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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a visit not to be missed, just 30 minutes from Getxo by car. This “crag” in the middle of the sea, joined to land by a narrow stone bridge, leaves no visitor indifferent. Gaztelugatxe is an isle belonging to the village of Bermeo in Bizkaia. It is joined to the coast by a two-arch bridge and on the highest part of the isle stands the Hermitage of San Juan which dates from the 10th century. The return walk up to there takes around an hour from where we leave our car, but the experience of climbing over 200 steps to be able to ring the hermitage bell is well worth the effort.
The views from the road are spectacular, but as you reach the isle you are surrounded by seagulls and enwrapped in the loud noise of the sea and a salty flavour as you breathe. The strength of the southern waters of the Bay of Biscay takes on another meaning. The foam and the breakers accompany the travellers who are roused to undertake the climb to the hermitage. Visitors must experience Euskadi with all five senses and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a good example. The views from there are spectacular. When you reach the top, the grandeur of the place makes you feel different, stronger; all you have to do is breath deeply and let yourself be borne away…
ATTENTION!
On October 23, the works to reinforce the access road to Doniene in Gaztelugatxe will begin. An execution period of 2-3 months is expected. During this period, access to Doniene Island will be closed for security reasons, except from October 28 to November 1; Access will be granted to visitors who have reservations for those days.
Further information
Go to the Bermeo Tourist Information website
The route from Getxo to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by car
