My first trip to the Basque Country felt like stepping into a postcard, with the coastal town of Bermeo and the breathtaking San Juan de Gaztelugatxe stealing my heart.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island linked by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase, sits like a gem in the Bay of Biscay. Its picturesque chapel, perched atop cliffs, is Game-of-Thrones-famous, and the ocean view from the viewpoint is nothing short of stunning.
I wandered the cobblestone streets of Bermeo, a charming fishing village with a scenic harbor, and felt the magical pull of this idyllic place. Nearby, Bakio beach invited a quick dip in its small stony beaches, while the forest and rocks along the hike to the hermitage added a touch of natural beauty. The wind carried stories of pirates, covens, and legends, whispering that ringing the church bell three times could attract good luck and chase evil spirits.
This protected catalogued site, a biotope with tunnels and arches carved by the stormy sea, has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The hermitage, believed to be tied to Saint John the Baptist and his footprint, was rebuilt after fires and battles over the 12th century and beyond, once even housing a convent. As a most valued enclave and most voted wonder by travellers worldwide, it’s a favorite place on the planet. I took a bus from Bilbao, just an hour and a half away, with a 20-minute detour to Bakio or Gernika, perfect for a day trip along the Camino del Norte.
The long walk, with 241 steps and elevation gain, felt like a pilgrimage, especially under the sun during high season in August or around Semana Santa in April, near Easter Sunday.
Getting there is easy, but planning helps. The road to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has small parking with 20 free spaces or a large parking for 3.5 €, though smaller free parking is closer, just a few hundred meters away.
Access requires a free ticket booked online via the website, with 15 tickets released at 14:00 or 14:15 for same day visits, often with a time limit or 2 months in advance. Restricted visitors mean you’ll need a free reservation, and an attendant checks your ticket at the entrance.
After the hike, I strolled along the promenade by the water, soaking in the mysticism of this beautiful spot. The park and lawn nearby were great for my children to relax, and the bar served local dishes that made the day even better.
For people visiting, book accommodation early, especially in August, as prices rise. The 13:30 slots filled fast, so I planned my 1 day visit carefully. This close connection to nature and history, with every step feeling magical, makes me certainly come back to this charming corner of the Basque Country.
Bermeo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Explore Bermeo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe! Visit the iconic 241-step islet, relax on Playa de Aritzatxu or Bakio Beach, wander Bermeo’s Old Town, and hike from Bakio to Gaztelugatxe or Matxitxako lighthouse. Easily reach Bermeo from Bilbao or Gernika by bus or train.
Essential Travel Tips
Like planning a Bahamas Bachelorette Party At The Atlantis Resort, a trip to Bermeo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is fun and affordable. Take the BizkaiBus, the cheapest way to travel, costing 1 to 2 dollars for a 22 min ride. This direct bus journey from Lamera to Gaztelu Begi runs hourly, operates every day per the schedule, and covers 8 km. The short distance offers a nice coast view. I enjoy departing and arriving on this quick services route.
For a faster option, a taxi is the fastest way, takes just 19 min, and costs between $20 and $24, which I tried once with friends for a speedy visit.
If you’re without a car, the best way is still the bus, takes 22 min, and costs $1 to $2—a deal I love sharing with others. The bus from Lamera to Gaztelu Begi takes 22 min, including transfers, and departs hourly, so it’s easy to plan around. I remember waiting at Lamera station and feeling excited for the trip ahead.
The Bermeo to Gaztelugatxe bus services are operated by BizkaiBus, with buses departing from Lamera station and arriving at Gaztelu Begi station. BizkaiBus operates a bus from Lamera to Gaztelu Begi hourly, and tickets cost between $1 and $3, with the journey taking 22 min. I’ve used this route several times, and the See schedules button online helped me plan perfectly.
Things to do and see in Bermeo
The charming town of Bermeo in the Basque Country holds a rich history with beautiful buildings and good food like seafood I savored. A 20 minute bus ride takes you to Gaztelugatxe, a small island with a stone bridge on the coast, known from Game of Thrones.
The chapel of San Juan on its dramatic coastline and rocky coastline is an impressive sight for a day trip. Nearby, Bakio beach offers relaxation, and the Matxitxako lighthouse adds a charming view I loved in this fishing village.
Relax on the beach
The small beach north of town in Bermeo is a calm spot I enjoy, while Bakio, a seaside town, has a longer beach and spacious beach just 20-30 minutes by bus along the coast near Gaztelugatxe.
Playa de Aritzatxu, the closest beach to Bermeo
The beautiful beach of Playa de Aritzatxu, also called Aritzatxu beach, is a small beach north of Bermeo’s town proper, where I loved relaxing by the waves. Reached via hilly streets and the main road of Matxitxako Bidea, or a narrow lane like Aritzatxu Bidea, this north-south thoroughfare leads to a quiet small path past a grassy park and cemetery. Near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, it’s a peaceful escape, while Bakio offers a bigger beach nearby, and I always enjoy the scenic intersection of paths here.
Bisgane Hondartza, or Playa de Bakio (Bakio Beach)
The Playa de Bakio, also Bakio beach or Bisgane Hondartza, has a long beach and wide beach with sand and space, where I relaxed in summer. A half an hour ride from Bermeo on hourly buses via bus schedule from Lamera Park bus stop near the harbor leads to Bakio for low season. Near Gaztelugatxe, this small beach shows beautiful glimpses of the ocean and Basque countryside, and I visit the tourist information center for accommodation.
Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
On the wild coast of the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits on Gaztelugatxe island, its hermitage of San Juan famed as Dragonstone castle in Game of Thrones. My walk to this tourist attraction felt magical, with waves crashing below. Entry is free, but you must reserve tickets online here for a specific time between 8:00 and 20:00.
Check the booking site’s calendar at noon the day prior, especially for high season, holidays, or long weekends, as busy days fill fast. Show your confirmation email at the ticket office by the entrance. If needed, cancel via the cancellation link or at the ticket window. Public buses from Bilbao to Bermeo or Bakio are convenient, or join a tour to Bermeo, Gernika, Mundaka, and Gaztelugatxe here with a private guide for easy transportation. The hour-long trek is a highlight of any year.
Walk from Bakio to Bermeo
The walk from Bakio to Bermeo is a beautiful journey along the Basque coast, with San Juan de Gaztelugatxe as the highlight. I loved hiking this path, feeling the sea breeze and spotting surf waves in Bakio. The trail takes about half an hour to reach the iconic steps of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, perfect for a day trip. You can grab a bus from Bermeo to cut the return hike. I brought a lunch to enjoy by the cliffs, making this scenic day unforgettable.
Bakio to Gaztelugatxe
From Bakio beach, I began a walk along the coast to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a breathtaking island with a tiny chapel. The road from Bakio curves through a forest, with side paths and lookout points showing stunning ocean views. After two and a half kilometers, a smaller road turns left down a long and steep hill on the Camino del Norte. The cliffs and distance make every minute epic.
Near the entrance, a recreational area has a restaurant Eneperi, beer garden, grassy space, and public restrooms. From the ticket office, it’s a 20 minute downhill trek over a stone bridge to Gaztelugatxe. A bus from Bakio skips the hill, but the paths and views are worth it.
Gaztelugatxe to the Matxitxako lighthouse
Heading east from Gaztelugatxe, I took a short walk to the Matxitxako lighthouse near Bermeo, loving the coastal views. The path starts at the recreational area with picnic tables, then follows the main road and a gravel path off the main highway toward Bakio.
In a few minutes, I reached the parking area of Mirador Matxitxako. The scenic path, about 15 minutes, led to the lighthouse, with the distance feeling quick thanks to the stunning sea views, making this day hike a gem.
Road walking the final section
From the Matxitxako lighthouse, I hiked 6.5 kilometers to Bermeo harbor in the Basque Country, a peaceful walk along the lighthouse path. The forest road to Bermeo, passing Gaztelugatxe and Bakio, had little traffic despite April’s Easter weekend and peak tourist season. With trees shading the path and wind cooling the hour-long route, I stayed cautious of cars, buses, or a reckless driver on the main road’s shoulder to avoid disaster. The 2.5 kilometers of curves linked to the Camino and Ruta del Flysch hikes near Zumaia and Deba, offering stunning views.
I checked the bus schedule for a return bus, rested at picnic tables, and enjoyed the weather, making this day perfect for holidaymakers and cycle enthusiasts exploring towns.
Wander around Bermeo’s Old Town
In Bermeo’s old town, I wandered through a charming town rich with history, guided by informational plaques. The Arco de San Juan and medieval walls led me to the 13th century Iglesia de Santa Eufemia and neoclassical Iglesia de Santa María, both stunning attractions. The 15th century Ercilla Tower, once a residence, now a national monument, hosts the Fisherman’s Museum near the old port.
Modern sculptures lined the breakwater, where I enjoyed a meal at bars and cafes with a beautiful view, blending 20th century vibes into a perfect day.
How to get from Bilbao to Bermeo
Getting from Bilbao to Bermeo in the Basque Country is a breeze with the Euskotren train service. I hopped on the E4 train at Zazpikaleak/Casco Viejo station, and the journey took just over an hour, about 20 minutes more than expected due to the scenic views. For only €3.40, the ride was smooth and affordable, winding through the lush Basque landscape to Bermeo, the perfect gateway to explore nearby San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Getting from Gernika (Guernica) to Bermeo
Hop on the E4 train from G Steamika’s train station to Bermeo, a quick 23 minute ride for just €1.80. This Basque Country trip fits any walking schedule, perfect for pilgrims on the Camino del Norte after Stage 5 or Stage 6, or for a detour to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Gernika, known for the 1937 air raid, inspired Pablo Picasso’s most famous work, the Guernica painting in Madrid’s Reina Sofía museum, showing violence, bombing, and suffering.
Tourists visit its museums and cultural centers, then catch a train ticket from Bilbao or Gernika in half an hour to reach Bermeo’s coastal charm.
Faq
How do I get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from Bermeo?
From Bermeo, I found getting to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe easy and fun. The bus from Lamera to Gaztelu Begi on the A3517 line takes just 22 min and costs €1–2, perfect for a quick trip. For speed, a taxi covers 9 km in 19 min for €17–21. I loved the foot option best, a 1h 43m walk over 8.6 km, soaking in the Basque scenery with every step.
Is Bermeo, Spain worth visiting?
Bermeo is a small town with a pretty port that tells the history of Basque whalers, an epic tale that hooked me. Its singular rock, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, became famous as a Game of Thrones location. I spent a day wandering its charming streets, and it’s a must for anyone loving coastal vibes and rich stories.
Where is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits on the Basque coast, far from any urban nucleus, making it an idyllic place. Between coastal towns like Bakio and Bermeo, this protected biotope connects to the mainland by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase. I stood in awe at its untouched beauty, a perfect slice of nature.
Is Gaztelugatxe worth visiting?
Gaztelugatxe, on the Basque coastline, is a tiny islet that feels like a storyteller’s dream. Its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and winding stone bridge lead to an ancient chapel, an important site for centuries. My visit felt like stepping into a legend, and the breathtaking views made it unforgettable.
