A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Bizkaia, Spain
Place Description
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small peninsula in the Cantabrian Sea, located on the coast of Bizkaia, in the Basque Country, Spain. This magical and mysterious place is famous for its ancient hermitage, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, which is located at the top of a hill, accessed by a stone path that winds through a stone bridge and 241 steps.
Tourist Attractions
The main attraction of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is, without a doubt, the hermitage itself. Although the current structure dates from the 19th century, it is believed that there has been a church at this location since the 9th century. Visitors can make the strenuous journey to the top to enjoy the stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Basque coast.
In addition to the hermitage, the Gaztelugatxe peninsula offers stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the area's trails, which offer panoramic views of the sea and coast. The local wildlife, which includes a variety of seabirds, is also an attraction for nature lovers.
Surrounding Areas of Interest
The surroundings of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe also have a lot to offer. To the east of the peninsula is the town of Bakio, known for its beaches and txakoli wine. To the west, visitors can explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
In addition, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is just an hour's drive from Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, visitors can explore the famous Guggenheim Museum, the historic Old Town, and enjoy the famous Basque cuisine.
Practical Information
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is accessible all year round, although it may be closed during bad weather. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear for the hike to the top. There is also a small bar at the base of the peninsula where visitors can buy refreshments and snacks.
Gastronomic Products of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
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Marmitako
Marmitako is a traditional stew of Basque fishermen, very popular in the area of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. This dish is prepared with bonito, potatoes, peppers, onion, and tomato. It is a very tasty and nutritious dish, ideal for the colder days.
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Biscayan Cod
Biscayan cod is another of the most emblematic dishes of Basque cuisine. It is prepared with cod, choricero peppers, onion, garlic, and olive oil. This dish is very tasty and is served in many restaurants in the area of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
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Txakoli
Txakoli is a very characteristic white wine of the Basque Country region. It is a young and fruity wine, with a slight acidity. It is produced in small quantities and is highly appreciated in the area of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. It is the perfect accompaniment to the area's fish and seafood dishes.
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Idiazabal Cheese
Idiazabal cheese is a sheep cheese with a designation of origin, very popular in the Basque Country. It has an intense and slightly smoky flavor. It is a very versatile cheese that can be enjoyed alone, with bread, or as an ingredient in different dishes. In the area of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, you can find this cheese in many restaurants and local product shops.
Outstanding Gastronomic Places in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, in Bizkaia, is a place full of charm and tradition. Its gastronomy is a reflection of its rich history and culture, offering a wide variety of typical dishes and drinks. Here we present some of the most outstanding places to enjoy local cuisine:
Eneperi Restaurant
Located in a privileged natural environment, with views of the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Eneperi Restaurant is a must for lovers of good food. Its menu offers a wide variety of traditional Basque dishes, such as Biscayan cod, Donostia-style crab or marmitako. In addition, its cellar has an excellent selection of wines from the region.
Tamarises Izarra Grill
This grill, located in the town of Getxo, is famous for its excellent grilled cuisine. Here you can taste top quality meats and fish, cooked to perfection on its charcoal grill. In addition, Tamarises Izarra Grill offers spectacular sea views, which adds a special touch to the gastronomic experience.
Casa Garras Restaurant
Located in the town of Carranza, Casa Garras Restaurant is a place with a lot of history. Its cuisine is based on seasonal and local products, offering traditional Basque dishes with a modern touch. Among its specialties are the scrambled mushrooms, pil-pil cod and hake a la koskera.
Sporting Activities in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Hiking
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is famous for its hiking route that leads to the hermitage at the top of the island. The path, although steep, offers stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Basque coast.
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Surfing
The coast of Bizkaia is known for its waves, making it an ideal place for surfing. Although San Juan de Gaztelugatxe itself is not a surfing beach, there are several nearby beaches, such as Bakio and Mundaka, that are perfect for this sport.
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Diving
The waters around San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are ideal for diving. With a rich marine life and several underwater caves, it's an exciting place to explore under the water.
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Mountain Biking
The area around San Juan de Gaztelugatxe offers several mountain biking routes. With trails that cross through forests and mountains, it's an exciting way to explore the natural beauty of the region.
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Places near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
If you are in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
7 de Febrero de 2024
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