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Pamplona is probably most famous for its yearly Running of the Bulls (El Encierro), which Ernest Hemingway immortalised in his novel, The Sun Also Rises. Pamplona's strategic location on the Arga River has made it a frequent target for Roman, Moorish, and French invasions dating back to 74 BC. The Basque language is widely spoken in Pamplona, which is a part of the Basque Country. Visitors may be confused when they find the name, Iruña, on street signs throughout the city, but it is simply the Basque term for Pamplona.
Book your Pamplona car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel for a fun trip across northern Spain. Prices for car hire in Pamplona start from just €32 per day for an economy class vehicle such as a Ford Fiesta or similar. For a compact car like a Seat Leon or similar, prices are around €51 per day.
Guide to Pamplona
Geography
One of Spain's most important cities, Pamplona serves as both a provincial and autonomous capital of Navarra province in northeastern Spain. As part of the fertile La Cuenca region, it may be found on the Arga River's western bank. The Pyrenees Mountains separate it from the rest of Spain, and it shares a border with France to the north.
Climate in Pamplona
Temperatures are generally pleasant in Pamplona throughout the year. The hottest month of the year is August, and the winter months are chilly but not freezing. This means that Pamplona is a year-round destination.
Culture
Tradition has it that Julius Caesar's opponent Pompey (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) established Pamplona as a military colony in 75 BC during his expedition against Quintus Sertorius, leader of a rebellion against Rome.
Things to do in Pamplona
Wander through the Plaza del Castillo
Pamplona's main square is often referred to by residents as their 'cuarto de estar,' or living room – to get a sense of the city's bustling vibe. Public events, concerts, religious processions, and bullfights were staged here until 1844. Concerts are staged in the centre of the square, where there is a stone bandstand, especially during the San Fermin festival. Surrounding the square are 18th-century buildings with distinctive Spanish architecture and exquisite balconies, as well as stores, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating.
Watch the annual Running of the Bulls
Pamplona is world-famous for its annual Running of the Bulls, or El Encierro, which is part of the Fiesta de San Fermin, a festival that takes place from the 6th to the 14th of July every year. 12 fighting bulls and oxen race through the tight alleys of Pamplona's Casco Viejo, or ancient neighbourhoods, commonly known as La Navarreria. The 800m race is over in less than five minutes. Brave men and women in white uniforms and neckerchiefs, with remarkable fitness levels, steel nerves, and fine reflexes, race ahead of the bulls in an exciting stampede while being cheered on by onlookers. To have a good view, arrive at the venue as early as 6 a.m. and take your seat behind the wooden fence that lines the racecourse. Some places where you may watch the race in person include Plaza del Castillo, Paseo Sarasate, Avenida Carlos III, although it is televised too.
Admire the Catedral de Pamplona
The Pamplona Cathedral is a combination of different architectural styles that were built over several centuries. The current Gothic church, built in the 15th century, replaced an earlier Romanesque one. The Neoclassical façade, with soaring twin towers, was finished in 1799. The cathedral's major draw is its 14th-century Gothic cloister, which leads to the Barbazan chapel and the beautiful refectory. A silver-plated Virgin Mary and the remarkable alabaster tomb of Carlos III of Navarra and his wife, a 13th century Gospel book, a French reliquary of the Holy Sepulcher, the Lignum Crucis, and religious paintings and sculptures are among the other features inside the cathedral. You will be captivated by guided tours. You can also visit the cathedral's bell towers at certain times.
Eating out in Pamplona
There are numerous places to sample traditional Pamplona food. Most restaurants include a degustation menu, allowing diners to sample numerous small dishes over the course of a lunch or supper. Bar Gaucho is incredibly popular and a must-visit if you want to enjoy pintxos – the local tapas. During his time in Spain, Hemingway's favourite hangout was the 19th-century Café Iruna. This restaurant's classic art deco décor will undoubtedly appeal to your aesthetic senses. For breakfast, have a café cortado and a croissant a la plancha. Restaurante Europa has revolutionised fine dining, and dinner here will be remembered fondly. You can enjoy meals like a roast pigeon with grilled zucchini and caramelised onions in any of its nine modern dining rooms (two public and seven private).
Transport in Pamplona
Airport
Pamplona is served by Pamplona Airport (PNA) which is located around 3.7 miles from the city centre.
Getting Around Pamplona
Getting about Pamplona is simple, as you may take buses, cabs, trains, or hire cars. However, because it is a pedestrianised city, walking is the most convenient way to get around and cover most of the tourist attractions. There is also a taxi service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with many official stops located throughout the city. The bus station is in the city centre, while the Renfe train station in the San Jorge neighbourhood provides various lines connecting Pamplona to other Spanish cities. Many visitors also opt to hire a vehicle for maximum comfort and flexibility, especially if they are travelling in large groups.
