On the road between the small towns of Bakio and Bermeo is one of the most photographed features of the Basque coast: the small island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Attached to the mainland by a short causeway this rocky isle is topped by a hermitage . The island is named after St John the Baptist whom local tradition holds visited the island; his footprint is still visible near the top of the 200-odd steps that lead up to the hermitage.
The island is the goal of pilgrimages on June 24th, July 31st and August 29th. Legend has it that by ringing the bell outside the hermitage thirteen times you will be granted a wish and banish bad spirits. And if you don’t believe in such things then the spectacular views along the coast should prove reward enough for the walk out here.
