Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Blog post updated in May 2025
When I arrived in Bilbao for my Erasmus exchange, I kept hearing about San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Everyone who mentioned it couldn’t stop singing its praises.
Several months later, I finally went there for the first time—and I immediately understood the hype.
I then spent four years living in the Basque capital, and I often returned to spend a few hours at this place, which still remains my favorite spot in all of Spain.
A true gem known to locals for decades, it’s impossible not to be captivated by its beauty as soon as you catch a glimpse of it!
Today, tourists visiting the Basque Country always make a stop there, ever since it was brought into the spotlight by the Game of Thrones series.
If you’re planning to go see it for yourself, keep reading to find out how to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
This article contains affiliate links 🙂 They earn me a small commission on bookings, but no worries—there’s no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog, and enjoy the read!
THE ESSENTIALS | VISIT SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a tiny island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge.
- During high season, you need to book your entrance on this website.
- The entrance is always free!
- There are 2 different paths to reach it.
- Choose a guided tour to explore the site and two major villages in the region!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the wonder of the Basque Country
- L’ermitage de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- When to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
- How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
- How to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
- The best San Juan de Gaztelugatxe tours!
- Where to eat in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
- Where to stay in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
- Traveling responsibly to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the wonder of the Basque Country
Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a must-do activity if you stay in the region. Easily accessible from both Bilbao and San Sebastian, it’s the perfect day trip to escape the city and breathe in the sea air.
This tiny island is connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge. Legend has it that Saint John landed in Bermeo and reached Gaztelugatxe in just three steps.
Those three steps are said to have left their mark—one of them on the many stone stairs that snake their way up and down the islet.
I say “many” because there are exactly 241 steps 🙂 It may sound like a lot, but it’s not that hard to climb them if you take your time.
When the weather is clear, the place feels peaceful and pleasant. But when the sky darkens, it becomes mysterious. Lost in gray clouds, battered by crashing waves, the island becomes truly awe-inspiring.
At low tide, the sea reveals rocks sculpted by the relentless movement of the water.
Whatever the weather or the tide, you’ll always be able to capture stunning photos.
As you climb the narrow staircase, make sure to take in the view. With every step, the perspective of the island and the mainland shifts, offering a fresh way to see the landscape.
ALSO READ: 38 Things to Do in Bilbao!
The hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Once you reach the top, the small hermitage proudly stands before visitors. It has been rebuilt several times.
Indeed, attacks, looting, and fires have taken their toll. The last reconstruction was quite recent—in 1980. Inside and out, medieval tombs dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries have been discovered.
After exploring the heritage site, it’s customary to sit down, rest, and take in the view. From here, you can admire the mainland and be struck by the lush green landscape. It almost feels like being in Ireland.
After snapping a selfie—with the ocean in the background or not—it’s time for the superstitious to ring the bell three times while making a wish.
Sometimes there’s a line to get to the rope, but it’s a must-do for every visitor.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is also said to have magical powers. People suffering from corns can place their feet in the rock’s cavities along the path. As for the hermitage itself, it’s believed to have powers related to women’s fertility.
When to Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
As with the rest of the Basque Country, the best time to visit this breathtaking site is between May and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
In summer, it’s best to avoid the hottest days and weekends to steer clear of the crowds. If that’s not possible, plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
There are also a few dates you might want to avoid, as locals flock to San Juan to celebrate their saints. That said, it can also be a great opportunity to experience something truly local!
- June 24: Feast of Saint John (Juan in Spanish). Locals make their way to the island on foot—or at least try to get close to it.
- July 31: Feast of San Ignacio de Loyola. The villagers of Arrieta celebrate with a romería (traditional pilgrimage).
- August 29: Feast of San Juan Degollado. It’s the turn of the residents of Bakio to visit the island.
How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
To visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, you can choose between driving your own car or taking public transport:
- By car: Take the BI-3103 road that connects Bakio and Bermeo. Park in one of the two free parking areas or in the one closest to the Eneperi restaurant (this one is paid). During high season, parking spots fill up very quickly!
- By bus: From Bilbao, take the Bizkaibus line A3518 (Bilbao–Bakio) or A3527 (Bilbao–Bermeo). If you’re coming from Bakio or Bermeo, take line A3524. Get off at the Gaztelu Begi stop.
From there, it’s time to walk! Expect about 1.5 km on foot.
The walk is manageable if you’re in good physical condition, despite the slope. Take it at your own pace. Don’t forget to bring water, wear sunscreen, and put on comfortable shoes.
2 routes to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The Path from Urizarreta
This is the most well-known and direct path. It starts near the main parking area.
After passing the checkpoint, visitors begin descending a fairly steep path of about 1.3 km. There are some steps that can be challenging for some.
Once you reach the bridge, it’s time to climb the famous 241 steps!
The Path from Ermu
This path is longer than the previous one, but it has no steps and fewer people.
If you choose this route, you will need to head to the Ermu checkpoint and follow the steep road for 1.9 km.
How to Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
It’s no longer as easy to visit this stunning site as it used to be. Indeed, due to being the filming location for several scenes in the Game of Thrones series, it has attracted many fans over the years.
As a result, free access during the high season is no longer possible. However, don’t worry—it’s not difficult to visit. The only requirement is to reserve a free ticket on the official website.
High Season Periods:
- Semana Santa (Easter) and Christmas
- Every weekend from April 13th to June 9th
- Summer: from June 10th to September 15th
- Every weekend and public holiday in September and October
- The bridge holiday on November 1st
- December public holidays (December 6th, 8th, 25th)
Visit Duration: Between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours.
During the off-season, you can visit freely without the need for a reservation.
The Best Guided Tours at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Of course, you can explore San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on your own, but if you’d prefer to get live information about the places you’re visiting, a guided tour is a great option.
Plus, it makes your life easier when it comes to transportation. You don’t have to worry about the best path to take or where to park your vehicle—you just have to follow the guide!
Here are 4 guided tours I recommend:
- This tour allows you to discover San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Gernika. Book here!
- This excursion lets you explore San Juan, as well as the villages of Bermeo and Gernika. Click to check availability!
- If you want to private tour to explore the Bilbao coast, this tour is perfect for you! Buy here!
- If you’d like to admire the site from the sea, I recommend this boat ride! Book now!
Where to eat in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
There is only one restaurant near the site: the Eneperi bar-restaurant. In addition to great food, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the site!
However, this place is very popular, especially on weekends.
I would recommend bringing a sandwich or a snack to enjoy while visiting the site. If you’re craving a more substantial meal, you can easily bring it up to the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Next to the hermitage, there is also a small covered area where you can rest and have a bite to eat, sheltered from the wind.
If you’re not too hungry, you can choose to wait until the end of your visit to head back to your car or take the bus toward Bakio or Bermeo.
In both villages, you’ll find plenty of dining options to satisfy your hunger and thirst!
Where to stay in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
It is impossible to sleep on-site since it is an island. I highly recommend staying in Bilbao or San Sebastián and using these two cities as a base to explore the region.
In this article, I’ve selected my favorite hotels in Bilbao for you. Whether you’re looking for budget options or luxury rooms, discover several establishments sorted by neighborhood. Click here!
TRAVELING RESPONSIBLY IN SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE
Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is about marveling at its beauty, and to ensure that it stays this way, it’s important to travel responsibly.
Here are some easy actions you can take during your visit:
- Opt for public transport instead of a private vehicle to get to the site.
- Do not throw your waste in nature. Bring a small bag as a trash container.
- Carry a pocket ashtray instead of throwing cigarette butts.
- Avoid taking rocks or picking flowers. Every element is part of a fragile ecosystem.
- Always stay on marked paths to protect local flora and prevent soil erosion, which is quite present in this sloped area.
Of course, these are just a few easy actions, but there are many more you can adopt!
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a unique and enchanting place. The view of the impressive cliffs and the Basque coast is sure to transport any visitor who is lucky enough to climb up there.
I truly hope I’ve inspired you to visit this one-of-a-kind site!
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