Even if you're not a Game of Thrones fan (being a non-TV watcher, by definition that includes me), San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is so worth the visit. This beautiful "rock" is "Dragonstone" from Season 7 of Game of Thrones. In Basque, the words "gaztelu" and "atx" mean "castle" and "rock", respectively.
Only a 45 minute drive from Bilbao (in the town of Bermeo), this majestic stone islet with its medieval walkway and church on top is a stunning place to hike. The hike takes 1-2 hours, so the whole outing can be easily finished in half a day. We left around 4PM and had plenty of time to get back into the city for a late dinner (mind you, Spanish restaurants don't even open until 8PM at the earliest).
To protect the area and for general crowd control measures, they do limit the number of people that can go each day, especially during peak times (e.g., weekends or during the summer). The tickets are free, but you must pre-book if you go during a high peak time. Here is the link to the official website to book a spot.
Because we were there during the off-season, thankfully we didn't have to book if we went during the weekdays. I was thankful, because the weekends were fully booked for weeks on end!
Despite rain all morning long, I was thrilled when the sun started to come out *right* when we started hiking!
You can't drive all the way to the island, so you'll have to hike across this natural land bridge to arrive at the stone on the other side.
Once you arrive, climb these stairs up to the top! Definitely take your time to enjoy the breathtaking landscape, take photos, and savor the moment. Don't forget too look behind you, where the scene may even be more stunning!
Almost to the top!
The top is a church (hermitage) dedicated to John the Baptist. It is said that John the Baptist visited Gaztelugatxe after landing at the port in Bermeo.
The building is usually closed, and only used a few times a year to celebrate mass.
We definitely took our time at the top to enjoy the views, take photos, and contemplate.
Still blown away by the blue skies!
There are 241 steps in total to reach the top of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This is the only way you get can there.
Fascinating how the sea is different colors on the two sides!
Back near the parking lot, there is a restaurant where you can grab a bite, or at least a drink, if need be. They also have restrooms (which was much needed after so many hours!).
I definitely recommend trying to come to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe if you have time while in Bilbao. It's really such a special place!
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