A hermitage on a rocky islet reached by a stone causeway and 241 steps, dedicated to John the Baptist, on the Biscay coast near Bermeo; its stairs became widely known as a filming location.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small hermitage on a rocky islet off the Biscay coast near Bermeo, along the BI-3101 road, roughly 45 km by road from Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country. The chapel is dedicated to John the Baptist and is joined to the mainland by a stone causeway that leads to a zigzag stairway of 241 steps climbing the islet. The setting, with waves breaking against the base of the rock and the hermitage perched at the top, has become one of the most photographed coastal scenes in northern Spain, and the stairs gained wider fame as a filming location for a popular television series.
Visitors walk down a path from the car park to the viewpoint, cross the causeway and climb the steps to the chapel, where tradition invites visitors to ring the bell three times and make a wish. The climb is steep in places and takes some effort, so the full visit, including the descent to the causeway, the climb, time at the top and the walk back up to the car park, usually takes two to three hours. At the summit visitors can see the small whitewashed hermitage, the open sea and views along the coast of Biscay. The landscape is the main attraction, with cliffs, the sea and the line of the causeway, and the best photograph is the classic view from the path above the car park, which shows the whole islet and its steps.
Access is controlled. The site is open by prior online reservation only, in timed slots, and a fee of about EUR 10 per adult has been reported, so visitors should check the Biscay provincial government website for current rules and any works closures before travel. Spring and autumn morning slots offer quieter paths and more comfortable walking temperatures, while summer weekends are the busiest, and visitors are advised to bring water, sturdy shoes and a layer for wind. Wet weather makes the stone steps slippery. Without a car, the route involves a Bizkaibus service from Termibus in Bilbao to Bermeo and a local arrangement for the last stretch, so many visitors drive and use the allocated car park. The nearby Bakio beach and the Urdaibai area fit naturally into the same day.
| Admission | Advance reservation required; a fee of about EUR 10 (about USD 11.5) per adult has been reported; confirm current rules before travel |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open by prior online reservation only, with timed slots; check the Biscay provincial government site for current status and any works closures |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours including the climb |
| Best time | Morning slots in spring or autumn for quieter paths |
| Getting there | About 45 km by road from Bilbao; take a Bizkaibus Bilbao-Bermeo line from Termibus and arrange the last leg locally, or drive and park at the allocated car park |
| Address | BI-3101, 48370 Bermeo, Biscay, Spain |
Location
BI-3101, 48370 Bermeo, Biscay, Spain
43.4474, -2.7848 View on map
Highlights
- Hermitage of St John the Baptist on a rocky islet
- Stone causeway and 241 steps to the chapel
- Tradition of ringing the bell three times at the top
- Classic coastal view from the path above the car park
- Timed-slot entry that limits crowding
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a slot online in advance, since entry is by prior reservation only.
- Check the Biscay provincial government site for the current fee and any closures before travel.
- Choose a morning slot in spring or autumn for quieter paths.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the steps are steep and slippery when wet.
- Use the allocated car park or public transport rather than stopping on the road.
When to visit
Morning slots in spring or autumn give quieter paths and comfortable walking. Summer weekends are the busiest, and wet weather makes the steps slippery.
Accessibility
The path, causeway and 241 steps are steep and uneven, so the site is not suitable for wheelchairs and is difficult for visitors with limited mobility. The view from the path above the car park can be enjoyed without the climb.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visit take?
Allow two to three hours including the walk down, the 241-step climb, time at the chapel and the walk back up.
Do visitors need to book?
Yes, access is by prior online reservation with timed slots. Visitors should check the current rules and fee before travelling.
Is it suitable for children?
Older children who can manage a steep walk usually cope with the steps. Parents should watch young children on the exposed causeway and stairs.