San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is an ancient hermitage that could’ve easily been built somewhere else, but instead, it clings to a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Cantabrian Sea. Why make it easy when you can make it beautiful?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe perfectly embodies everything that makes the Basque coast and culture magical. The hermitage fearlessly faces the sea, merging with it but always keeping a firm foothold in the land it came from. This iconic spot reminds us of the Basque people’s resilience and bravery in confronting the forces of nature while blending with their traditions.
If you visit the Basque Country, missing this marvel is simply not an option. Today, it’s one of the most famous and visited spots in Euskadi and a highlight of Northern Spain. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your visit a complete success.
Where is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Located?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is situated in the municipality of Bakio, just a short drive from the city of Bilbao. It’s perched atop a small island, connected to the mainland by a narrow, winding bridge.
A little further down in this post, I’ll explain how to get there on your own or with a tour, and our recommendation to avoid headaches when it gets really crowded.
The location feels remote, turning the journey to the hermitage into a true adventure.. The views along the way are breathtaking, with the endless horizon of the Cantabrian Sea stretching out before you.
You’ll need to hike about 30 minutes from the parking lot to reach the hermitage. Along the trail, you’ll encounter over 230 steps that climb steeply towards the summit.
Take it slow and soak in the stunning views along the way. Trust me, it’s worth every step.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in Bilbao or nearby towns, you can also hop on a local bus that will drop you off at the nearest access point.
Origin of the Hermitage
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe dates back to the 10th century, originally constructed on the remains of a castle. The island, now part of a protected biotope, was later fortified, facing sieges during the conflicts of the region.
The hermitage has survived countless storms and centuries of history, standing as a testament to resilience. With its long history and deep connection to the sea, it has become a symbol of the Basque people’s profound respect for nature, tradition, and land.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Game of Thrones
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this place might look familiar. The location was used as the setting for Dragonstone, Daenerys Targaryen’s stronghold during her quest for the Iron Throne in Season 7. Its dramatic stone steps featured in several key scenes, adding even more magic to an already breathtaking location.
As you hike up to the top, it’s easy to imagine Daenerys walking these very same steps, gazing out over the sea. It’s the perfect spot for any Game of Thrones enthusiast to geek out!
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Tickets
Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is free, but during peak seasons, access is limited to protect the site. Only a set number of visitors are allowed at a time during these periods.
The main restricted access period is from April to September. It extends to weekends in October and major holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and other national holidays. To check restricted dates, refer to the official 2025 calendar.
If you’re visiting in high season, it’s smart to reserve your free ticket online ahead of time. Tickets often sell out in summer, so don’t wait. If its fully booked, you can take a short walk along the surrounding paths to catch a view of the Hermitage from above. Just be careful, as the terrain leads to steep cliffs.
This is how it looks from there.👇🏽
Nevertheless, I strongly recommend booking in advance because the views from the top are incredible. It would be a shame to make the trip all the way there and miss them.
How to Get there
To get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, you have a few options: driving, taking a tour, or public transport, though the last one can be a bit of a hassle. The nearest village is Baquio, a little beach town that’s buzzing in the high season but pretty chill when it’s off-season.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by Car
If you’re driving, it’s about a 35-minute trip from Bilbao via the BI-3101 road. You’ve got three parking lots to choose from. The first one is free, but it’s tiny—only 25 spots, and it’s about 200 meters from the access point. The biggest lot, by the Eneperi restaurant, is private, so you’ll have to pay to park. The third lot, closer to the Lurgorri area, is a bit of a trek—about 15 minutes on foot—but it’s free. Just keep in mind, parking fills up fast, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, so if you don’t want to be stuck looking for a spot, get there early!
How to Get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by Bus
From June 8th to September 1st, there’s a bus that runs every hour from Bilbao. It takes over an hour to get to Bakio, and it can get pretty crowded during peak season. The rest of the year, you’ll need to hop on a bus to Bakio, then switch to another bus heading to Bermeo. Expect the whole journey to take about two hours.
Our Recommendation
If you’re visiting in the off-season, renting a car is your best bet. It gives you the freedom to check out the nearby villages, which are totally worth it.
If you’re coming during peak season, though, we recommend booking a day tour. That way, you don’t have to stress about parking, and you can focus on soaking in the beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the stunning surroundings without the crowds and parking nightmare. Trust us, it gets crazy during high season!
Where to Stay near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Option one is to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on a day trip from Bilbao. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget. The advantage of this option is that you can use the same hotel as a base for a few days while exploring the area.
For a cozy, traditional experience, consider booking a room in Bermeo or Bakio. Just a short drive from the hermitage, this charming village offers a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, you’ll find several boutique hotels and seaside resorts along the coast, many with stunning ocean views. Staying nearby allows you to fully soak in the coastal atmosphere at your own pace.
More Things to Do in the Area
Once you’ve experienced the star attraction in the area, don’t rush off—there’s so much more to explore nearby. Here are a few suggestions:
- Explore the Beaches of Bakio – After your hike to Gaztelugatxe, head down to the nearby town of Bakio and unwind on its sandy beaches. It’s a popular surf spot, so if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a lesson and catch some waves?
- Kayaking in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve – Just a short drive from Gaztelugatxe, you’ll find this UNESCO-listed reserve. Paddle through the serene waters of the estuaries and wetlands, surrounded by lush forests and wildlife. It’s a fantastic way to see the area from a completely new angle.
- Tour the Castillo de Butrón – If you’re a fan of medieval architecture, the nearby Castillo de Butrón is a must-see. For over 300 years, this fairy-tale castle was the stage for bloody battles between two factions of the local nobility.
- Mundaka – Famous for its world-class surf breaks and laid-back vibe, Mundaka is the perfect spot to kick back and watch the world go by on the beach. Whether you’re into surfing, soaking up the views, or hopping between local bars for tasty sips and bites, you’ll find plenty to love here.
A trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a journey that blends history, breathtaking scenery, and a hint of magic. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fanatic or just a regular human being who loves exploring cool places, this extraordinary hermitage is a must-see when in Northern Spain.