Friendly Rentals
  • Barcelona
  • Madrid
  • Seville
  • Valencia
  • General
  • Book your apartment
Friendly Rentals
  • Barcelona
  • Madrid
  • Seville
  • Valencia
  • General
  • Book your apartment
11 November, 2015

Trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe


The hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, only 40 km from Bilbao, is one of those places that appear to have leapt straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. Built on the top of an islet, this unique church is one of the prettiest sights along the Cantabrian coast.

The tiny island of Gaztelugatxe is surrounded by rough seas and is home to many seabirds. The rocky coastline is full of caves and grottos where those accused of witchcraft are said to have been imprisoned at the time of the Spanish Inquisition.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

To reach the island of Gaztelugatxe you have to cross a winding stone bridge, built over the rocks and the sea, and climb up more than two hundred steps. At the very top is a small church built around the 10th century, full of offerings from sailors saved from shipwrecks.

Over the centuries, the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has been a strategic spot that has survived battles, fires and sackings by pirates, including the famous English corsair Sir Francis Drake.

There are several legends surrounding this magical place. For example, John the Baptist is said to have paid a visit here and left his footprints in several places on the rocks—which are now famed for their healing properties. Another tradition has it that you should ring the bell 3 times to ward off evil spirits and make a wish.

Whether your wishes come true or not, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a unique place well worth a visit during your stay in Bilbao.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao

How to get to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from Bilbao


San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is in Bermeo but is most easily reached from Bakio.
To get there by public transport from Bilbao, the easiest way is to take a bus from the central bus station (behind San Mamés stadium). You need the A3518 Bilbao–Mungia–Bakio route. Once in Bakio, you’ll have to walk about 3 km along a lovely coastal path to the hermitage.

Laura – Marketing Team

Posted in Bilbao, Things to do in Bilbao
Laura
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Post navigation

   Milan Cathedral, history and art in the heart of the city
Friendly Stories: The 31st Wedding Anniversary of Robert and Mary   

You may also like

Apartments for Bilbao BBK Live 2017

Continue Reading

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Art in Stone and Titanium

Continue Reading

ABOUT US

FRIENDLY RENTALS

Friendly Rentals is a company based in Barcelona that specializes in short and mid-term rental of apartments.

Searchbox

Categories

  • No categories

Popular

Barcelona’s Ice Bar

15 July, 2009

Electronic Music at the Berlin Festival 2010

6 July, 2010

More concerts in Barcelona with the Festigabal 2010

16 August, 2010
  • English
    • Español (Spanish)
    • Français (French)
    • Deutsch (German)
    • Italiano (Italian)
Cargar más...
Síguenos en Instagram

© Copyright Friendlyrentals.com. All Rights Reserved.