
Spain never fails to surprise me.
From the stunning whitewashed town of Vejer de la Frontera to the incredible Old Town of Girona, it is a country filled with contrasts. Natural beauty surrounds tucked away villages, coastal paradises are border breathtaking mountains.
Basque Country is known for its riveting landscapes but I still wasn't prepared for the beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. I stumbled upon a picture of this incredible site while researching things to see in Basque Country. Taken by a professional photographer with skills far beyond my own, it looked magical-- I knew I had to go there.
Update: The Real Game of Thrones Dragonstone
It's now 2017 (a few years after I first published this post) and I've never seen Game of Thrones (I know). But when people started emailing me asking me if this was the real life Dragonstone, I had to see what they were talking about! It seems that beautiful San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the real-life Dragonstone, complete with the famous staircase. This makes me nervous-- as suddenly it seems this hidden attraction has become quite popular with Game of Thrones fans-- hopefully, the infrastructure can withhold so much tourism! Read my original comments below!
How didn't I know about this place before?
That's the beauty of Spain. A monument that would be overridden with tourists and promoted left and right in other countries is left alone in Spain. And as a savvy tourist-- I can't complain.
Not your average church
A man-made stone footbridge connects the small San Juan de Gaztelugatxe chapel to the mainland, and the only way up is to walk. As you climb the 241 steps to the top, you enjoy an incredible view of the rough surrounding sea, the coast of the Bay of Biscay.
They estimate that San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was built sometime during the 9th or 10th century as a hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Over its tumultuous history, it's been important to both Spaniards and Basques. It was used as a defensive outpost for the Lords of Biscay and was a meeting point for King Alfonso XI and Juan Nuñez de Lara (the Lord of Biscay) in 1334. It was also sacked in 1593 by infamous pirate Sir Francis Drake, who looted the hermitage and then allegedly killed the poor hermit--throwing him off of the cliff! In one of its many fires in 1978 the church was destroyed but was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1980 as we see it today.
Make a wish
We visited on a warm August day, while driving to Bilbao by way of Lekeitio, Guernica, and Bermeo. We didn't realize that you have to park a kilometer (a little over half a mile) away from the first of the 241 steps. This surprise added a 25-minute trek downhill and another uphill before and after the climb! Definitely give yourself time to enjoy the walk, which is beautiful on its own.
As we climbed the steps I couldn't help but stop every minute or so for a photo. The views were incredible. When we finally made it to the top I was feeling overheated by the afternoon sun, so I took a rest as tourist after tourist rang the chapel bell (three times for good luck). I didn't feel like ringing it-- which I think means even better luck for us!
On the way down the blue water beckoned, and I decided to wander down onto the rocky (and slightly dangerous) coast where I waded into the sea. I wouldn't dare go far enough out to swim, but it was the most refreshing dip I've taken in years.
Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is best reached by car, but there is also a bus from Bermeo (inquire at the tourist office for current hours)
- You can visit the monument anytime (so long as the road is open) but the church itself has the following hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Remember, this monument is breathtaking in more ways than one! Go at your own pace, bring a water bottle and dress in comfortable clothes and footwear.
I'm so happy to have stumbled on a random picture of this impressive corner of Spain-- had I not I probably would have driven right by!
Have you ever discovered a little-known treasure?
Penny Bernal
Hi Lauren,
We were at Bilbao at the beginning of June. We explored the beaches from Sopelana all the way up to the parking area for San Juan de Gastelugatxe. Unfortunately, we got there too late for the hike. I'm writing about the beaches of Bilbao in my blog, penelopesodysseys.com and I really want to photo of this stunning walkway that we didn't walk. Would you give me permission to use your photo? I'll credit you and link your blog to the post.
Thanks!
Penny Bernal
Lauren Aloise
Sure! That sounds like a great trip! 🙂
Raymond Anthony
Breathtaking beauty. I need to take it in asap.
Shaye
Warning: They showed it on this year's Bachelorette, too! As much as I know Spain needs this for the economy, I secretly want to keep the entire country a secret so it stays just as it is. 🙂
Lauren
Me too! All these places shown in Games of Thrones are likely to receive over-tourism (such as, Dubrovnik, Croatia) in a way that likely won't directly help the locals, unless they already have a store front, bar or tour company. It's unfortunate. San Juan doesn't need any more publicity!
San Sebastian is already reaching over-tourism and recently held protests, along with Barcelona regarding this just a few months ago.
;(
MissPixels
Hello! How long do you recommend for the visit trip? 2 hours?
Lauren Aloise
Hello! I'd say at least 4 to really take your time and enjoy!
MissPixels
Ok thanks! 🙂
Mike of Mapless Mike
Absolutely stunning! I can't stop looking at this photos! I'm going to have to try and get here as Logroño isn't too far away.
Lauren @ Roamingtheworld
Love this spot too! Went on a dreary overcast day, which is often the norm in Basque Country and walked from Bakio!
Trevor Huxham
oh wow! I have a friend who is moving from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao this fall and I might have a weekender in the works to visit her...who knows, maybe we'll try to see Gaztelugatxe while I'm there! It looks like a gorgeous place and I'd love to stay for the sunset there. Thanks for the recommendation to bus to Bermeo (or Bakio).
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas
I love how this place works - will get there some other time! I was shocked to find out that Playa de las Catedrales also is submerged through most of the day.
I haven't been to the Basque Country in six years…must go back!
Jenny | A Thing For Wor(l)ds
One of my favorite stops in Basque Country! We hiked from Bakio, stopped at the restaurant up top for pintxos, and then braved the steps. The hike from Bakio was a little too littered with massive slugs for my taste, but that aside, such an epic day. Also---saw one person doing the hike in heels. WTF?!
P.S. Amazing photos!
Lauren Aloise
Wow! The hiking (minus the slugs) sounds incredible! And doing this in heels should be illegal-- so dangerous and bad for your feet!