Thanks to the Emmy Award-winning’Game of Thrones,’ Dragonstone has become a population destination to visit in Northern Spain so read below for tips on visiting the famous location in San Juan De Gaztelugatxe.
By: Jenny Chu
Note: Jenny Chu is a California native, but currently lives in Barcelona with her boyfriend and dog. She writes about budget travel and you can read more about her adventures at www.iheartjennychu.com.
Before San Juan De Gaztelugatxe was known for Game of Thrones’ Dragonstone, it was frequented by tourists for its natural beauty, stunning views, interesting history and the small church that sits on top of the island that you can only reach by hiking a windy steep staircase. The island, which is off the Basque coast of Spain and is named after St. John the Baptist, can easily be explored in a day. But be prepared for the weather and the amount of physicality it takes to see
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Before You Go
* When I arrived, they asked me if I had reservations? I didn’t know I needed a ticket to Dragonstone or anything about making reservations. However, they were nice enough to let us in. That being said, reserve your tickets by clicking here.
* Don’t be like me and wear thong sandals – The first half of the hike is a steep downhill and I was panicking the whole way down thinking that my sandals were going to break at any moment.
* Bring snacks, sunscreen and water bottle – there is one water fountain at the base of the stairs…and no bathrooms when you reach the top.
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How to get to ‘Game of Thrones’ DragonStone: **Please note these prices may change**
* Find your way to Placa Moyua. You want to take the bus to “Bakio #3518” that stops in front of the Levis Store. It comes
at :15 and :45 of the hour.
Cost without the Barik Card: 2.55€
Cost with Barik Card: 1.
Get off the stop that has the “Information” Building. Don’t forget to scan once again on your way off the bus. The clerk working at the desk will provide you with maps. Then the next bus #3517 will arrive. Get off the next stop and you’ll walk down the curved street on the left. You’ll reach the entrance after the parking lot. The hike up to the church isn’t so bad, but it does take about 30-40 minutes. Once you get up there make sure to ring the church bell three times for good luck! Best time to go is early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
After taking a million photos we hiked back up and took a bus to the next city, Bermeo (5 minute ride and less than 1€) and then took a train from Bermeo to Mundaka to check out the beach (also less than 5 minutes and less than 1€). We spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun. Then it was time to go home. There is a train that goes from Mundaka to Bilbao (1.5 hours with stops) for 3.30€.