From Medieval Fortress to Hollywood Fame
The name might be tricky to pronounce, but Gaztelugatxe's dramatic beauty is unmistakable. This rugged limestone islet rises 150 metres above the Bay of Biscay, connected to Spain's Basque coastline by a centuries-old stone bridge. What was once a defensive bastion and medieval hermitage has now become a global tourism sensation.
The transformation came in 2017 when Gaztelugatxe appeared as Dragonstone in the seventh season of HBO's Game of Thrones. The exposure triggered an influx of international visitors that continues today, requiring management systems during peak seasons.
The Journey to Castle Rock
Visitors typically approach from Bilbao on guided tours that attract an international crowd. Our bilingual guide Asier Perez helped our diverse group master the pronunciation: "Gas-te-lug-ache," meaning "castle rock" in Basque.
The descent from the clifftop car park reveals stunning coastal views, though the path demands caution. With gradients reaching 35 percent and morning mist creating slippery conditions, the railings provide essential support. The reward comes in panoramic views of vegetated cliffs and the vast blue bay below.
The arched stone bridge, built 200 years ago, connects the mainland to the islet. Before its construction, Gaztelugatxe was accessible only by small boat during low tide or completely cut off when waters rose.
Climbing to the Summit
The 241 stone steps zigzagging to the summit test visitors' stamina, but the effort delivers spectacular rewards. While Game of Thrones producers used CGI to crown the rock with a castle, reality features a modest chapel constructed in the 1980s after fire destroyed its predecessor.
Traditional visitors would ring the chapel bell three times for good luck, but this practice has ceased to protect the storm petrels and shags that nest on the islet's slopes. The chapel interior showcases religious art and nautical votive offerings from sailors who survived Basque Country's stormy seas.
The views from the summit make every step worthwhile. Emerald waters lap against the shores below, ships dot the horizon, and the entire Basque coastline unfolds in a breathtaking panorama that explains why this location captured Hollywood's attention.
Planning Your Visit
Autumn visits offer quieter experiences, while summer months require bookings to manage crowds. The Basque Coast day trip from Bilbao includes Gaztelugatxe and the historic town of Guernica, running most days at €69 per person. The region's humid climate means rain is never far away, creating the lush greenery that distinguishes northern Spain from the country's sun-bleached southern coasts.
