Piccolini by mar

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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small islet located off the coast of Bakio, in the Basque Country, Spain. To get there, we set off in the morning from Bilbao, and the drive took about 45 minutes. Along the way, we passed through some charming coastal villages.

Upon arrival, we found the parking area, which costs 3 euros regardless of how long you stay. At the beginning of the trail, there’s a small stand selling souvenirs, drinks, and some snacks. We brought water, fruit, and cookies, but it’s a good backup option just in case.

The downhill path along the cliff is made of stone and is perfectly marked. However, it’s not a recommended route if you’re using a baby stroller. We used a baby carrier backpack for our 2-year-old, while our 5-year-old walked the entire way (both there and back—what a champ!).

About 10 minutes into the trail, there’s a small detour to a viewpoint. The view from there is stunning and gives you an idea of the path still ahead. We continued walking until we reached the stone bridge and then started climbing the 241-step staircase. It was a very windy day, which made the climb a bit more challenging.

At the top is the hermitage of San Juan, which was unfortunately closed, so we couldn’t ring the famous bell three times “to bring good luck and ward off bad spirits.” There’s also a small shelter with tables, perfect for resting and enjoying any food or drinks you’ve brought along.

We explored the area, admired the breathtaking views, and began our descent. Before heading back, we found a fountain where you can refill your water bottle. Then we continued the return trail, climbing back up to the starting point and the parking lot.

If you need to rent a car in Spain, here’s a link that might be useful:

I’m sharing a few photos that probably won’t do justice to the incredible scenery, which is absolutely stunning. As big Game of Thrones fans, we were thrilled to be in Dragonstone. It’s undoubtedly an unforgettable experience—more challenging with little ones, but totally worth it.

Have you ever visited this place? Did you know that the Dragonstone scenes were filmed in the Basque Country?

Leave me a comment—I’d love to hear from you! And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to click the «Like» star.

Until the next adventure!

Mar.