Tourist Office
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, in the Basque country, is a tombolo, i.e. a landform that connects a small island and the Mainland by a narrow strip of land. From afar, it seems indeed an island. It is one of the most impressive places in the Biscay coast, with its Hermitage of San Juan, from the 10th century, and the magnificent views are enjoyed from the top of this small island. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe can visit only on foot, after climbing a long stairway, from which you can see the cliffs of much of the Bay of Biscay. According to legend, the Hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is Templar origin and remains of medieval burials have been found in their courtyard.
It is tradition to ring Bell of the chapel three times and make a wish. It is important to remember that San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is part of the Gaztelugatxe protected biotope, which includes the area between Bakio and the Cape of Matxitxako. Bakio is a small coastal town located about 30 km northeast of Bilbao and is surrounded by the mountains of Burgoa, Garbola, Sollube and Jata. This repaired position gives Bakio a climate with mild temperatures, rainy but little prone to frosts and snowfalls. This climate has favoured the cultivation of Mediterranean such as green pepper, asparagus and especially the vine products: Here you will find the best representatives of the art of the elaboration of the txakoli from the Basque country. Three good examples could be Abio, Zabala and Gorrondona, whose cellars can be visited through the groups organized by the Tourist Office of Bakio. Despite its proximity to the sea, Bakio has not developed an own biscayan coast fishing activity.