Pamplona, or Iruña in Basque, is famous throughout the world for one reason: the Fiestas of San Fermin, which are undoubtedly a unique event that attracts over a million people to the town to enjoy themselves among bulls, parades, fireworks and a whole lot of fiesta. Although if you’re looking for a different type of holiday in Pamplona, the town offers much more than San Fermin.
Pamplona’s old town, “lo viejo”, as it’s known by the locals, is the ideal place to get lost in its narrow streets and small squares, sprinkled with interesting historical monuments. One of the highlights is the cathedral of Santa Maria La Real, which combines a Gothic interior with a neoclassical façade and has a beautiful cloister. Also check out the Town Hall, with a balcony where the chupinazo, a rocket that marks the official beginning of the San Fermin festivities is let off. Nearby is Plaza del Castillo, a square ideal for sitting down for a drink on one of its terraces while taking in the beautiful buildings that surround it. Don’t forget to take a walk around the Citadel, an impressive fortification from the 16th century with five bastions, surrounded at their base by the romantic gardens of La Taconera.
It’s easy to find cheap holidays to Pamplona, enabling you to enjoy not only the charm of the town but also its unique natural surroundings. Spend the day at the Urbasa-Andía Nature Park, located an hour and a half from the city, and admire its beautiful waterfalls and deep turquoise pools.
If you find a package holiday in Pamplona that includes flight, you’ll land at the airport in Noain, four miles from the town. If you prefer, you can also travel to Pamplona by train from the main cities in northern Spain or from Madrid, by bus or by car.
Whether you come to experience the emotion of the San Fermin festival, or whether you drop by on your way to somewhere else, as a part of the Camino de Santiago or on a weekend getaway, no doubt you’ll leave this splendid city with memories you’ll never forget.
