San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Island and Monastery in Bilbao
The small rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located on the coast of Biscay, 35km east of Bilbao. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made footbridge with 241 steps. On top of the island stands a 10th century hermitage, built by the Knights Templar which is dedicated to John the Baptist, who allegedly visited the island.
The islands name in Basque has two meanings: gaztelu-aitz, castle rock, or gaztelu-gatxe inaccessible castle.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize the setting, which starred as Dragonstone in season seven.
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Visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Island year-round, hermitage 11am-6pm Tue-Sat, to 3pm Sun Jul & Aug
£Island free, hermitage €1