On this side of the Basque Country, the landscape feels rougher. The cliffs’ formation is dramatic, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are endless. Despite its undeniable beauty, the stunning San Juan de Gaztelugatxe attracts thousands of visitors after being used as a filming location for the Game of Thrones. I won’t lie: I haven’t watched the series. But after seeing an image of Gaztelugatxe online, I knew I had to get there.
During my weeklong sojourn in the Basque Country, Gaztelugatxe was high on my priorities list. It was late September when I booked this tour to get there. If this is not your first time reading my travel blog, you know I usually visit each location independently. However, I decided on an organized tour, and you’ll find out why in the following lines.
Gaztelugatxe was one of my journey’s highlights, and dedicating an entire blog post to this beautiful spot was the least I could do. Therefore, in this article, you will see several photos of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and helpful tips for your visit. Moreover, I will summarize every available option for getting to Gaztelugatxe and share quick facts to better prepare for your visit.
Let’s begin.
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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe travel guide: all you need to know
It is a short ride from Bilbao to Gaztelugatxe by car. Soon after leaving the city behind, you will drive along the Basque Country coastline and the Bermeo municipality. The cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean will slowly occupy your window views, and this majestic route serves as a prelude to what you’ll see in Gaztelugatxe. It won’t take more than 40 minutes to reach the spot where the minibus (or your car) will have to park. From there, an intensive hike will start.
The hike
The first part of the hike is downwards. The path is clearly designated, and since many people will be there, it’s impossible to miss it. Shortly after starting, you will see the islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the small Aketx isle, and the entire coastline, which is a protected biotope. Less than ten minutes after you start hiking, you will see a viewpoint overlooking the whole bay that offers tremendous views over Gaztelugatxe.
From then on, a downhill path starts. The route is rocky and slippery, so wearing your best sneakers is necessary. It will take approximately 20 minutes to get to sea level, where one feels totally exposed to the elements: strong wind, the ocean’s waves, and glorious views will surround you. Take a minute to enjoy the view and have a short pause. Afterward, you will climb the 241 steps to the islet’s top, where the picturesque church is located.
Remember that even in the off-season, the sun can be intense. Apart from the beginning of the hike close to the parking lot, there’s no shadow along the route. It will take more or less another 15-20 minutes to reach the top, and the views from the chapel’s yard are breathtaking. The church is dedicated to John The Baptist, and you can ring the bell three times and make a wish.
Quick San Juan de Gaztelugatxe facts
Gaztelugatxe made it into the popular culture after serving as a Game of Thrones filming location. Apart from raising its popularity and making it a must-do trip from Bilbao, it also means the place is never empty. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is always packed, so you should expect crowds along the hiking path and on the islet’s top.
Before stepping into my advice after hiking to the top, I’ll share 5 quick facts about Gaztelugatxe here. They will help you better understand the iconic spot and glimpse its history.
- Gaztelugatxe stands for the “rocky castle.” This isn’t surprising since the terrain is rocky from the moment you start hiking until you reach the top.
- The bridge you’ll find at sea level is man-made and consists of iron and rocks. From this spot, the 241 steps to the top start.
- The church is dedicated to John the Baptist and stands approximately 80 meters above sea level. Visitors are encouraged to ring its bell thrice, which, according to the legend, brings good luck. The chapel contains offerings from sailors who survived the rough sea.
- Gaztelugatxe was located in Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones series. However, there was a digitally created castle on its top, which, of course, you won’t see when you visit it.
- You will also see another small island close to Gaztelugatxe. That’s Aketx, a sanctuary for birds that is not accessible on foot. Aketx is probably the first island you’ll see when you start hiking, and it appears as a glimmering rock in the middle of the ocean.
What you need to know about hiking to Gaztelugatxe
I hiked to Gaztelugatxe’s top, and I enjoyed the route. However, there are some things you need to know before hiking to the chapel on the top. The advice is based on my personal experience, and I want to share it with you so you can have a better experience.
It’s not an easy hike if you are a non-experienced hiker
The first thing I want to say is that the hike is challenging. For experienced hikers, it will probably be a route of moderate difficulty. Hiking to Gaztelugatxe consists of a path downwards, a short flat way at sea level, and 241 steps to the top. On the way back, descending the 241 steps might be challenging for your knees, but the way up to the parking lot can feel exhausting due to steepness.
That said, if you are not fit or have never really hiked, I advise avoiding walking the path. Shortly after the starting point, the viewpoint will give you tremendous views of Gaztelugatxe and a short hike back. For elderly visitors or people with health issues, I can’t recommend the hike, especially if you are not experienced or not into hiking.
The sun is always intense at Gaztelugatxe
The landscape is magnificent, but there are no shadows to protect yourself from. After all, that’s a rocky path connecting to an islet on a man-made bridge and slippery stairs. If you decide to hike, bring sunglasses, a hat, or even an umbrella. As this is a physically demanding task, protecting yourself is a must.
Moreover, if you travel solo to Gaztelugatxe, try to be there at the opening time. Hiking early in the morning is easier than at the day’s peak when the sun is intense.
This was among the reasons I decided on an organized tour: apart from the ease of reaching Gaztelugatxe, I knew that even an hour’s delay could translate to a harder hiking time.
Bring a snack, water, and your best hiking shoes
The last piece of advice I want to share is to bring water, a snack, and your most comfortable sneakers. The hike is demanding, so having something to chew on is a good idea. Water will hydrate you, and it’s something you shouldn’t forget when packing your bag for Gaztelugatxe.
Lastly, your best friend along the route will be your most comfortable hiking shoes. As I mentioned several times, the terrain is rocky, and the stones are slippery. For women, don’t even consider high heels.
How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: every option explained
In the final section of this travel guide to Gaztelugatxe, I will share every available option for reaching this beautiful location. In brief, you have three options for getting there: an organized tour, by car and by bus.
Here’s what you need to know.
To Gaztelugatxe on a half-day tour
Due to its proximity to Bilbao, the best way to get to Gaztelugatxe is on an organized tour. A half-day guided tour is ideal for people visiting the Basque Country without a car. The tour guides are experienced and will share information along the way. Moreover, knowing there’s a local to help you if you need something is comforting. All tours to Gaztelugatxe include the entry ticket, so you will skip the line and start hiking once there.
I joined an organized tour, and I was delighted by the services. Apart from the San Juan Gaztelugatxe visit, the tour I joined also stopped at Mundaka and Gernika, which was immortalized in Picasso’s painting. The tour gives you two options: either a bus or a small group tour. Since the bus tour was sold out, I booked the minivan option, which was very comfortable.
You can book the tour I joined here.
For every other available day-trip trip option, please check here.
To Gaztelugatxe by car
A car is a great way to get to Gaztelugatxe at your own pace. However, as I mentioned earlier, prioritize your visit and get to the place first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and excess heat. You won’t need more than 35-40 minutes from Bilbao to reach Gaztelugatxe.
In addition, remember to book your entry ticket to Gaztelugatxe in advance. Otherwise, you won’t be able to visit it. You can pre-book your ticket here.
To Gaztelugatxe by bus
Lastly, you can also get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by bus. In my opinion, this is the least convenient option because the buses don’t run that often to and from Gaztelugatxe. Moreover, there are different bus schedules in winter and summer. Let’s break these down.
By bus in the summer
From June to the beginning of September, a direct bus line connects Bilbao with Gaztelugatxe. Specifically, Bizkaibus line A3517 runs every hour, and you can reach Gaztelugatxe in approximately 50 minutes.
By bus in the winter
From the beginning of September till the end of May, there is no direct option to travel between Bilbao and Gaztelugatxe. The only option is to get the bus A3518 from Bilbao (Moyua) to Bakio, which takes approximately 50 minutes. At Bakio, you will have to embark on line A3524 to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
The A3518 runs every hour, while the A3524 runs every two hours. As you can see, it’s inconvenient, and the best option is one of the tours above.
Tip: If you decide to visit Gaztelugatxe by bus, please remember to book your entry ticket in advance (like with the car option above).
Visit Gaztelugatxe: Final Thoughts
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a divine place. Despite the crowds visiting it due to its popularity as a Game of Thrones filming location, Gaztelugatxe offers one of the most impressive spots you will see in Spain. The biotope on the Bay of Biscay will create a memorable experience for every traveler. The chapel on the rock’s top, the Aketx island, the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and the hiking path will highlight your journey to the Basque Country.
As I pointed out several times in the article, the hiking route is demanding, and you should consider twice if you are fit enough to take it. You should expect at least one hour of intense hiking back and forth and not force yourself to do it fast. Follow your pace, have enough water and a snack, and take it easy if you have no hiking experience.
The first time I saw Gaztelugatxe, I was impressed by its beauty. And every step I took toward the rock castle top made me admire it more and more. If you are wondering if it is worth visiting San Juan deGaztelugatxe, yes, it absolutely does. It’s a place of unique beauty and serenity, with a history dating back to the 10th century.
Wear comfortable sneakers, charge your camera or smartphone, and slowly hike to Gaztelugatxe. It’s hands-down one of the sweetest and most rewarding experiences in the Basque Country.
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Last Updated on December 7, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos