Perusing through the 'Places to Visit' pins and 'Bucket List' pins I came across this stunningly beautiful image...imagine my abject joy when I discovered that this place (with its nearly impossible name to pronounce!) was not only in Spain, but in the Basque region as well!
San Juan de Gatzelugatxe is a tiny island on the Bay of Biscay in municipality of Bermeo, Spain. It is reachable by a manmade stone bridge that was built in the 10th century to celebrate John the Baptist. Fishermen were to climb the 291 steps to the chapel to bring thanks for the days' catch and their successful season.
Bay of Biscay
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| Cute little restaurant at the start of the hike. |
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| Sign giving directions to the church. About 25 minute hike downhill on a stone and dirt (that day mud!) trail. |
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| first glimpse |
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| A buss in the Bay of Biscay ;) |
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| Arches in the rock |
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| Making our way |
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| The waves would crash up to the 3rd or 4th step down from the walkway. I could not watch. |
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| View from the bridge |
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| Legend has it there is about 291 steps to the chapel |
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| Pictures just don't do it justice |
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| from the backside of the chapel |
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| Each 'pilgrim' is encouraged to ring the bell three times :) |
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| What a glorious way to spend a Sunday-in our own little outdoor chapel! |
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| Such a breathtaking view! |
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| Family portrait :) |
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| The chapel it was locked against visitors. |
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| Climbing back down |
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| The waves were much higher as we were returning. They would hit the bridge with a loud 'whomp' sound sometimes causing it to shake |
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| We even had a rainbow to celebrate! |
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| I didn't have this one my Bucket List when I came to Spain but it definitely got added ;) What a great day |
Eneperi was the name of the cute restaurant at the beginning of the hike down to the chapel SJdeG. You must experience this little piece of Heaven if you come to Bakio.
(here is a link: http://tourism.euskadi.net/en/restaurants/eneperi-restaurant/x65-12375/en/)
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| Waiting on our drinks |
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| Ngh...camera lens got a bit fogged up...beautiful spot for a relaxing meal |
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| The kids enjoying a little break inside |
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| view of the Bay |
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| Restaurant interior. Lots of families enjoying a Sunday afternoon meal together. What a lovely spot. |
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| The restaurant/resort had a fantastic oceanfront yard to play in |
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| Playground |
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| Ready to Run |
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| Another playground, another pirate ship ;) |
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| Frolicking |
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| Drinks are here |
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| After resting the girls went out to investigate while Beloved and Tank stayed inside |
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| Precious ponies :) |
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| Back view |
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| We stole sugar packets from the restaurant and had them eating out of our hands ;) |
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| Inside of the restaurant. Charming Old World interior |
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| Warm and inviting as the rain kicked in again ;) |
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| Basque artwork and culture-fish, ocean, sheep, wine |
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| Handpainted walls |
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| Map of the Bay of Biscay |
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| Saying goodbye and Gracias for a wonderful Sunday together....would love to host a wedding at this spot someday! ;) |
It was a truly magical place. If you are ever near the coast of Spain, the church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is definitely worth the stop. It is a slow steady walk up down to the church and a well-paved and well-protected but stunning hike up to the top of the chapel. It is now considered one of the top 10 places to visit in Spain and its outdoor natural setting is a protected biome by the country. It is truly worth the time to get there...
here is a link for more information: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1064174-d2307740-Reviews-San_Juan_de_Gaztelugatxe-Bermeo_Vizcaya_Province_Basque_Country.html
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