A small hermitage on a rocky islet, joined to the coast by a stone bridge and a zigzag of steps: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, between Bermeo and Bakio, is the most photographed place on the Basque coast, and Game of Thrones fans know it as Dragonstone.
Booking
Visiting is free, but on busy days you need a free, timed booking: every day in the summer season and at weekends and holidays the rest of the year. Book on the official website as early as you can (Bermeo's tourism site links to it), turn up in your slot, and cancel if you cannot go so someone else can.
The walk
From the car park and viewpoint at the top, a path goes down to the bridge (about 20 – 30 minutes), then about 241 steps climb to the hermitage. Coming back up is the hard part: wear proper shoes, take water, and allow two hours in all. Tradition says you ring the bell three times and make a wish.
When to go
Early morning or late afternoon, outside August, for fewer people and better light. In storms the path can close.
Getting there
By car from Bilbao in about 40 minutes (the parking fills early in summer). By bus, Bizkaibus runs from Bilbao to Bermeo and Bakio, with a stop on the road above the path. Combine it with Bilbao, Bermeo and Mundaka.
Staying connected
You will need your booking QR, the bus timetable and a map, and coverage on the coast road can be patchy. A data eSIM for Spain gives you local data from the moment you land.