Vizcaya Bridge and Gaztelugatxe Spain

Day 37 Spain 12

Travelled: 154km to Vizcaya Bridge to San Juan Gaztelugatxe, Basque Spain

Stay: Santimamine Cave carpark (43.3454, -2.6370)

This morning we drove 78km towards Bilboa to the Vizcaya (Bizkaia) Bridge, which joins Portugalete and Getxo. In 2014 we only caught a glimpse and this time we were determined in get a closer look. Why you ask? Well, it was the very first metal transporter bridge built in the world. It took 3 years to build, its completion in 1893 and it is now a UNESCO site. It has 45m clearance from the water to the top walkway of the bridge and is 164m long.  After navigating some narrow and one way streets we managed to get onto the gondola for €3.60 (Bluey and us). 

Then we parked in Getxo and walked to get a closer look. 

In another 40mins on we arrived at San Juan Gaztelugatxe, a church situated on a promontory joined by a man made causeway. It was difficult to find parking for Bluey but google revealed a sneaky spot nearby (700m extra walk).

As required I had booked a time slot the day before for 12:45. While we waited we were concerned that we wouldn’t see anything due to the thick sea mist. However by our allocated time the sun had managed to burn most of it away. So off we went down the steep track and then we arrived at the causeway we had to climb 240 or so steps! As you can see it’s very picturesque. 

Mark is standing in San Juan’s foot print.

We spent a bit of time recovering at the top, admiring the lovely views of the Bay of Biscay. 

Sneaky photo through the window as the church was closed.

Some of the locals..

It was a challenging 2 km /40min up there and we still had to do it again back to Bluey! 

After a refreshing shower and drink we picked out a shady spot along our route. Apparently there is a cave with prehistoric drawings but you have to prebook and they don’t allow people in cave anymore just show a 3D representation.