A Quick Guide to Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe A Stunning Site in the Basque Country Spain
After years of spending time visiting Spain’s spectacular Basque Country, I finally had the opportunity to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This stunning hermitage site is built on top of a small island along the rough northern shores of the Bay of Biscay.
This quick guide explains all you need to know before visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, tips for visiting, places to see nearby, and more.
Although most modern visitors may recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe as Dragonstone in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, the site has been significant for almost 1,000 years. It was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1053.
The name Gaztelugatxe translates to Castle Rock, so there may have been one here when this area was actually part of the Kingdom of Pamplona. Today, at the top, a modest chapel sits here dedicated to Saint John. It that has been rebuilt numerous times due to conflict and disasters.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is recognized by the local fishing communiites as a sacred pilgrimage site for Saint John, a protector of fishermen and if legends are true, he stayed on the island after reaching it from the nearby fishing village of Bermeo. It only took him three strides.
Here’s my best tips for visiting San Juan de Gaztelguatxe, one of the most popular places to see in the Basque Country.
Table of Contents
- What to Know About Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- How to Get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Overview of the Hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- What to Wear on a Day Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Highlights of Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Places to See Near Gaztelugatxe
- Is Gaztelugatxe Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | Overview & Tips for Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
What to Know About Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
One of the most important things to know is that if visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe during high season, permits are required. The permits are free, but are necessary on certain days.
The daily allotted permits are capped at 1,462 people each day during high season. Permits are issued by the local government of Biscay, a province of the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain.
This site sits on an inlet and you must be able to climb 241 steps to reach the hermitage. Be mindful that during bad weather and rough seas the stone pathways may be wet and slippery. Those with limited mobility are not advised to hike to the top of Gaztelugatxe. The 241 steps up to the top are unavoidable.
Authorization Permits for Gaztelugatxe Spain
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Authorization Permits | Cost: Free | Official website to obtain permits for Gaztelugatxe
➜ Permits are required for the majority of the year and are free to obtain. They are typically required the weeks surrounding Semana Santa (Easter Week), weekends in May, most of June, and September, and the entire months of July and August. Permits are also required on the weekends in October. Always verify the current schedule to see if a permit is required on the day you wish to visit.
➜ It is NOT recommended to visit on local holidays at Gaztelugatxe (June 24, July 31, August 29, August 31, and December 30).
➜ Permits can be issued for up to 10 people per request. During the high season, it’s best to look at least a week before you want to visit, especially if your desired date is on a weekend.
➜ Permits are for a specific time. The permits are good for 10 minutes before the start of your entrance time and up to 60 minutes after your entrance time. Entrance tickets are only valid during that time frame. If you can not make your scheduled entrance time, please cancel your ticket on the confirmation email.
➜ There are guided tours available that include permits if your requested date is full.
This is a special monument for locals and carries a sense of pride and mystism. Please respect it, don’t litter, and stay on the marked pathways. Appreciate the beauty and leave it untouched for the next visitors.
More Tips for Visiting Gaztelguatxe
➜ During high season, the entrance gate is typically controlled between 9:30 and 19:00
➜ If the weather is terrible, it is not advisable to visit Gaztelugatxe. This is a small island, and the ocean waves can be dangerous, especially with strong winds.
➜ Dogs are allowed on a leash. Be mindful that some of the rocks can be slippery, the site can be busy, and some sections on the staircase are narrow.
➜ Due to the steep grade and 241 stairs, hiking up to the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe is not recommended for those with limited mobility and health issues.
How to Get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is located on Spain’s Northern coast in Urizarreta. Geographically, it’s next to Spain’s northernmost lighthouse and nestled between the small villages of Bermeo and Bakio. Those travelers staying in larger cities can find it between Bilbao and San Sebastian, although it is much closer to Bilbao.
Due to its stunning coastal views and mystical legends, Gaztelugatxe is one of the most popular places to see in the Basque Country of Spain.
If you want to take a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, it’s best to base yourself and stay in Bilbao or Donostia-San Sebastian. There are numerous accommodation options in each location, and both destinations are popular places to join guided tours to the site.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe By Car
We visited Gaztelugatxe by car. We were staying a little outside of Bilbao in the village of Castro Urdiales. My ticket time was in the afternoon, so we made a day of it by stopping off at viewpoints, visiting the fishing village of Bermeo, and seeing some beaches along the way.
I took my hike up to Gaztelugatxe at the end of September when the permits were still required. I had a window of sunny weather, but later in the afternoon it rained. It was still fairly busy, but I think the rain did help deter even more visitors.
There are two main parking lots near the site in Urizarreta. The main parking lot at the top of Gaztelugatxe is small, and there are only a few parking spaces. It’s free and located here. Alternatively, if you continue on the road, there is a fairly large parking lot across from the restaurant Eneperi. It costs 3.50€ to park in this lot.
Public Transportation
It is possible to reach Gaztelugatxe by public transportation, but it can be a little more complicated. The bus company Bizkaibus is the place to check current bus schedules. The bus stop next to the entrance is Gaztelu Begi, and there is an actual bus stop there with current timetables.
If taking public transportation, Gaztelugatxe is best done as a day trip from Bilbao.
During the high season, bus A3524 runs between Bermeo and Bakio and stops at Gaztelu Begi.
From Bilbao, there are also frequent buses to both Bakio (A3518) and Bermeo (A3527).
It is possible to walk from the villages to Gaztelugatxe, with Bakio being the preferred walking route. Those looking to walk from Bakio will want to check out the official walking route here.
Numerous taxis can provide their services to the entrance from Bakio or Bermeo.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Tours
The easiest and most convenient way to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is via a tour. Many of the tours also include the convenience of including a permit (during high season).
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is typically offered as a day tour from Bilbao or as a day trip from San Sebastian. Always make sure to verify the tour departure city.
Most tours of Gaztelugatxe include other points of interest like viewpoints, fishing villages, and more.
➜ This is a highly rated day tour from Bilbao that includes stops at Gaztelugatxe, the seaside village Mundaka and Gernika
➜ Another tour option from Bilbao is this highly praised tour which includes the hike to Gaztelugatxe, exploring the fishing port of Bermeo & Pintxo Lunch
➜ Those traveling from San Sebastian can book this tour of Gaztelugatxe and Gernika
Overview of the Hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has become one of the most iconic spots on the Basque coastline. The tiny chapel dedicated to Saint John sits picturesquely on the rocky island. A stone bridge connects the mainland to the island, where 241 steps must be climbed to reach the top.
Most people enter Gaztelugatxe from the main entrance near the restaurant Eneperi in Urizarreta. From the main entrance, it’s around 3/4 of a mile (1,200 m) down to the footbridge to start up the 241 steps. Be mindful that the hiking section before the bridge has a rather steep grade at 15%.
The official entrance map says it’s about a 10-minute walk to the first mirador and a 25-minute walk to reach Gaztelugatxe. Of course, this all depends on your physical abilities and how many pictures you stop to snap.
After the downhill hike to the footbridge, there is a water fountain before starting up the 241 steps.
The 241 steps up to Gaztelugatxe have handrails. The stairs cut through the stone islet and twist up. Be mindful that some sections are narrow (especially if you are bringing kids or your dog).
I spent around an hour hiking to and from the site and spending some time at the hermitage at the top. I’m a fairly fast hiker.
Do plan on spending around 1 – 2 hours when visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, more if stairs can be a challenge.
What to Wear on a Day Trip to Gaztelugatxe
Those visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe as a day trip will want to be prepared for the changing weather. In the Basque Country, the jagged north shores of the Bay of Biscay can change fast. I had sunny weather, and then I ended up walking down the hermitage in a steady rain.
I always carry my Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack. A packable rain jacket is always a good idea. I carried my Hydro Flask Lightweight Water Bottle because there are is a water fountains nearby and the 241 steps can be brutal!
The trail to the hermitage is steep; a good pair of hiking shoes or a pair of trail runners is essential. Do not wear sandals or heels! I’m in good shape and found athletic shoes to be a must, especially with the slippery stones.
If you want to bring hiking poles to help with the first incline, they may be useful. I saw multiple people slip on the walk down the footbridge.
I wore a Buff to help protect me from the wind. I also dressed in layers with a Merino Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top and my favorite hiking shorts, Women’s Dry on the Fly 7″ Shorts. I also wear merino wool socks to help keep my feet dry.
On a sunny day, a baseball cap and sunscreen will be essential. There is no shade until you reach the top of the hermitage.
I also brought my spare power bank because I took a lot of photos.
Highlights of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Here are some of the higlights of visiting Gaztelugatxe.
Mirador
The first mirador of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe offers one of the best views of the site. From here, it’s possible to see the stone arches protruding from the island and the magnitude of the staircase.
Lower Viewpoint of Gaztelugatxe
The lower viewpoint is right before you cross the stone bridge to access the 241 stairs. I loved this view as it provides the best views of the arches of the bridge connecting the mainland and the islet. This is also where you’ll find the water fountain alongside an information signboard.
Climbing the 241 Stairs
The journey climbing the 241 stairs up to the hermitage is an adventure in itself. Enjoy the climb!
Hermitage Of San Juan
The contemporary church of Saint John has been built numerous times over due to fires, battles, and other disasters. The first hermitage is believed to date back to the 9th century, with the one we see today being built in 1983.
Saint John is tied to the protection of seafarers. The church is a shrine to the saint and to the sea. Many objects of boats are placed within the sanctuary, and the windows and paintings all show tribute to the sea.
Those who are fortunate to ring the bell three times at the chapel are said to be blessed with good luck and can help those struggling with fertility issues.
On my visit, the chapel was closed, but it was still possible to peek in the windows to see the church dedicated to the sea. Those who wish to take interior pictures will need to pay a Euro.
In 1963, a Virgin Mary Statue was placed at the bottom of the sea near the hermitage, and flowers were thrown into the sea for her during the feast of Saint John.
Views From Gaztelugatxe
By far one of the best things about the climb up the rocky island is the views from the top! The views over the staircase are absolutely incredible and really showcase the climb up the rocky island.
There are also distant views of Isla de Akatxa. In the opposite direction, it’s possible to see the edges of Bakio. Look to the north to see nothing but the wild Cantabrian Sea.
It really makes you feel small against the cliffs, wild sea, and jagged stones. What a view!
Refugio
Next to the chapel is a covered refugio. I saw a few people enjoying a picnic and snacks at the top. Carry out your own trash. There was also a sign for a small cliffside bathroom, but it was locked and closed when I visited. Be mindful that there may be no access to a bathroom once you depart the entrance.
Enerpi
Enerpi is the restaurant that is located in an old stone home from 1816. There is a restaurant, a beer garden, a bar, and plenty of spaces to enjoy the views of the region. They serve traditional food and also have bathroom facilities.
Places to See Near Gaztelugatxe
If looking for some things to see near Gaztelugatxe, here are some of my recommendations.
Viewpoint on the Way to Bermeo
We pulled off into this free parking lot that also acted as a viewpoint. From here, on a clear day it’s possible to see Gaztelugatxe to the left and the Matxitxako Lighthouse to the right.
Matxitxako Lighthouse
This lighthouse is the northernmost point in the Cantabrian Sea. The easiest way to reach the lighthouse is by parking in the Harrigorri Parking lot and following the trail down to the lighthouse. This parking lot also has bathroom facilities and is about a 2 Km walk to the lighthouse.
Bermeo
Bermeo is a lovely fishing village with an old port. The old port is lined with fishing vessels, colorful homes, and plenty of places to enjoy a drink or a meal. The old town is built along the hill and provides numerous pedestrian-friendly streets. There are numerous bustling pintxos bars, shops, and cobblestone streets to explore.
Don’t miss the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza Sabino Arana, or the leafy Lamera Park lined with restaurants and bars.
Bermeo is still very connected to Gaztelugatxe. Many of the local fishermen still participate in a ritual to ask the saint for good health, weather, and good luck with the fishing season. The fishermen complete three turns to the port side and three to starboard around Gaztelugatxe. Many also offer St John’s wort to the sea after burning it in a pan.
Bermeo is also where you can spot the first step of Saint James to Gaztelugatxe in no other place than San Juan’s Gate.
Museo del Txakoli
Those visiting the Basque Country will undoubtedly try the most famous wine of the region, Txakoli. In Bakio, find the Museo del Txakoli, which highlights this fizzy white wine that is grown on the north shores of the Basque region. The museum highlights production and can include a tasting.
Psst… Getaria is still one of my favorite places to visit to savor a glass of txakoli and eat grilled fish
Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Worth Visiting?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of the most naturally stunning places to visit in northern Spain in the Basque Country. While the filming of Game of Thrones here has added to its popularity, Gatelugatxe is still worth visiting.
For me, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is best visited outside the main tourist window of the busy summer months. Those visiting during the busy peak season may be disappointed as the crowds will be out in full force. I find that hermitage sites are best visited in the quiet moments.
It also helps to have nice weather to enjoy the hike up to the top and to get the best views.
San Juan Gaztelugatxe is worth visiting due to its natural beauty, ancient history, and its important connection to the sea and local fishermen. It is a highlight in the Basque region of Spain.
Conclusion | Overview and Tips for Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on Spain’s Basque Coast
In short, this is an overview of how to best visit Gaztelugatxe, one of the Basque region’s most beautiful treasures. This is a pilgrimage site for local fishers and a beautiful haven for those looking to appreciate the jagged shores along the Cantabrian Sea.
This guide highlights tips for entrance permits and regulations, how to best reach Gaztelugatxe, the hike to the hermitage, local legends, and more. As a bonus, I’ve also included places to see nearby.
For me, Gaztelugatxe is best to visit in the shoulder season when no permits are required and the crowds are minimal. No matter when you visit, the climb up the 241 steps is a challenge, but the views at the top are worth it.
Don’t miss this special place when visiting Spain’s incredible Basque Country.
Have you visited San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on Spain’s north coast? What did you think? Are there any updates I should know about? Let me know in the comments below.
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