San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Bermeo, Spain
A hermitage on a rocky islet joined to the coast by a stone causeway of about 240 steps. On busy summer days you must book a free timed slot online; allow an hour for the walk down and back up.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe belongs to the municipality of Bermeo, lies at the edge of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and is a protected biotope. The hermitage stands high above the sea and is reached by 241 steps; according to tradition, one of them bears the footprint of Saint John. Inside, votive offerings, ship models and paintings of ships recall the local fishing tradition. On 24 June the site is the destination of a pilgrimage.
Entry is free. Since 21 September 2026, access has once again been possible without a reservation; on certain days a free time slot must be booked online in advance (as of October 2026), in October for example at weekends and on 12 October, as well as on 1 November and in early December. Each booking allows up to 10 tickets, and the daily quota is 1,462 visitors. Please arrive on time, as unused tickets expire.
- Nearest town
- Bermeo, Spain
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 43.4469, -2.7848
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Parking de la Pérgola BermeoMotorhome stopover5 km from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe · 19 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
- PortuondoCampsite9 km from San Juan de GaztelugatxeTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Arketa kanpingCampsite10 km from San Juan de GaztelugatxeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsNo dogsWi-Fi
- Camping ArrienCampsite13 km from San Juan de GaztelugatxeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping SopelanaCampsite17 km from San Juan de GaztelugatxeTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Área de autocaravanas en Bilbao HostelMotorhome stopover25 km from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe · 8 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is in Bermeo, Spain, at GPS 43.4469, -2.7848. It is about 17 km from Gernika-Lumo.
Can you camp near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parking de la Pérgola Bermeo, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Basque coast: Gaztelugatxe, fishing ports and the Zumaia flysch.
What is there to see near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
Places worth a stop nearby: Elantxobe (13 km), Museo Guggenheim (23 km), Bizkaia Bridge (23 km) and Zumaia flysch at Itzurun beach (45 km).
When is the best time to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)