Gaztelugatxeko Doniene — Attraction in Bermeo

Gaztelugatxe is indeed a stunning islet off the Basque coast known for its dramatic beauty and ancient church, and it requires advance reservation to visit due to high demand and environmental protection rules. Reservation Requirements: Advance online booking is mandatory for entry, especially in the summer season, weekends, and holidays. Reservations are free, but slots fill up fast; it's strongly advised to book several days or weeks in advance, especially for summer visits. The ticket is checked upon arrival (printed or digital) and must be kept throughout the visit. Booking Details: Bookings should be made for a specific date and time via the official reservation platform managed by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. Individual reservations can be for up to 10 people; groups require separate group booking procedures. If late beyond the scheduled time, the ticket may be invalidated after a 60-minute grace period. Those without reservations will not be allowed access during controlled hours (9:30am–7pm). Visiting Tips: Try to visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. There are two walking routes to reach the church: one steeper, one longer but less strenuous. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and prepare for a steep climb via the iconic stone stairs. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe’s magnetic setting, legendary history, and requirements make planning ahead essential for an...

An amazing small island with a church at its highest point, Gaztelugatxe became popular after it appeared as Daenerys Targaryen’s fortress in Game of Thrones. The island offers fantastic viewpoints and is only a half-hour drive from Bilbao. There are two parking options: a small free lot, and a larger one near the entrance owned by a restaurant, which costs €3 per day. Entrance to the Gaztelugatxe route is free but requires an online reservation. It's usually fully booked weeks in advance, so reserve as soon as possible. If you miss the reservation, you can still visit the route after the last scheduled entry, as there are no controls at the entrance then. There are two paths to reach the island: Ermua is longer, while Urizarreta is steeper. Be cautious, as the path is steep and requires good footwear. There are also many stairs to reach the church, so prepare yourself physically. The route is almost 3 km long and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. Make sure to bring water, especially in summer. If you don’t want to wait for the last scheduled entry, there’s an awesome hidden viewpoint a few minutes' walk from the entrance. Follow the road to the left of the main entrance past the restaurant; after 150 meters, you’ll find a small unmarked path on the right leading to the coast. The viewpoint has no fence, so be careful, but the scenery...

Con mi esposa fuimos a San Juan de Gaztelugatxe que es un emblemático islote rocoso que se alza sobre el mar Cantábrico, entre las localidades de Bakio y Bermeo y conectado a tierra por un puente de piedra y 241 escalones que llevan a una ermita dedicada a San Juan Bautista.

Juego de Tronos: La fama internacional de Gaztelugatxe se disparó al ser el escenario de Rocadragón, la fortaleza de la familia Targaryen en la popular serie de televisión.

La caminata ida y vuelta dura 2 horas mas o menos y hay subir escaleras a la ida mientras que la vuelta es mas facil en bajada pero se sube de nuevo cuando se llega al final.

Para reservar gratis una visita a San Juan de Gaztelugatxe online, hay que aceder a la web oficial de Turismo de Bizkaia (Bizkaia.eus) o a plataformas como Tiketa.eus, seleccionar la fecha y el número de personas, introducir sus datos personales y se recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación de la reserva.

Conviene reservar algunos dias antes de ir.

Es necesario reservar en ciertas épocas del año para garantizar el acceso y evitar aglomeraciones.

My wife and I went to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an iconic rocky islet rising above the Cantabrian Sea between the towns of Bakio and Bermeo. It's connected to land by a stone bridge and 241 steps leading to a shrine dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

Game of Thrones: Gaztelugatxe's international fame soared when it was the setting for Dragonstone, the Targaryen family fortress in the popular television series.

The round trip takes approximately two hours and involves climbing stairs on the way there, while the return journey is easier downhill but you have to climb again at the end.

To book a free online tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, go to the official Bizkaia Tourism website (Bizkaia.eus) or use platforms like Tiketa.eus, select the date and number of people, enter your personal information, and you will receive a booking confirmation email.

It's a good idea to book a few days before your visit.

Booking is required during certain times of the year to guarantee access and...