Discover Gaztelugatxe: A Scenic Day Trip from Bilbao
- 4 hours
- Day Trips
- Bilbao
Your local for this experience
Experience hosted by Joseba
- Private Tour
- Carbon Neutral
- Destination
- Bilbao, Spain
- Category
- Day Trips
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Transport mode
- Car
- Available languages
- Deutsch, English, Español, Italiano
- Included
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- Private guide
- Driver
- A/C Car
- Pick-up Included
5 reasons to book this tour
- Explore the legendary Gaztelugatxe
- Marvel at the cliffs, tunnels, & arches sculpted by the sea
- Enjoy breathtaking vistas over the Bay of Biscay
- Experience the island’s tranquility
- Relish the mysticism and beauty of this natural wonder
What you can expect
This idyllic destination, catalogued as a protected biotope, offers a breathtaking escape far from urban hustle.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is linked to the mainland by a picturesque stone bridge and a 241-step staircase. As we ascend, you'll uncover centuries of history and legends. The church that crowns the island, though not the original, has been rebuilt multiple times following fires and battles. The first hermitage was erected in the 9th century, evolving into a convent in the 12th century before the friars departed two centuries later, taking their treasures with them.
The island is steeped in tales of pirates and legends, earning it accolades as one of the world’s most cherished and revered sites by travelers. Tradition dictates that ringing the hermitage bell three times brings good luck and wards off evil spirits. At the summit, step into a footprint believed to have been left by Saint John the Baptist for an extra touch of fortune.
From the top, we'll revel in the spectacular views over the stormy Bay of Biscay, where relentless waves have sculpted dramatic cliffs, tunnels, and arches into the island. The picturesque chapel adds to the charm, offering a serene spot to reflect on the island's mystical allure.
Prepare for our adventure with sensible clothing and sturdy shoes. In spring and autumn, the island’s tranquility allows you to fully immerse in its mysticism and beauty. During summer, the allure of a refreshing dip at the small, stony beaches at the base of the steps is irresistible.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a natural wonder that promises an unforgettable experience, one that will beckon you to return time and time again.
This is the plan
Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Joseba.
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Meeting point
You will be picked up anywhere in Bilbao. Your local host will contact you regarding the exact pickup point.
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Itinerary
This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.
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Scenic Journey
Travel from Bilbao to the stunning Basque coast -
Game of Thrones
Discover the real-life Dragonstone, featured in the popular series -
Iconic Bridge and Steps
Cross a picturesque stone bridge and climb a 241-step staircase -
Legendary Chapel
Explore the chapel with its centuries-old tales of pirates and hermits -
Mystical Traditions
Ring the hermitage bell three times for good luck -
Saint John the Baptist Footprint
Step into the footprint said to bring fortune -
Make it yours
Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.
Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.
I can personalize this tour for you
I can personalize this tour for you
- Tell me your preferred date and group size
- Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
- Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!
Flexible cancellation policy
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Feel confident booking
Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.
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Change of plans?
Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.
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Loved by travelers worldwide
Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.
Reviews from guests
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More about me
Kaixo! I am Joseba a young euskaldun (Basque speaking person, wrongly translated in to Basque) born and raised in Bilbao. I am an official tour guide in the Basque region and my aim is to get you close to our beautiful land and culture.
My career began as an environmental technician, which gave me a great knowledge about our superb nature. But 7 years ago, I decide to move to Berlin and there I found a job that fits in with my skills and preferences: guiding people on their journeys. Since then, I've lived in four countries and guided hundreds of travellers in different parts of the world, until I decide to come back to my beloved Bilbao, three years ago.
As a guide, I am a really proactive, serious and passionate one. I am all the time trying to improve my skills and knowledge, always curious about history, folklore and cultural aspects of societies. All my tours can be given in the five languages I speak: Basque, Spanish, English, German and Italian.
With all this experience I want to invite you to discover the Basque Country from close, getting in touch with the local people, their tradition and culture, as the surrounding enchanted nature. My way of working could be easily described in two words: Slow Tourism.
Come to visit with me the charming Basque Country, you won't regret! Discover about our vibrant culture, delicious gastronomy and ancient history.
Grab a Basque beret, put it on and begin to feel like a real Basque!
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