Gaztelugatxe is a tiny island in the Bay of Biscay and contains a tiny church and the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage. The hermitage dates from the 10th century and is dedicated to John the Baptist. It is thought to have been established by the Knights Templar.
It’s a quick 45 min (35 km) drive from Bilbao to Gaztelugatxe.Even though we arrived before it opened, the roads were already lined with parked cars.At least there are beautiful views along the path to access the starting point.Aketx, a neighbouring island and a sanctuary for marine birds.Finally, we sight our goal! In Basque, gaztelu means castle and aitz means rock, thus its name, Gaztelugatxe.To the left, the man made path to the island, and to the right, natural arches carved by the rough seas.Access to the island from the main coast is via a narrow stone path, over a two-arch stone bridge,and a staircase of over 200 steps that zigzags up to the summit. The exact number of steps is in dispute.Views of the coastline from the staircase. The sea erodes the rocky coastline and forms tunnels, arches and cavesThe island was apparently defended in 1334 by only seven knights – they held off an army for more than a month before the army withdrew! Francis Drake “conquered” the island in 1593, and his troops threw the hermit off the cliff during the attack ☹️
On reaching the church and hermitage, legend has it that you ring the bells thrice and make a wish (or to ward of evil spirits).
View of the full door while Lara rings the bells.
The seas of the Bay of Biscay are notoriously rough but from this perspective, they seemed mesmerizing.The map shows how far away we parked. 6.2 km walk. On our way home, we took a slight detour to Bermeo, an important fishing town along the coast. check out some of their boats, andan obligatory stop at the beach.2.9 km jaunt in Bermeo
Quite spectacular. Lots of history preserved.