Information
Landmark: San Juan de GaztelugatxeCity: Bilbao
Country: Spain
Continent: Europe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, Spain, Europe
Overview
Just off the Basque Country’s rugged northern coast, near Bermeo, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe rises from the sea-a rocky islet crowned by a centuries-old chapel.Perched on rugged cliffs above the Bay of Biscay, it’s one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, offering dramatic scenery and windswept views of the water below.The site’s known for its medieval chapel, a steep stone staircase that winds up like a spine, and its ties to both Basque heritage and global pop culture-it even appeared in the hit TV series *Game of Thrones*.San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits just off the coast, linked to the mainland by a slim causeway and a weathered stone bridge that seems to climb right out of the sea.At the island’s highest point stands the Hermitage of San Juan, a medieval chapel honoring Saint John the Baptist.Sheer cliffs plunge into churning waves below, while steep hills and a jagged shoreline make it one of the Basque Country’s most breathtaking sights.Perched above the pounding Atlantic, the island feels both remote and breathtaking.At its highest point stands the Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist since the 10th century, though time and weather have reshaped it more than once.For centuries, pilgrims and travelers have climbed the winding stone steps to honor the saint, and the chapel still holds deep meaning for the locals.Inside the chapel, the altar holds a statue of San Juan, and visitors still ring the bell three times for luck-a small ritual that echoes through the sea air.Perhaps the most striking sight, though, is the steep stone staircase climbing from the mainland’s narrow causeway to the island’s peak, where the chapel stands.The staircase has 231 steps, many cut straight into the rock, and it rises nearly 200 meters (650 feet) above the sea.Climbing it sticks in your memory as you wind upward, waves crashing below and cliffs towering at your side.Climbing to the top pays off with sweeping views and the quiet stillness of the chapel.To get there, you cross a narrow stone bridge over a deep, shadowy gap, then follow the causeway to the foot of the long staircase.From the bridge or the winding stone causeway, photographers can frame sweeping shots of the rugged coast and crashing surf.You can only reach the island on foot, a fact that’s kept its wild, untouched beauty safe.San Juan de Gaztelugatxe shot to fame worldwide after appearing in Game of Thrones.In Season 7, the island stood in for Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen and the launch point for Daenerys’s invasion of Westeros.Its steep stone steps and weathered chapel gave the scenes a haunting beauty, pulling thousands of fans from around the globe to see it in person.San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits within a stunning stretch of coastline, where winding trails lead to sweeping views of the sea and rugged cliffs.This stretch of coastline lies within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected haven filled with vibrant birdlife and dense green forests.Trails wind past cliffs, hidden coves, and shady groves, perfect for spotting herons or snapping a photo of the waves below.Because it’s both beloved and ecologically vital, the island and its surroundings are kept under careful protection.Staff track visitor numbers, and a booking system now helps control the crowds and safeguard the site’s beauty.They work to let people enjoy the place without harming its fragile environment.Just 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Bilbao, it’s an easy drive or a quick ride by bus or train.The nearest town is Bermeo, a charming coastal spot where you can wander past seafood cafés, browse small shops, and find a place to stay.Arrive early in peak season-the narrow streets fill quickly.Be ready for the climb-231 narrow stone steps that leave your legs burning-but reaching the top is worth every breath.San Juan de Gaztelugatxe brims with Basque legends and old myths.Legend has it that a dragon once called the island home, sweeping past the jagged cliffs-a tale that may explain its link to Dragonstone in *Game of Thrones*.Locals say the place is enchanted, and if you ring the chapel’s bell three times while making a wish, it just might come true.Beyond the dramatic beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve brims with treasures, from Mundaka’s golden surf beach to Bermeo’s harbor lined with Basque façades and the smell of fresh-grilled seafood.It remains one of the Basque Country’s most striking and beloved landmarks.A dramatic island, linked to the mainland by a weathered stone bridge and a steep stairway, invites visitors to wander through its striking cliffs, centuries-old history, and vibrant culture.Whether you’re into Game of Thrones, drawn to wild coastal cliffs, or chasing a spiritual retreat with sweeping sea views, this breathtaking spot belongs on your Basque Country itinerary.Rugged cliffs drop into the sea, a weathered stone chapel clings to the hill, and the sweeping views catch your breath-together, they make the island a rare jewel of Spain’s northern coast.
