The staircase follows a zig-zag pattern designed to minimize the incline while ascending the steep islet.
It served as a filming location for 'Dragonstone' in the television series Game of Thrones.
A bell at the chapel is traditionally rung three times by visitors to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The islet is an officially protected Biotope, recognizing its unique geological and biological value.
The original bridge was rebuilt in the late 19th century after sustaining damage from severe Atlantic storms.
There are no permanent residents or clergy living on the islet.
The name 'Gaztelugatxe' derives from the Basque words 'gaztelu' (castle) and 'aitz' (rock).
Historical records indicate the site was used as a strategic defensive outpost during the Middle Ages.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a man-made stone bridge and staircase connecting a rocky islet in the Bay of Biscay to the mainland of the Basque Country. The site features a 10th-century hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist perched at an elevation of approximately 80 meters above sea level. Visitors must traverse 241 stone steps that wind up the islet's spine to reach the chapel entrance. The location is situated along a jagged coastline defined by flysch rock formations and strong tidal currents. As of June 2026, access to the site is strictly regulated by a mandatory reservation system to control visitor numbers and prevent overcrowding. The current structure is not the original, as the chapel has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fires and conflicts throughout history.
The viewpoint from the mainland parking area looking back toward the winding bridge and the chapel perched on the cliff.
Book your entry permit online several weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots.
Carry a backpack with at least one liter of water, as there are no shops or vendors on the islet itself.
Wear trail-appropriate footwear, as the path involves steep slopes and uneven stone surfaces.
Do not attempt the hike without a confirmed permit, and avoid visiting during high-wind warnings when local authorities may restrict access.
Entry requires an advance reservation permit; the site may close during extreme weather conditions such as high winds or storms.
Maintain silence near the chapel, stay strictly on the marked paths to protect the local ecosystem, and do not remove rocks or shells.
