombla River, and Srđ Hill, where you'll capture amazing panoramic views. This tour also features a visit to Trsteno Arboretum, Croatia's oldest garden, made famous by its appearances in the Game of Thrones series. Starting from Dubrovnik, with convenient pick-up options, you'll journey to Trsteno to explore the beautiful arboretum and its ancient mansion.
Staying in Trsteno
Trsteno offers a variety of top-notch accommodations, from holiday homes and villas to charming apartments. Visitors will be enchanted by the lush vegetation's intoxicating scents and the rich historical sites, including the Trsteno Arboretum. The crystal-clear sea and the inviting Mediterranean climate make Trsteno an excellent choice, providing a serene escape from the usual tourist crowds of Dubrovnik.
Our favorite places to stay in Trsteno are Radovčić Apartments and Rooms, Apartments Anka and Relax Zone Apartment. Check availability and prices of other holiday homes, villas and apartments in Trsteno.
Best Beaches in Trsteno
Trsteno Beach isn’t a traditional beach, but it's an incredible spot for swimming, diving, and sunbathing. Located at the bottom of the Arboretum, which boasts a rich collection of plants and trees from around the world, you'll discover a freshwater grotto that opens into the crystal-clear sea in a charming old harbor. Bring a snack and water since there are no cafes or facilities here—just a beautiful, serene place to escape and relax for a few hours. If you have a car we also recomend that you visit Veliki Žal Beach, a beautiful pebble beach in the vicinity of Trsteno.
