VISIT TO SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE

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The Hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe It is one of the jewels of the Basque Country. And it was so many centuries ago, although in recent years it has exploded as a tourist destination, thanks in large part to Game of Thrones. Whether or not you are a geek of this series, if you are traveling through northern Spain you cannot miss this spectacular corner. Here we tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

This hermitage, perched impossibly on the top of a promontory on the coast of Bizkaia, dates back, neither more nor less, than to the X century. It was erected on top of this small peninsula, and to join it with the coast, it was decided to build a walkway, with a stone bridge included, that winds along the slope of the rock, to the top.

During all this time he has been the subject of privateer attacks, military episodes and fires. It has even had to be rebuilt not too many years ago.

Up to here came locals and a handful of tourists who had heard of a place of fable, albeit dropper. But recently the boom occurred. The reason is simple: appear as one of the most important scenarios of the most watched series of the 21st century. It was (and is) neither more nor less than Rocadragón in Game of Thrones! Here you can see some sequence of the series:

So since then they got to work to improve access and control mass tourism that comes here. You have to recognize that the place is truly impressive!

Some locals told us that a few years ago they reached the very base of the road in their cars, that they made the climb practically alone, and that they don't even come…

The entrance is free, although you have to get a ticket to control the number of visitors. You can do it in either of the two access points, or online. This last option is recommended if you come in high season, although we visited it at the end of August with reservation and there was no line for those who took the tickets at the box office itself. They give you a map right there and if you have doubts, they solve them. By the way, we booked for 5:30 pm, but we passed at 5pm without problems.

When you make the reservation online you will receive an e-mail and it will be the one that you have to teach at the access point (if you carry it on the phone you don't need to print it).

The hermitage is on the top of a promontory, which must be reached on foot by a stone path. Long ago, you could reach this road by car, but now they have regulated the entrance and you will have to walk a little more.

Image from web.bizkaia.eus. Full map

If you arrive by car:

It is located on the road between Bakio and Bermeo. Right on the detour there is a small parking lot (“Parking 1”On the map below) and an office of tourist information. We recommend stopping only if you want to ask something, and then continue a little lower left.

Next we will have the “Parking 2" and the "Parking 3". The latter is much larger and you probably have no trouble finding a site. All are free and are one step away from the beginning of the short path.

If you are going down the long road, that of Ermu, you will have the “Parking 4”At the end of the road. From there it is 2.8 km to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Look below for the difference between both paths.

Arrive by public transport:

If you do not have your own vehicle, you must arrive with the line A3517 bus companyBizkaibus. In summer (June 9 to September 2) the route is extended to reach Bermeo, passing through Gaztelugatxe. It can be taken in Bilbao (Plaza San Jose) or in towns like Mungia, Bakio or Bermeo.More information

The stop of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is called “Gaztelu Begi“.

Outside the summer season, it can only be reached from Bermeo or Bakio, in special services.

From the parking lot, there are two ways that arrive until the beginning of the ascent until the hermitage:

Urizarreta: the short, a road of 1.4 km and more steep and winding. On rainy days it can be somewhat slippery. It is taken next to the Eneperi restaurant.
Ermu: the long, a road of 2.8 km somewhat less steep and simpler.

We went for the first and on the way back is when you really suffer it! The descent (and therefore the climb on the way back) is very steep at times. Although it is not difficult, it tires a lot and it is necessary to make a break.

Once you are at the foot of the rock, the up a winding staircase, from 241 steps. In total, from the parking lot to the hermitage, they are like 40 minutes.

Above, the hermitage It is open to the public in high season and is free, although if you want to take a picture, they will ask for a donation of € 1. When we went, inside there was a guide explaining some curiosities of the hermitage, you can perfectly sit and listen to it.

And finally, don't go without ring the bell Do it three times and make a wish while.

It is advisable to carry Comfortable shoes and closed.
If it does Sun put on a hat and sunscreen, yes Rains do not forget the raincoat (better than the umbrella, the way up is narrow and it will be an umbrella fight with those who come down).
Very important: it carries Water, or at least one bottle, in the area where the steps begin there is a source With cool and very rich water.
There's also public toilets here.
It never hurts to bring some of eat.
The best time to visit it, for the time, it is summer. Although in autumn and spring you will find fewer people.
If you don't want to see it crowded, choose a strange time to visit it. The sunset it's a pass!

The way always open, so you can visit it at the time that best suits you. Of course, the hermitage only opens in high season and on holidays or special occasions, but the really interesting thing is to do the whole tour.

Here we leave you a Google Maps map, with all points of interest:

This was ours visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the most impressive places in the Basque Country. We look forward to helping you plan your trip with all the useful information!

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