San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hike 4.6 km

This hike takes you to the shrine on the magical islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, across a bridge and up and down 241 steps. Situated on a rough coastline, it attracts a lot of visitors, even more now that it featured as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. You need to make a free reservation by internet if you want to be sure you are allowed on the island (https://www.tiketa.eus/gaztelugatxe/). There are a few parking spaces close to the turn-off of the road from Bakio to Bermeo, at about 200 m altitude. You have to walk the way down to the sea. The paths are steep, so good hiking shoes are recommended. I started off from the parking closest to the starting point. There are two restaurants here as well. Close to the Eneperi restaurant is the checkpoint for your internet tickets (you can also get them here if there are free spaces). A largely paved and steep path takes you down. About halfway the path is a turn-off to an excellent viewpoint. After enjoying the view you go back 70 meters to the path taking you down to an asphalt road (no cars). Here you turn left, pass a toilet block and another booth for a checkpoint (not in operation during my hike). At the end of the road you have a nice view of the sea, and you can find a water tap. You cross a stone bridge and then ascend the 241 steps to the shrine at the top of the islet, with great views, and a numbered cross at steady intervals. On the top the views along the coast are best. There is a small covered rifugio here and the chapel popular with fishermen (the chapel is full of boats). You can pull a rope and toll a bell (ring the bell three times to ward off evil spirits...) in the belfry. You return back down the steps to the road. At the turn-off to the steep path up to the Eneperi restaurant, you now continue on the less steep and much quieter road taking you back to the starting point. On the way you pass another water tap (no drinking water), a picnic spot, an anchor with a boat, and another viewpoint. In the Eneperi restaurant is also a bar where you can now enjoy good pintxos, and a great view.