Ermita de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe


A few kilometres beyond Bermeo, this historic chapel is perched high atop the islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Built by the Knights Templars in the 10th century, it's also served as a shelter for shipwrecked sailors. Sweeping views make the uphill hike – 241 steps, to be exact – worthwhile.

Outside of July and August, the chapel is usually closed.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

0.15 MILES

One of the most photographed features of the Basque coast, 10km to Bermeo's northwest, is the small, rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Accessed from…

2. La Tala de Bermeo

3.61 MILES

Once a lookout for spotting whales off the coast, this small leafy park has recently been decorated with massive murals depicting the whale hunt. Artists…

3. Arrantzaleen Museoa

3.71 MILES

Small but absorbing, the Arrantzaleen Museoa has model ships, shipbuilding tools and implements such as harpoons that provide an overview of the history…

4. Aita Guria

3.76 MILES

This replica of a whaling ship (not quite full size) gives a taste of what life was like for the 60 or so sailors aboard this triple-masted vessel of the…

5. Ermita de Santa Catalina

5.07 MILES

A short walk northeast of town takes you on a path out to this striking stone church, which dates from 1879 but looks much older. Although it's often…

6. Playa de Laida

5.99 MILES

Located just across the estuary, the lovely golden sands of Laida Beach make a fine setting for a fun day out. Where the water meets the shore, it's…

7. Crusoe Treasure

8.39 MILES

The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…

8. Urdaibai Bird Center

9.46 MILES

The Urdaibai estuary snakes north of Gernika to kiss the sea at Mundaka, covering around 220 sq km of constantly evolving water flows, mud banks, marshes…