San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Attractions & Things to do

Discover the Basque region that surrounds Bilbao called Biscay (Bizkaia in Basque language) during a full-day trip from San Sebastian. Fall in love with the charming 10th century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and climb its 241 stairs to get to the top and enjoy its magnificent views. Game of Thrones' 7th season was shot here, so find yourself at Dragonstone!

After recovering from the steep path from the hermitage, head to Bilbao (the financial capital of the Basque Country) and get a glimpse of the architectural and traditional beauties of this wonderful city, including Guggenheim Museum.


Duration: 9 hours.

Cosmopolitan, open, welcoming, vital, elegant and modern; Bilbao combines traits of a unique and characteristic cultural heritage, with a new aesthetic social revitalization process.

Every village and town along the Basque Coast has been forged by the sea. The Cantabrian Sea has shaped both the landscape and our people for thousands of years and promises an unbeatable view.
Duration: 8 hours.

A unique experience to discover the essentials of Biscay: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika and txakoli tasting.

✔ Pick up in Bilbao
Our trip begins next to the Puppy sculpture. Our guide waits for you to start our way to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

✔ Discover Dragonstone in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
We will arrive at this natural jewel, famous for inspiring a Game of Thrones scenario. Climb the 241 steps up to the hermitage, guaranteed access.

✔ Bermeo and Mundaka, fishing villages
We will then visit Bermeo, to learn about its fishing history. From there, we will continue our way to Mundaka, a surfing paradise. Enjoy its streets, its views and the local gastronomy!

✔ Gernika and its history
A tour through its cultural legacy, the Tree of Gernika, the air-raid shelters and Picasso's mural.

✔ Last stop: txakoli tasting
We will finish with a visit to the Berroja Winery, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon.

Don't miss this adventure! Are you ready?
Duration: 11 hours.

A unique experience that brings you closer to the essentials of Biscay: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika and txakoli tasting.

✔ Pick up in Bilbao
Our journey begins next to Puppy's sculpture. Our guide is waiting for you to direct us to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

✔ Discover Rock Dragon in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
We will arrive at this natural gem, famous for being the scene of Game of Thrones. Climb the 241 steps to the hermitage, guaranteed access.

✔ Bermeo and Mundaka, fishing villages
Then, we will visit Bermeo, where we will know its fishing history. From there, we will continue our way to Mundaka, surfing paradise. Enjoy its streets, views and local cuisine!

✔ Gernika and her story
You will know its cultural legacy, the Gernika Tree, the air raid shelters and the Picasso mural.

✔ Last stop: txakoli tasting
We will finish with a visit to the Berroja Winery, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon.

Don't miss this adventure!
Duration: 11 hours.

-This experience offers a fantastic overview of the Basque coast, countryside and culture! Furthermore, this tour mixes an invigorating trek with the renowned Basque cuisine and wine!

-Please wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing as we will be hiking to the top of Gaztelugatxe with some of the most amazing views in the Basque Country! We also advise bringing a rain jacket, hat and sunblock as the weather can change a lot in this region.

-Following the hike, you will experience some delicious tapas/pintxos at a local restaurant in the quaint fishing village of Bermeo that exemplifies our love of food and drink!

-If you are visiting the Basque Country, it is an absolute must to come see our rugged and dramatically beautiful coastline.

-This tour is great mix of exercise, nature, food and wine that will surely be one of the highlights of your vacation!

Duration: .

Discover the Basque region that surrounds Bilbao called Biscay (Bizkaia in Basque language) during a full-day trip from San Sebastian. Fall in love with the charming 10th century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and climb its 241 stairs to get to the top and enjoy its magnificent views. Game of Thrones' 7th season was shot here, so find yourself at Dragonstone!
After a little break to have a rest learn about Basque history by visiting the legendary Gernika tree and the tragic bombing of the village during the Spanish civil war. Picasso´s Gernika portrayal will be visited along the way.
The tour is conducted in bilingual (English and Spanish), so our guides will speak both languages simultaneously
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes.

You´ll visit the most beautiful places of the Biscay coast calmly, enyoing all the places. All tours are private, the costumers travel without other people, only you and the guide.
I'll take you at your accommodation and we'll return when the tour has finished.
The complete visit to Gaztelugatxe requieres a significant effort. It can also be seen from the viewpoints.
Duration: .

From Bilbao we will go to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where we will have free time to go up to the top if we want. Going up its 241 stairs we will feel like we are ascending to one of the most important fortresses in the series Game of Thrones: Dragonstone. We will then visit the town of Bermeo, a fishing village with a deep-rooted seafaring tradition. Before finishing our excursion, we will head towards Gernika, the Basque town that gives its name to the famous painting by Pablo Picasso, where we will visit the gardens of the “Gernika Assembly Hall”
Duration: 6 hours.

Take advantage of a transfer day during your stay in the Basque Country to get to know the entire Basque Coast by the hand of a local on this door-to-door private transfer tour from Bilbao to San Sebastian.
Duration: 8 hours.

Your driver and your private official tour guide, will pick you up in your private vehicle from your hotel or place of choice in Bilbao. We will help you organize your completely personalized "Game of Thrones" unique experience in the Basque Coast

This is the tour starting from Bilbao

Your first stop will be Getaria, a very attractive medieval fishing settlement located only 30 minutes away from San Sebastian.

You will then continue to Zumaia, the entrance to Dragonstone Castle, where John Snow first meets The Mother of Dragons.

Next stop will be San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This iconic site features a chapel dedicated to St John baptist which is located in the high part of the rock, there is a manmade stair that lets you walk there. This is the place where Daenerys returns to dragonstone.

The last 3 places you will visit will be the nature reserve of Urdaibai, Mundaka and Bermeo.
Duration: 8 hours.

This tourist excursion will take you to discover some of the most iconic places in the Basque Country. We will begin by visiting the Bizkaia Bridge, an engineering marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site, connecting Portugalete and Getxo.

Next, we will head to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an impressive islet known for its natural beauty and the hermitage at the top. The site is famous for its appearance in the "Game of Thrones" series and offers spectacular views of the Basque coastline.

The excursion will continue in Bermeo, a picturesque fishing village with charming streets and a lively harbor.

Finally, we will visit Gernika, a town rich in history, famous for being the place where the laws of Bizkaia were signed. At the Casa de Juntas, visitors will learn about the historical rights of the Basque people, and the Tree of Gernika symbolizes freedom and unity for the Basques.

This excursion offers the perfect combination of history, culture, natural landscapes, and Basque traditions.
Duration: 5 hours.

Departing from Bilbao, we will go to the famous Hanging Bridge of Getxo (without crossing it). We will continue to the imposing Butron Castle and then we will reach a viewpoint from where we will enjoy a panoramic view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed. We will visit the fishing village of Bermeo and finally, the last stop of the tour will be Gernika where we will learn about its tragic history and visit the its Assembly Hall.
Duration: 7 hours.

This route runs along the Biscay coast enjoying one of the most attractive areas of the province. Gernika, a town with a very special meaning, due to the atrocious bombardment and the impressive painting by Picasso. Then continue through the Urdaibai Reserve towards the sea to Mundaka, where you can enjoy a fantastic walk by the sea. The next stop is the fishing village of Bermeo where we will walk through the narrow streets of its old town, ending with a walk through the Port.
What better end of the excursion than moving to the incomparable islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. An image that we will always remember since after going down a cliff and climbing 241 steps we will arrive at a special place.
So special that not long ago the huge dragons from Game of Thrones flew here.
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Booking this 8-hour tour you will visit several of the

Basque Coast villages of this rocky area in a luxury vehicle guided by a professional driver.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe where scenes from "Game of Thrones" were shot.
- Urdaibai: Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika.
- Visit Getaria and Zumaia and its amazing "flysch". You can eat a typical basque lunch in a seaside restaurant.
- Visit San Sebastián old city center.
- Return to Bilbao or San Sebastian.
Duration: 8 hours.

Take advantage of a transfer day during your stay in the Basque Country to get to know the entire Basque Coast by the hand of a local on this door-to-door private transfer tour from San Sebastian to Bilbao.
Duration: 8 hours.

Game of Thrones, one of the most popular television shows, moved to the coast of the Basque Country to shoot several of the scenes that gave life to a new location called Dragonstone, for the seventh season. In the real life the beach and the island that form the place, are in fact located in two different places and during this tour, we will visit both! Follow the steps of your favourite Game of Thrones characters in the Basque Country visiting spectacular cliffs with a history of more than 60 million years and magical rocky island of pirates, witches and legends.
Duration: 9 hours.

This program offers the oppportunity to enjoy the Basque Country.

Minimum 2 adults per booking (rates based on double room/per person).

1 adult bookings under request (single supplement).


Duration: 7 days.

Discover the best of Bilbao on this experience, including iconic highlights like the stunning Guggenheim Museum and a taste of local pintxos. Venture beyond the city to explore the breathtaking San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a renowned filming location for Game of Thrones.
> Bilbao itself boasts a vibrant and avant-garde atmosphere, immediately showcasing its modern transformation. Evolving from its industrial roots, the city has become an international benchmark for urban design and a model of successful regeneration. The Guggenheim Museum stands out as a pivotal element in this transformation, undeniably securing Bilbao's place on the global stage since its construction.
> Our tour also includes a visit to Bilbao's charming Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you'll have the opportunity to savor delicious pintxos.
> Important: Access to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe requires tickets. Therefore, last-minute bookings are subject to ticket availability.
Duration: .

The greatest advantage to my tours: flexibility.

I may propose or start the day with an itinerary in mind, but the tour will evolve according to your wishes.

My greatest asset: I have one foot firmly set in 2 countries/cultures:

I speak perfect American English, as I was born and raised in the US, yet my father is French, and my wife (and in-laws) are all French.

Having a unique point of view due to my international education and experiences, and a profound understanding of both French and American cultures, I appreciate and respect what English-speaking tourists are looking for in France - and can share this with you!

With over 28 years' experience driving in France, I provide safe transport, historical commentary & personal anecdotes about life in France as an American expatriate.

My objective: to help you maximize your time spent here in France - so that you comfortably enjoy all the beauty and history & return home filled with spectacular memories of a marvelous adventure.
Duration: 7 hours.

If you love nature, geology and wine you will love this tour. We will introduce you to the stunning scenery that we have in Basque country full of cliffs, beaches, mountains and very rough seas. All of this gets even better when you enjoy it with a lovely glass of local white wine!

In this tour we will take you to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe where the famous Game of Thrones series was set. You will be able to take the most stunning pictures as you reach the top of the hermitage surrounded by the rough ocean waters. You have a maximum of 2 hours to make it to the top and back!

After the walk we will visit one of the traditional Basque txakoli wineries, the Basque local wine. You will enjoy a lovely visit to a family winery with a well-deserved wine tasting with local appetisers that will serve as lunch to finish the tour!

Important notes:
Please be aware that this tour requires extremely comfortable shoes (don´t bring heals, open sandals or flip-flops or you will regret it enormously)
Duration: .

Northern Spain private tour 10 - 14 days

10 days private Tour by car with a profesional private chauffeur mainly highlights of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and basque Country.

In Galicia; Walk around the old town of Santiago de Compostela.  Arrive to the "end of the world" Finisterrae and visit "La Torre de Hercules a lighthouse of first century.  Ribeira Sacra wineries tour following Sil river. in  Lugo we´ll walk the Roman walls.

Asturias says hello with a rice and lobster st Rinlo. later will stop in Silence Beach Vidio Cape and Cudillero.

Gijon and Oviedo, we´ll see higlghts of both cities. Cangas de Onis, covadonga Lakes and Covadonga Sanctuary. 

Cantabria.  Santander. Comillas. Santillana del Mar.  

Basque Country. Bilbao,  Gernika , San Sebastián. We can tailoring your tour once you finish your reservation.
Duration: 10 days.

In this amazing tour you will take a full visit to one of the most iconic places of the Basque Coast: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, made famous by the TV show Game of Thrones. We will also explore the coast of Biscay, and we will stop in Gernika for lunch and tour. Gernika is the symbol of the Basque autonomy and self governmet. It is also the place of the infamous bombing that inspired Picasso’s master piece.

On our way back to San Sebastian we will stop at the Flysch of Zumaia for a few pictures.

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We are a 5 stars agency, check us out @northcoastours


Duration: 9 hours.

This tour will take you to discover two of the most emblematic destinations in the Basque Country: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Bilbao.

You will start early, heading to Rocadragon, an impressive first stop in Biscay, with guaranteed access to the hermitage without waiting. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones, is a rock that rises in the Cantabrian Sea.

Then, the tour will continue to Bilbao, where you will explore the Old Town, with places like the Seven Streets, the cathedral, the Arriaga Theatre and the Ribera Market. In addition, you will have time to taste the pintxos and local cuisine.

On this tour you will have the option to visit The Guggenheim Museum with its unique design by Frank Gehry, is a must.

With this mixture of nature, architecture and culture, you will live an unforgettable experience in northern Spain.
Duration: 11 hours.

Enjoy this personalized 8-hour private tour of Bilbao’s surroundings.

Meet your private guide and driver at 9:00 am at your Bilbao hotel to kick off your day of personalized exploration of the towns and landscapes surrounding Bilbao. This full-day excursion by private vehicle can be tailored to fit your own needs and interests (within a maximum radius of 50 miles), but possible stops could include the iconic Vizcaya and Hanging Bridges, Getxo, the Old Port of Algorta, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Bermeo, and Castillo de Butrón.

Your private official tour guide and luxury vehicle with chauffeur are at your disposal during the whole tour. After exploring the sights of your choice, sit back and enjoy the journey back to your hotel or location of your choice in Bilbao, with drop-off at around 5pm.

Please note:  A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. Local taxes are included, but all food, drinks, and entrance fees are at your own expense.
Duration: 8 hours.

Join us on a private full-day tour to explore the stunning Biscay (Bizkaia) region, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Departing from San Sebastián, visit two iconic destinations in the Basque Country for a truly personalized experience.

Start at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 10th-century hermitage perched on a rocky island. Climb 241 steps for spectacular views of the coast and the Bay of Biscay. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as Dragonstone!

Next, head to Bilbao, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Basque lunch, explore the Old Town, and visit the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary design.

This private tour blends nature, history, and culture, with expert guidance for an unforgettable experience.

Important: Follow local safety guidelines, wear comfortable footwear, stay hydrated, and check the weather before your visit.
Duration: 9 hours.

This is the most comprehensive day-tour that you can take in the Basque Country. This tour can be taken from San Sebastian or Bilbao. We will visit some of the best know and important places in the Basque Coast in a relaxed and informative manner: the Flysch, Gernika and Gaztelugatxe among them! You will enjoy a gourmet lunch included in the price and a coffee break. Finally you will have the option of visiting the Guggenheim museum on your own.

This should be your number one tour when you visit the Basque Country!

Duration: 8 hours.

Visita 2 de los pueblos más encantadores de la Costa Vizcaína y el mar cantábrico con un tour de 5 horas por Gernika, cultura del pueblo vasco, Bermeo, pueblo arraigado en la tradición vasca de pescadores, y Gaztelugatxe saliendo desde Bilbao. Pasea por las coloridas calles de Bermeo y explora la cultura vasca con guía y sin prisas.
Duration: 6 hours.

We take you to the coast so you can enjoy its people, its conference and incredible places.
Enjoy a traditional wine tasting, the txakoli
Duration: 6 hours.

Experience a private tour from Bilbao to two Basque Country gems: Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián. Begin with a scenic drive to Gaztelugatxe, a stunning 10th-century hermitage perched on a rugged island, famously featured as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. Climb 241 steps for breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay as your guide shares its rich history and legends.

Then, head to San Sebastián, the Basque culinary capital, where you'll savor five delicious pintxos paired with local wine or cider. Explore the charming Old Town and La Concha Bay on a guided walking tour.

This exclusive trip blends nature, history, and gastronomy for an unforgettable experience.

The itinerary may be reversed for logistical reasons: San Sebastián will be visited first and Gaztelugatxe in the afternoon.
Duration: 10 hours.

Discover the Basque region that surrounds Bilbao called Biscay (Bizkaia in Basque language) during a full-day trip from San Sebastian. Fall in love with the charming 10th century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and climb its 241 stairs to get to the top and enjoy its magnificent views.
After recovering from the steep path from the hermitage, head to Bilbao and get a glimpse of the architectural and traditional beauties of this wonderful city, including Guggenheim Museum (entrance tickets included).

All this in one day, and with the convenience of private transportation (pick up and drop off at your hotel) & lunch included in the tour price!
* Due to limited capacity, climbing the 241 stairs to the Gaztelugatxe hermitage is not guaranteed. Instead, you would first visit the town on the Biscayan coast Mundaka, known worldwide for its waves and fishing tradition, and then a stop would be made to enjoy a panoramic view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from the viewpoint.
Duration: 11 hours.

We are offering the best experience focus on Wine & Gastronomy of Northern Spain partnering with local tour guides in order to show these regions combining history, beautiful landscapes, enology, gastronomy and education, to achieve a complete experience with a fun way of tourism.

Allow us to show you the way of enjoying our regions like a native and experience what only the locals know.

We are very flexible and we can add or change those things you want!
We can do the tour for minimum 2 people, please ask if you are a group since we can rent a bigger vehicle to offer the best experience!
Duration: 6 days.

Unforgettable journey through the heart of the Basque Country with this full-day adventure from Biarritz and Bayonne. Discover Bilbao region, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come alive.

Your day begins at the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a 10th-century hermitage atop dramatic cliffs. Climb the legendary 241 steps to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize this magical site as Dragonstone from Season 7!

Next, we’ll head to Bilbao and explore the city’s captivating mix of old-world charm and striking modern architecture. Then we’ll enjoy a well-deserved pintxos lunch.

After that, the afternoon is reserved for your visit to the Guggenheim Museum, the most iconic landmark in Bilbao—an architectural masterpiece that houses world-class contemporary art.

This tour is the perfect fusion of nature, history, and culture, promising memories that will last a lifetime!
Duration: 11 hours.

Embark on this Private Tour from Bilbao for an exploration of the Basque Country's history and stunning landscapes.

Visit the iconic Bizkaia Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing industrial progress. Dive into the poignant history of Gernika, visit the Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika. In Bermeo, experience the maritime heritage at the charming port and the Ercilla Fishermen's Museum.

While the tour includes a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, please note that entry to the hermitage is not included due to difficulty in obtaining access. However, you will enjoy stunning views from the Portuondo and Gaztelugatxe viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the coastline.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide enriching insights into the cultural and historical significance of each location.
This private tour offers a perfect blend of architectural marvels, historical exploration, and scenic beauty, promising an unforgettable experience in the Basque region.
Duration: 8 hours.

Retrace the footsteps of Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen by visiting the magnificent filming sites of “Game of Thrones Season 7” on this Basque Coast tour from San Sebastian by the hand of a local. You will enjoy a day away from the city surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes. This tour is also a wonderful way to include a bit of leisurely exercise during your stay in the Basque Country.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
Duration: 7 hours.

Our adventure begins with a hike to the iconic hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Climb 241 steps surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the sea, and the wind, leading you to breathtaking views. Famously known as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones, this location is as magical in real life as it is on screen.

After the hike, we will head to the picturesque fishing village of Mundaka. Located along the west bank of the Urdaibai River estuary, this charming town uniquely blends the modern vibe of surfers with the timeless traditions of Basque fishermen. We’ll make a short stop here for a well-deserved lunch (not included).

Our journey concludes in Gernika, a place rich in Basque history. Visit the legendary Tree of Gernika, a symbol of liberty, and explore the town’s emotional past, including the tragic bombing in 1937. Along the way, we will also see the famous mural of Picasso’s Guernica.

Join us for a day of nature, history, and culture that you’ll never forget!
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes.