GazTelugatxe, also known as Dragon’s Ridge Island, is a small rocky island shaped like a castle off the coast of the Basque country in northern Spain. The island attracts tourists for its unique location, historical sites and natural beauty.
Geographically, GazTelugatxe Island is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge, and the most striking structure on the island is the Church of St. John, also known as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, located at the top of the hill. Built in the 11th century, the church has a long history and gives a sense of independence. Climbing the 241-step “S” shaped path, visitors can reach the top of the mountain to enjoy the magnificent sea view and the peaceful beauty of the church. The church’s ancient frescoes and sculptures also show the religious culture of the Basque country.
In addition to historical sites, GazTelugatxe is also known for its natural beauty. The clear waters and rich biodiversity make the island a nature reserve. Here, visitors can enjoy seabirds soaring over the rocks and feel the peace and harmony of nature.
GazTelugatxe is also one of the filming locations of the TV series Game of Thrones, providing fans with a great opportunity to see the scenes in person. Standing on the highest point of the island, overlooking the entire sea view, as if you could be in that magical world.
GazTelugatxe is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, historical sites and cultural experiences. Whether for history buffs, nature seekers or fans of the show, this mysterious and beautiful island will be a must-visit destination.
Preliminary preparation
Booking tickets: GazTelugatxe attraction is free for visitors and no booking tickets are required. However, in order to ensure a smooth trip and avoid rush hours, visitors are advised to check the latest opening hours and traffic information on the official website or related travel platforms in advance. In addition, if you plan to explore more in-depth or participate in some special activities, you may need to find out in advance and book relevant services.
Itinerary arrangement
Day 1: Arrival and acquaintance
Morning: Arrive in the city of Bilbao in the Basque Country, depart from the airport or train station, go to the hotel to check in and have a short rest. Afterwards, take a stroll around the city and experience the unique Basque country. Along the old streets, you can admire the unique architecture and street art, while also enjoying authentic Basque cuisine, such as delicious coffee and crisp croissants.
Afternoon: Head to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to see the charm of modern art. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this building is a work of art in itself, and the exhibits inside are even more eye-opening.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in the city, enjoying seafood and barbecue from the Basque country. After dinner, head to the square or bar in the city center for Basque nightlife.
Day 2: Explore GazTelugatxe
Morning: After breakfast, take the scheduled bus or drive to GazTelugatxe. Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful coastline and nature of the Basque Country. When the bus slowly approaches the island, you will be attracted by the castle shaped island, the heart is full of anticipation.
Noon: Upon arrival at the island, first pass the beautiful arch bridge, then begin to climb the 241 steps of the “S” shaped path. Although the road is a little difficult, but every step is full of challenges and fun. On the way, you can enjoy unique natural scenery such as sea views, cliffs and shoals. When you finally reach the top of the hill and see the historic St. John’s Church, all your tiredness will melt away.
Afternoon: Visit the church, admire the old frescoes and sculptures, and feel the religious culture of the Basque country. The observation deck outside the church is a great spot overlooking the entire sea, where you can take pictures and record the unforgettable moment. Afterwards, take a stroll around the island to discover more hidden beauty.
Evening: Return to the city of Bilbao to celebrate the day’s harvest with a rich seafood dinner.
Day 3: Deep experience and farewell
Morning: In the city of Bilbao continue to visit other famous attractions, such as the city History Museum, etc., to learn more about the history and culture of the Basque country. Also, visit local markets and craft stores to pick up some souvenirs to take home.
Noon: Choose a local restaurant in the city for lunch and try different Basque cuisine.
Afternoon: Return to the hotel to pack and prepare to leave. Before you leave, you can walk around the city again and feel the charm of the city. Then head to the airport or train station to finish off this unforgettable GazTelugatxe trip.
Evening: On the way home, reflecting on the little bits and pieces of this trip, looking forward to the next trip.
Matters needing attention
Observe the rules: When visiting GazTelugatxe, please follow the rules and guidelines of the scenic spot and do not damage public facilities and cultural relics. Respect local customs and cultural traditions and keep the environment clean.
Due to the need to climb steps and walk around the island, visitors are advised to manage their time to ensure that they can fully appreciate the beauty and culture of the site. At the same time, be careful to set aside enough rest time to avoid overwork.
Comfortable clothing: Due to the need to hike steps and walk around the island, visitors are advised to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or inconvenient to move, so as not to affect the play experience.
Weather conditions: The weather in the Basque Country is changeable and visitors should check the local weather forecast before heading to GazTelugatxe and be prepared for sun protection or rain protection. In case of inclement weather, it is recommended to adjust the itinerary or choose other activities.
Carry items: During the play, please carry personal items, such as mobile phones, wallets, cameras, etc. At the same time, take care of your valuables to avoid loss or theft.
Through the above detailed tourism planning, I believe you will have a more comprehensive and vivid understanding of GazTelugatxe attractions. This mysterious and beautiful island awaits you to discover its legendary journey! There, you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery, feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere, and also experience the unique Basque style. Make your travel plans and make GazTelugatxe the destination of your next trip!
