Gaztelu Begi
B° San Pelaio / Gibelorrotzagako Bidea, 78, Bakio, Basque Country 48130, Spain
Why We Like It
You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan or on the pilgrimage to appreciate the absolutely breathtaking beauty of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and this pristine stretch of coast surrounding it. The charming restaurant and bar provide guests nice spaces to relax. And its close proximity to the beaches of Bakio and Bermeo and to the Urdaibai nature preserve makes Gaztelu Begi a perfect weekend getaway from Bilbao for nature-lovers at a very reasonable price.
Fodor's Expert Review
This traditional seaside Basque house situated along the rugged coastline between Bermio and Bakio appropriately translates to Castle View. The comfortable inn and its authentic restaurant overlook Gaztelugatxe, a haunting rock islet with an 11th century castle-turned-hermitage perched atop it, connected to the mainland by an ancient, winding stone bridge. The site has seen a massive uptick in popularity and awareness since it became the shooting location for Queen Daenerys’ ancestral home of Dragonstone in Game Of Thrones.
You Should Know There are a lot of tourists passing by and through the inn as they go to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and it can get crowded and noisy during the day.
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Room
The seven double rooms of the inn are simple and clean, nothing fancy here but they are exceptionally quiet and most have ocean views of Gaztelugatxe. All rooms come equipped with televisions, free Wi-Fi, and heating.
Bathroom
Each room of the B&B comes with its own private bathroom. They are spacious and provide the essentials but we’d recommend bringing your own toiletries.
Lobby
The beautiful Basque house, with its stone and timber foundations and traditional slanted red shingle roofs, has a seafaring theme running throughout its common areas. The ground floor is home to a cozy reception area and the café, restaurant, and bar spaces. The hotel boasts a wide outdoor terrace–complete with stone tables, wine barrels turned into bar tops and a huge old ship anchor—that overlooks the iconic Gaztelugatxe islet and the endless blue of the Bay of Biscay beyond.
Dining
The casual restaurant here provides sweeping views of the coast and the food is great, with fresh Bacalao, pulpo, gambas, and locally caught fish prepared in traditional Basque fashion and served at a reasonable price. But don’t worry; the menu also includes some good meat and vegetable dishes as well. If the weather is nice you will want to have your meals out on the expansive terrace; the scenic ocean views are unbeatable.
You Should Know The restaurant and café is only open for dinner on the weekends and is closed completely on Wednesdays.
Drinking
Our favorite room inside the inn is the nautical pub with a whimsical décor of historic photos, tile paintings, and a long bar made of warm oak. The café bar puts out a selection of classic pintxos to snack on with your drinks.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Even though its only 30km from Bilbao a car is required to reach this remote stretch of coast. Parking is free and once here the hotel is within a short drive to some of the best beaches and hiking in the Basque Country. The friendly hosts at Gaztelu Begi are very helpful in giving suggestions and directions.
Restaurants
The nearby fishing village of Bermeo is famous for its albacore tuna. Travelers should try the marmitako, a famous Basque stew served during the summer at the height of the tuna catching season. Gaztelupe (15-minute drive) is one of the better places to look for this dish, or for an excellent meal in general. It overlooks the harbor below and serves some of the best fish in town.
Gotzon Jatetxea (5-minute drive) is a tasteful dining option overlooking Bakio beach with an elegant atmosphere and a kitchen serving a wide range of upscale Basque gastronomy.
Bars
Just down the road from the hotel is Galerna (5-minute walk) a beer garden with a lush outdoor seating area that is the perfect drinking atmosphere during the summer months.
Itxas Ondo Taberna is a local bar overlooking Bakio beach and has both a great selection of wine and drink options plus tons of delicious pintxos piled up on the bar.
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