Gaztelugatxe Or the Stairs Above the Sea
Stairs are constructions designed to cover large vertical distances. Usually, people run away when they see them, as they prefer means much faster, such as elevators. However, there are some stairs, few in the entire world, that just make people to want to step on them. Some of these stairs are in the small Spanish islet of Gaztelugatxe.
The island is on the coast of Biscay, in the Spanish Basque County, and it is connected to mainland through a man-made bridge. The upper part of the islet “hosts” a beautiful monastery, which dates from the tenth century. Both visitors and residents can reach the church via a narrow path that consists of 237 steps. However, there are some sources that say the path has fewer stairs, such as 229 or 231. According to the legend, those who arrive at the church must ring the bell the find at the entrance three times and make a wish.
People who have climbed these huge rocky stairs have said that they felt like they were walking above the sea. Only this feeling is more than enough to make any person decide to visit the island of Gaztelugatxe. Not to mention the amazing sights that are shown in front of your eyes.
The best place to visit both the island and the monastery is spring and autumn. You can also go to Gaztelugatxe during the summer months, but keep in mind that during this hot season the small island get very crowded. The church is closed in winter.
It is believed that the small church belonged to the Templar Knights. In 1053, this holy place was donated to the monastery of San Juan de la PeÒa, by IÒigo LÛpez, who was the first Lord of Biscay.
After a few more decades, in 1593, Sir Francis Drake and his pirates attacked and robbed the monastery. On other several times, the small church was damaged by fires, and in 1978 it was destroyed in such a fire. Two years later, the hermitage was re-built and was open for the public.
Currently, the church belongs to the parish of San Pelayo in Bakio.
Submission by Luka Lisjak.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, Gaztelugatxe, Bizkaia, Basque Country, Spain
- Coordinates
- 43.447410, -2.784826
- Access
- Walk from the mainland; the hermitage is reached by steep coastal paths and 241 steps. Bizkaia describes the Urizarreta approach as 1.2 km with a 35% slope and the Ermu return as 1.6 km with a 15% slope. The route is physically demanding, unsuitable for strollers and not recommended for some mobility or health limitations. Wear grippy shoes, carry water, check weather alerts and follow closures. The map pin marks the chapel, not the trailhead or car park.
- Admission
- The visit is free. On dates marked for controlled access in Bizkaia’s 2026 calendar, reserve a free timed ticket; on other dates Bizkaia says access is unrestricted. Daily visitor capacity is capped at 1,462. Check the official calendar and current reservation times before travelling.
- Time needed
- Bizkaia’s current visitor page estimates about 2½ hours for the visit. The route includes a steep 1.2 km descent at 35%, a 1.6 km return via Ermu at 15%, and 241 steps to the hermitage. VisitBiscay lists a shorter estimate of about 1 hour 15 minutes for a roughly 3 km return; because the estimates conflict, use the managing authority’s 2½-hour planning figure and allow extra time for stops, weather and access checks.
- Best season
- VisitBiscay recommends spring or autumn; July and August are busier. Bizkaia also advises checking the forecast and avoiding the climb during hours affected by an orange weather alert. Parking often fills from 10:00 to 16:00; consider arriving earlier or using public transport.
- Opening hours
- VisitBiscay says the walking route is open year-round, but Bizkaia uses controlled-access dates with free timed tickets and changing reservation slots. No single daily gate schedule is published for all dates; check the official 2026 access calendar and current notices. The staffed information point has separate seasonal hours.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-22
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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