Hotels near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a rocky islet on the Bizkaia coast joined to the mainland by a stone causeway and a zigzag staircase of 241 steps. A hermitage has stood on the summit since at least the 10th century, and the chapel there now traces back to 1053, rebuilt more than once after fires and coastal raids. Game of Thrones filmed it as Dragonstone, which multiplied visitor numbers almost overnight.

Access is free but needs a timed reservation booked in advance through the official Bizkaia tourism system, and summer slots run out. From the car park the round trip covers about 2.5 km with a steep return climb - budget two hours on site plus travel each way. The site sits between Bakio and Bermeo, so pairing it with Bermeo's fishing harbour makes a full and satisfying day out of one bus fare.

Pro Tip: Book the earliest slot of the day and ring the chapel bell three times, as local tradition asks. Wear proper shoes - the steps are uneven stone and turn slick in the Atlantic drizzle that reaches this coast most months of the year.