{"id":19238,"date":"2017-11-07T10:48:01","date_gmt":"2017-11-07T18:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=19238"},"modified":"2025-08-17T06:38:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T13:38:18","slug":"san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe\/","title":{"rendered":"HIKING SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE: GAME OF THRONES’ DRAGONSTONE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before it was known as \u201cDragonstone,\u201d I got the chance to hike the one and only San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The Game of Thrones (GOT) location was the talk of Season 7 and for a good reason. Located in Bermeo, a small beach town in the Basque Country region of Spain, I can attest to its beauty and help you prepare for your hike! You\u2019ll need lots of water, energy, and patience to reach your dream television location.<\/p>\n

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KNOW YOUR HISTORY<\/h3>\n

Of course Gaztelugatxe makes for cool Instagram photos and Snapchat stories, but it\u2019s always better to know more about where you\u2019re visiting than which filter looks the best. Historically, Gaztelugatxe has been around since about the 9th century; it has been attacked and used as a confrontation site for lords and kings. The church, which was CGI\u2019d to be Daenerys Targaryen\u2019s castle in Game of Thrones, has served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. You can read more about its history and why it\u2019s important here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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PACK A LUNCH AND WATER BOTTLE<\/h3>\n

Hiking = hunger and thirst! Eat a hearty breakfast before you trek and pack a meal too. After hiking the trail to get to Gaztelugatxe then hiking the site itself, you\u2019ll be wishing for a sandwich at the top. Also hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! If you go on a sunny day like I did there is minimal shade and breeze to regroup. You don\u2019t want to pass out so bring a backup water bottle and extra snacks just in case.<\/p>\n

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WEAR PROPER ATTIRE<\/h3>\n

A hike is no time for an elaborate photo shoot! Wear hiking shoes, sneakers, or any sturdy shoes you own. The stairs you have to climb to get to the base of Gaztelugatxe can be slippery with dirt or rocks and many tourists who can also lose their balance. Even though I wore proper shoes, I opted for workout-type clothes and they were all black. I regretted this decision later because it was 80 degrees. Check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately.<\/p>\n

\"HIKING<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Additionally, bring an umbrella! Basque Country is known for raining throughout the year, especially in Spring. It\u2019s an open area and you will get poured on. A soaking wet hike is no fun for anyone.<\/p>\n

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TAKE THE FIRST BUS AVAILABLE TO BILBAO<\/h3>\n

Bilbao<\/a> is the closest big city to Bermeo and your best option to get hiking. I was living in Logro\u00f1o, a neighboring city about 1.5 hours away, I left at 8:30am and didn\u2019t return until 9:30pm. It\u2019s most definitely a day trip and since you don\u2019t want to be stranded I recommend getting started early.<\/p>\n

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The bus ticket price to Bilbao depends on your starting location. You may consider staying overnight if you\u2019re traveling from a further distance and don\u2019t want to rush the experience. Use websites such as ALSA, Rome 2 Rio, and Go Euro to find the best prices and availability.<\/p>\n

QUADRUPLE CHECK THE BUS SCHEDULE<\/h3>\n

Speaking of buses, transportation in Spain is a fickle thing especially when going to a village. Make sure you check the bus schedule online then go to the station for a paper schedule or call the day before to confirm. Get to the bus station early too! They are normally punctual, but there can be a lot of buses depending on the station. It\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n

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CATCH THE BIZKAIA BUS TO BAKIO<\/h3>\n

Once in Bilbao, walk to Plaza Moyua Square and wait for the A3518 green Bizkaia bus to Bakio<\/a>. The buses run every 30 minutes, but the bus ride itself is about 40 to 45 minutes. It costs 6 euros for a  round trip and you get off at the last stop. My bus driver was the best and let me know when it was time to go! Signs are also your best friend when hiking so make sure to follow the signed trail when you get off the bus. I almost walked on the empty road and got lost. Don\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n

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Two resources for the Bizkaia bus include their website<\/a> and the Bilbao Tourism<\/a> website. Both are helpful, especially since they have direct contact info with the bus if you have questions. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Bakio<\/a> so you are close to the hike, making it even easier to get to Game of Thrones’ “Dragonstone.”<\/p>\n

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OR RENT A CAR<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re not into buses, you can rent a car. I personally used public transportation, but if you really want to go at your own pace I suggest using a car. It\u2019s not necessary by any means, hundreds of tourists have not rented cars due to needing an International Driver License or Spain only having stick-shift cars. If you prefer being in complete control of the hike it\u2019s a viable option. You need to be at least 21, however many car rental services charge extra if you\u2019re under the age of 25.<\/p>\n

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ENJOY THE COASTAL GAME OF THRONES HIKE UPHILL<\/h3>\n

You can catch a taxi up the hilly hike, but I recommend the trail because the views are mesmerizing. You\u2019re walking on a cement road with trees on your right and the Bay of Biscay on your left. There are cliffs for days and even a beach along the Bay. Depending on your stamina it can take 45 minutes to an hour. Observe the greenery, sneak peeks of Gaztelugatxe between the trees and the cottages on breaks to catch your breath!<\/p>\n

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TREAD CAREFULLY AND RING THE BELL<\/h3>\n

The 231 steps up Gaztelugatxe don\u2019t count the dirt stairs to get there. Be careful and don\u2019t run because there are rocks everywhere and you don\u2019t want to get injured. Take breaks (and photos) when you want, then once you get to the top ring the bell 3 times for good luck! It\u2019s tradition. This also the perfect time to eat that lunch you packed with all your new tourist-friends.<\/p>\n

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UTILIZE THE BATHROOM WHILE YOU CAN<\/h3>\n

As you may imagine, there aren\u2019t many traditional bathrooms on the hike. Before hiking the steps to Gaztelugatxe, or even after, there is a cute restaurant where you can use the bathroom and eat if you decided to not pack a lunch. The line was extremely long, but after a few hours of hiking and rehydrating a bathroom is an ideal pit stop. There\u2019s also a water fountain at the steps of Gaztelugatxe you can use on your way up and down.<\/p>\n

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GET GELATO BY THE BUS STOP<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll be tired, but before getting on the bus back to Bilbao get some gelato! It is a beach town after all and you did just hike a Wonder of Spain. The gelato is just what you need before you nap on the ride back to the city. Treat yourself. You deserve it!<\/p>\n

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All that\u2019s left is congratulations! You have trekked 10 miles and can officially check \u201cHike a Game of Thrones Location\u201d off your bucket list. Now you\u2019re off to your next adventure: a hot shower or bath, probably another meal and patiently awaiting Game of Thrones to return.<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit the famous Game of Thrones location San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our<\/i><\/b> Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h4>\n

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Our Top Places To Stay In Basque Country, Spain<\/em><\/h4>\n