San juan de Gaztelugatxe – a magical landscape in Basque Country
One of the most stunning and unique landscapes in Basque country, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is truly one of a kind and a fantastic experience to walk to and back. I really enjoyed my experience visiting this iconic natural landscape, also the scene of one of the most epic Game of Thrones episode on Season 7 when the island fortress known as Dragonstone was introduced and helped to make this a famous place to visit.
Located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is about 35 km (22 miles) east from Bilbao city, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a must visit site when you are touring around the Basque Country.
Even before Dragonstone was used in the Game of Throne episode San Juan de Gatelugatxe was already a place of legend and pilgrimage where travelers from around the world would come to visit and ring the hermitage bell three times to attract good luck and also chase away evil spirits.
A quick history of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Located in the middle of the Basque coast, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe over the centuries have been embroiled with numerous battles and the iconic church on the island rebuilt several times. This was originally a hermitage built in the 9th century and in the 12th century became a convent. The location has become a holy pilgrimage site for travelers visiting and hoping for good luck.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe had a strategic purpose as a defensive outpost for the lords of Biscay. It was used as a bastion against the King of Castile, Alfonso XI who was eventually forced to retreat.
In 1596, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was attacked by Sir Francis Drake who looted everything they found and killed the hermit that was living there by throwing him off a cliff to the rocks and water below.
There is an apparent footprint thought to have been left by Saint John the Baptist and if you find it, brings good luck to your journey.
At the top you will find a picturesque chapel and, above all, spectacular views over the stormy Bay of Biscay, which has carved cliffs, tunnels and impossible arches out of the island.
Details to visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
You can take public transportation to the area, rent a car or even do a group tour which is probably the most convenient and affordable option to visiting the site. You’ll also tour various attractions in the same region that is worth doing on your visit along the coastline areas here in Basque Country.
Tips to visiting – make sure you wear sensible clothes and comfortable shoes. In spring and autumn the island may be calm and beautiful with all the spring flowers you’ll find along the pathways. In summer, its tempting to take a dip into one of the small stony beaches around the bottom of the steps. Gaztelugatxe is a natural wonder that you’ll certainly want to come back to.
If you visit during the peak season, try to come early to avoid the crowds and heat in the hike. There are benches along the pathways that make for easy rest spots along the way or back up to the parking lot.
Access and routes to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
To get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, there are two routes to get from the road to the outcrop and church. The main one is called Urizarreta. It is the shortest path (1.2 km) but also the steepest (35% slope) and has stairs. This route starts next to the Eneperi restaurant and follows the route downhill, follow the signs and pathway directly to the monument.
The second one is the Ermu route. It is a little longer (1.6 km) but easier. In addition to being less steep (15%), the entire path runs on a paved road with no traffic (and no stairs!).
Tip – take your time to enjoy the views and rest in between the stairs and steep up climb areas, there are benches along the pathways to rest.
Enjoy the vista points along the hike to the chapel
The Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Once at the top of the island, you will find the chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe which has a bell situated along the front of its facade. According to legend, after you have completed the climb, you should ring the bell three times and make a wish.
The church on top of the island is dedicated to John the Baptist. Although not proven, it has been said that he even set foot on the island. The small church is however, not original. Over the centuries the church has burned down and been rebuilt several times. There is a footprint marked at the entrance from the stairs that shows his footprint.
Prepare Your Visit to Gaztelugatxe
When visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, we recommend taking it easy and not rush the experience. It is a strenuous up and down hike so make sure to travel at a comfortable pace and take breaks, also don’t forget a snack and some water. You can always stop at one of the many benches located off the road and take in the views while resting when you’re tired.
In addition, at the top of the island, next to the church there is also a small area protected from the wind with tables and benches to relax and enjoy the views.
At the start of the hike is a restaurant/café called Eneperi on the mainland hillside in front of the islet, where you can enjoy a good meal while contemplating the gorgeous views. There is also a small concession stand at the front selling water and snacks and delicious ice cream which is perfect on hot days.
The best times of the year to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are spring and autumn time frame with less crowds compared to the busy and crowded summer months.
Book your ticket for San Juan Gaztelugatxe
Access to Gaztelugatxe is still free but you have to make a reservation fon the following dates which are the most popular timeframes to visit:
- Easter, Christmas and official Spanish holidays.
- Daily from mid-June to mid-September.
- Weekends from the last week of March until the end of October.
You can book your reservation on this website, official website to book tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located between the towns of Bakio and Bermeo in the Biscayan coast, It is about 35 km east from Bilbao. The three main ways of getting there is by public transportation, by private car or taking a group tour.
Tour from Bilbao or San Sebastian to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
One of the easiest way to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is by taking part in an organized tour which covers this site and a few other attractions in the area.
Since San Juan de Gaztelugatxe appeared in Game of Thrones, its popularity has only increased and during high season there can be long queues to access. For that reason, it is now necessary to book tickets to access San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
These tours include the transport and an expert guide that will lead you through the various sites in the area and making the tour very convenient to do.
You can book a variety of tours which we detail below:
From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour
Bilbao:Gaztelugatxe,Bermeo,Mundaka,Gernika with Txakoli wine
Bilbao: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Walk along Basque Coast
Gaztelugatxe and Gernika Tour From San Sebastian
Where to park in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
If you are driving directly there are a few parking areas that fill up quickly each morning and there is only one public restroom available that is co-ed friendly.
If the parking lot is full, you can use the Eneperi restaurant parking lot, with paid parking (3€). Another option is to park in Bakio or Bermeo and use a bus or cab from there. From Bakio, or you can even walk to Gaztelugatxe!
By Bus from Bilbao to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
If you are planning to go to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by bus from Bilbao, Bizkaibus offers the following options to getting to the following cities:
- Bizkaibus line A3518 Bilbao-Mungia-Bakio
- Bizkaibus line A3527 Bilbao-Mungia-Bermeo
From either Bakio or Bermeo, you can take a taxi or continue by local bus, A3524 which stops right at the front of front of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The name of the stop is “Gaztelu Begi.” this bus only runs on weekdays every two hours so transit times are limited.
Check out these other posts to visiting Basque Country
How to get from San Sebastian to Bilbao
Visiting San Sebastian in one day
Is San Sebastian worth visiting
How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian
Conclusion on exploring San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
I loved visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe , there’s so much to enjoy with this amazing and historic iconic coastal site. Hope that this guide gives you all the information you need to visit this amazing site.
Thanks for checking out Visit Spain and Mediterranean and this post. We hope you check out all the other posts to explore all around the country for inspiration.
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