đȘđž Spain | Bilbao-Shilong Island â° One-step guide
đ San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: The Dragonstone You Need to See (Even If Youâre Not a GoT Fan) Hidden in the Basque Country, this tiny island is famous as Daenerysâ birthplace in Game of Thronesâbut itâs so much more than a filming spot. Endless ocean, a lonely isle, and a winding path like a dragonâs spine? Every angle feels straight out of a movie. Itâs just⊠cool. So cool, I canât say it enough. đ„Ÿ Hiking the Island: 2.2km of Epic Views The trail to the island and back is 2.2km (downhill to the shore, then up to the island). Itâs short but stunningâcliffside paths, crashing waves, and that iconic stone staircase leading to the tiny hermitage on top. Worth every step. đ How to Get There: Two Options (One Tiring, One Splurge-Worthy) By Bus: âŹ3.5 one-way. Take the A3815 from Bilbaoâs center to the last stop (45 mins), then hike 45-60 mins along the coast. Youâll climb two hillsâviews are amazing, but wear good shoes. Great for fit hikers (see p9/10/11 for the route!). By Taxi: ~âŹ50 one-way. Navigate to Barrio San Pelayo, 80, 48100 Bakio (a restaurant), then walk 1 minute to the trailhead. Easy, but priceyâespecially around holidays. Pro tip: Book a return taxi in advance; Uber wonât work here. đĄ Pro Moves for Your Visit Drone Shots: No flying inside the site, but hike a bit beyond the entranceâcliff edges nearby offer killer aerial views (nerve-wracking, but worth it for p1/2!). Timing: (Overcast days) = perfect. Fog rolling in at dusk? Chefâs kissâmoody, dramatic, and straight-up dragon-worthy. Safety First: Head back before dark. The (mountain paths) hug cliffsâslippery and risky after sunset. Stick to groups! đ« Tickets: Free, But Plan Ahead Peak season: Book via tiketa.eus/gaztelugatxe to control crowds. Off-season (winter): No reservations neededâgates are open, no checks. Just go! Whether youâre a GoT diehard or just chasing epic landscapes, Gaztelugatxe delivers. Itâs not just a âsetââitâs a place that feels mythical, wild, and totally unforgettable. #BasqueCountry #Dragonstone #GameOfThronesFilmingLocation #SpainHiking #HiddenGems