San Juan de Gaztelugatxe lies between Bakio and Bermeo, about 35 kilometres from Bilbao. It's one of the most visited places in Bizkaia and, to protect it, the Provincial Council limits how many people can go down each day.
Booking access
In high season you need to book access in advance. It's free and done on the official website of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, which publishes each year's calendar. Outside those dates access is usually open, though some individual days are controlled. Check the official calendar before you go.
When you book, you choose a time slot. Plan the taxi around that time, not the other way round.
Why go by taxi
There are very few parking spaces at the top and they fill up quickly on busy days. By taxi, we drop you at the entrance and pick you up at the agreed time, with no hunting for a space.
How much it costs
- One way only: to Bakio, the nearest destination in the search, from central Bilbao on weekdays, with the Artxanda toll included.
- Trip with waiting time: we take you there, wait while you walk down and back up, and return to Bilbao. See the Gaztelugatxe day trip at a fixed price per car.
What you need to know
From the entrance to the hermitage it's a good walk downhill, followed by the 241 steps up the islet. The way back is uphill: allow at least an hour and a half in total, and a bit more if you stop for photos. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
