Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, in Basque Country (Spain). It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage (named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spanish), dedicated to John the Baptist, that dates from the 10th century, although discoveries indicate that the date might be the 9th century. With another small neighboring island, Aketze, they form a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio until Cape Machichaco, on the Bay of Biscay.To visit Gaztelugatxe, there are parking spaces on a small esplanade, which was closed for repairs as of late September, 2013. The island is still accessible, but one must park much further away. On the initial climb, successive stops can be admired along what looks like a Via Crucis. From above, there are good views of the cliffs and the coast.The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, to enjoy the peace of the setting, as summers are typically crowded.Etymologically the word gaztelugatxe comes from the Basque gaztelu = "castle" and aitz = "rock" or "crag", forming "crag of the castle". Another possible translation of gatxe is bad this would mean "bad castle".
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 coast next to the small Aketze island (Island of Rabbits) a paradise for marine birds.Next to the hermitage there is a small shelter that lets people take refuge from the wind and picnic surrounded by the sea views.The hermitage is accessed by a narrow path, crossing the solid stone bridge, and going up 237 steps (other sources cite the number as 229 or 231). 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.
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