Pamplona

Pamplona is a beautiful green city in Navarra, Spain, ranking highest in environment and recycling across Spain and Europe. It is most famous worldwide for the San Fermín festival (July 6-14), featuring the legendary running of the bulls (encierro). The city offers medieval city walls, beautiful parks, historical buildings, and a river running through it. As the first main city on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, with two universities adding vibrancy year-round.

Pamplona Airport (PNA) has flights from Madrid and Barcelona via Iberia and from Frankfurt via Lufthansa. Nearby international airports include Biarritz, France (115 km), Bilbao (156 km), and Zaragoza (170 km). The city is well-connected by bus and train to major Spanish destinations.

Pamplona is best explored on foot, especially in the Old Town. During San Fermín, streets are packed with revelers; arrive at bullrun spots two hours in advance for good views. The rest of the year, the city is tranquil yet vibrant, ideal for walking through parks and exploring historical sites.

The most iconic time to visit is during San Fermín (July 6-14), when the city transforms into a massive street party. July 5 features PETA's 'running of the nudes' protest. For a quieter experience, visit in spring or fall when weather is pleasant and fewer tourists visit.

Pamplona's bullring (Plaza de Toros), built in 1922 and holding 19,000+ people, is the second largest in Spain. Free entry to watch student bullfighters practice is available some mornings at 11:00 during San Fermín. The Gothic Cathedral, constructed in the 14th-15th centuries with a neoclassical façade from 1783, is one of Spain's most important religious buildings. The Museo de Navarra in a 16th-century hospital features Roman artifacts, 2nd-century mosaics, Romanesque art, and an important Goya portrait.

The Sanfermines festival begins with the txupinazo rocket fired from City Hall at noon on July 6. The encierro (running of the bulls) happens daily at 08:00 (not on the 6th), with six bulls running through town to the bullring. Arrive by 07:30 if running; police will eject drunk runners, and cameras are prohibited. CA Osasuna plays football in La Liga at Estadio El Sadar (capacity 23,500), 1.5 km south of center. Nightly fireworks shows during San Fermín compete near the Ciudadela fortress.

Navarra's cuisine excels in vegetables: asparagus, artichokes, and piquillo red peppers from Lodosa. Tapas are called 'pintxos' and do not come free with drinks; expect small nouvelle cuisine dishes worth trying. Menús del día for lunch are budget-friendly, while dinner starts around 21:00. Many eateries close at 15:30 outside festival time. Local wines include tinto (red), clarete or rosado (rosé). Patxaran, a local licor, and sangría are popular drinks. Calle San Nicolas, Calle Estafeta, and Calle de Jarauta are lined with bars, pubs, and bodegas—most without signs.

Shop for Navarrese wine, Patxaran liqueur, local ham, and peppers from Lodosa. Asparagus from Navarra makes an excellent gift. Festival memorabilia includes small bulls, red and white clothes, and T-shirts. Kukuxumusu has a shop on Estafeta Street. Old Town has kiosks selling Navarrese handicrafts. Echeve (Calle Mercaderes 29) sells handcrafted items including botas (wineskins). Las Tres ZZZ (Calle Comedias 7) offers wineskins, neckerchiefs, and gerriko belts.

Budget options include Albergue Municipal de Peregrinos (€10/night) at Calle Compañía 4, popular with pilgrims. Mid-range hotels include Avenida (single €89, double €145) and Hotel Eslava (single €69, double €145), a 10-minute walk from the bus station with balconies. Hotel Tres Reyes near the ancient citadel offers doubles at €170-599 with pool and sauna. NH Iruna Park near the university has doubles from €129-391. Luxury option La Perla on Plaza del Castillo ranges €162-1,485/night.

Fifteen people have been killed in Pamplona bull runs since 1911—watch for bulls. Pickpockets are prevalent during San Fermín; gypsies offering palm readings are suspect. Do not wear flip-flops or sandals during the festival due to filthy streets and broken glass. Traditionally, locals wear white shirts and pants with red neckerchiefs and scarves. Police eject anyone drunk attempting the bull run.

As of June 2022, Pamplona has 4G coverage from MasMovil/Yoigo and 5G from Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. Most hotels, bars, and restaurants offer free WiFi.

Budget travelers can eat well on menús del día (lunch) for €10-13. Pintxos bars offer great value. Accommodation starts at €10 for pilgrim hostels, mid-range hotels average €69-145. Local wine is affordable; Patxaran costs a few euros per shot.

San Sebastián/Datostia on the Basque coast offers charming old port views and beaches. Zaragoza features an impressive cathedral and Moorish palace. The French Way of St. James passes through, with stops at Logroño to the west and Roncesvalles to the east.

San Sebastián/Datostia is a charming old port on the Basque coast. Zaragoza has an impressive cathedral and Moorish palace. The Way of St. James (French Way) continues west toward Logroño and east toward Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees. Other nearby stops include Uterga and Zubiri.