Gaztelugatxe

Today, during the extended lunch break, I was in Gaztelugatxe.

Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque (or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spanish), dedicated to John the Baptist, that late discoveries indicate might date back to the 9th century. With another small neighboring island, Aketx, they form a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio to Cape Matxitxako, on the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque coast is rough in this area. The sea ceaselessly erodes the rocky coast creating tunnels, arches, and caves. The island of Gaztelugatxe is in the center of this section of the coast next to the small Aketx island, a sanctuary for marine birds.

Next to the hermitage, there is a small shelter with sea views that is used for picnicking and for refuge from the wind.

The hermitage is accessed by a narrow path, crossing the solid stone bridge, and going up 241 steps. According to legend, after the slightly strenuous climb to the top of the crag one should ring the bell three times and make a wish.

You have to pay entrance fee at the very beginning and there are only allowed a specific amount of people per time. So it's a touristic spot but an amazing landscape.Read more