San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a rocky islet linked to the Bizkaia coast by a stone bridge and a staircase of 241 steps climbing to the 10th-century hermitage at the summit. It is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Basque Country and was a filming location for Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

The experience is the climb itself: 241 steps carved in rock wind along the bridge and islet hillside with dizzying views of the Cantabrian Sea. At the top, the hermitage of San Juan (rebuilt several times since the 10th century) and a bell that tradition says you must ring three times and make a wish.

Access starts from the San Pelaio car park (paid in summer), with a 20-minute path to the bridge and another 20 up the steps. In peak season there is limited capacity with advance booking required.

Gaztelugatxe belongs to the municipality of Bermeo and is 35 km from Bilbao via the BI-631. It can be combined with a visit to Bermeo, Mundaka and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.