Top 3 unmissable places on the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve coastline!

If you are planning to visit the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, there are 3 places that should definitely be added to your list of visits, as they are remarkable and unmissable.

The biosphere reserve stretches from the Cantabrian coast, with San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the far north, to the south of Guernica. It is an area incredibly rich in heritage, both built and natural. Several options are available for exploring it. You can enjoy it by car, stopping in the various coastal villages such as Elantxobe, Mundaka, or Bermeo. Alternatively, you can hike the GR123 trail, which connects Sukarrieta to Gaztelugatxe. This trail follows paths and trails closest to the coast and is 13.5 km long. With an elevation gain of 420 m, this hike can be completed in 3.5 hours.

Another option is to travel from Bermeo to Gaztelugatxe via Matxitxako and its lighthouse. This allows you to reach the three remarkable sites located along the coast. In fact, this is the option we recommend!

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the rock of millions of views

assaulting the rocky castle

Difficult to pronounce, the Gaztelugatxe site (a Basque name meaning rocky castle) is nonetheless familiar to most of us! Its popularity is linked to the Game of Thrones series. The producers filmed numerous scenes there. Indeed, in the series, this incredible peninsula represents Dragonstone Castle.

Before setting off to explore this exceptional place, take the time to observe this rocky block connected to the mainland by a corridor almost resembling the Great Wall of China! Discover its barely concealed treasures : two arches carved over the centuries by the combined effect of wind, waves and rain, caves also formed by erosion, and reefs.

At its center, a chapel dedicated to San Juan (Saint John the Baptist) was built. The one that stands there now is not the original, as the first one was repeatedly burned, ransacked, looted, and damaged in response to historical events.

Setting foot on the legendary peninsula is almost an effort, with its 241 steps to climb. But it's well worth the effort, as they say. Once there, the 360° panorama is incredible. Take the time to enjoy the place and the sea air. Listen to the waves crashing against the rock. And above all, tradition dictates that once you arrive, you ring the chapel bell three times while making a wish.

Heading to Matxitxako

Heading for the lighthouses!

There's nothing like a stop at Cape Matxitxako to enjoy an exceptional view of the Cantabrian Sea and Gaztelugatxe.

With its two lighthouses, the place is quite unusual! The first lighthouse, built in the 19th century, was replaced by the current one, which became operational in 1909.

This point jutting out into the water has remained relatively untouched. It's a popular spot for those who enjoy observing whales and birds. Informative panels provide information about the local geology and the marine animals that frequent the area.

Practical information

You will be able to park easily thanks to the free parking.

If you enjoy hiking, you can reach the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe by following a footpath. You can also walk to the charming fishing village of Berméo by taking part of the GR123 long-distance hiking trail.

Bermeo, the charm of a traditional fishing village

The coastline of the Spanish Basque Country has many fishing villages. Each has its own personality, although they all share a charming little fishing port and houses and cafes that offer a direct view into the lives of the fishermen.

Bermeo is a lively and dynamic village that shines thanks to its pretty port, but also thanks to its historic center where buildings from all periods and therefore all styles coexist. It once radiated far beyond its walls thanks to its maritime activity, mainly based on whaling.

Certain places bear witness to a rich and important medieval past, such as the Ercilla Tower (Torre Ercilla) overlooking the port, which dates back to the 15th century, the fishermen's houses, and the narrow alleyways. Wealthy shipowners had elegant houses built for them using local stone. Conversely, the most unsanitary dwellings were reserved for the maritime crew.

Other buildings, such as the casino in Lamera Park, the Tourist Information Center, and the Santa Maria Church, are of a more contemporary design. You will also notice that they have very different architectural styles.

Practical information

In the heart of the village, don't hesitate to visit the Tourist Office. They will point out the must-see sites in the surrounding area, as far as Bilbao, and provide you with important information on access and parking. They also have maps of hiking trails and routes, as well as city maps. And, as a bonus, some documents are available in French.

Of course, you can expand this non-exhaustive list of incredible places on the Spanish Basque coast by taking into account the whole of the Biscay region and not just the Urdaibai Biosphere.

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