I’ve left Andalucía! Pamplona – part of the Basque Country: Iruña historically but also known as Pampeluna in English. It is the capital city of the chartered community of Navarre.
How did I get here?
Train, train and another train. Oh and then a bus (but that wasn’t in the plan). Easy journey. Fuengirola to Malaga-María Zambrano, Malaga to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha (the biggest and busiest rail hub in Spain), Madrid to Pamplona-Iruña. 3 days before my trip message from Renfe. Work on the tracks means my train journey will end at Tafalla, 30km south of Pamplona. Bus provided so all good. Same on the reverse trip. Departure time brought forward 30 minutes, no biggy.
A little bit of background
The city is famous worldwide for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival. Held annually from 6 July to 14 July. This festival was brought to literary renown in 1926 with the publication of Ernest Hemingways’s novel, The Sun Also Rises . It is also home to Osasuna, the only Navarrese football club to have ever played in the Spanish Top Division.
On this occasion, another festival brought me to this wonderful city. Flamenco on Fire is an annual event in August. This year spanning 23rd August until 1st September. Neighboring towns Viana and Tudela host the performances that kick off this music and dance spectacular which culminates with Grandes Conciertos in Pamplona. Great venues such as Baluarte | Eventos y Congresos en Pamplona and Sala Zentral www.zentralpamplona.com
Israel Fernandez Pura Sangre
But what else does this city have to offer?
Inicio – Museo de Navarra – navarra.es Much more interesting than I thought or expected. Like most museums, it offers permanent collection, that includes a portrait of the Marquis of San Adrián, painted by Francisco de Goya in 1804 but also hosts temporary exhibitions. A real gem, with admission priced at 2 euros. 
Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona. A beautiful landmark in the city, very tranquil and restful inside. The city walls behind, offer stunning views and can provide a great outline for a walk.
Museo Universidad de Navarra (unav.edu) I wasn’t able to visit on this trip. The site was closed due to preparations for the their latest exhibition, unfortunate timing. I’ve been before and depending on the program and your interests, strongly recommend a visit. It’s on the outskirts of the city but the campus offers green open spaces, making the walk very pleasant. Staff are helpful and welcoming.
Food, Food, Food
Shed loads of choice. I was not disappointed in any of the bars and restaurants I visited, so just go for it! Best advice, hang with the locals and remember kitchens tend to open later in the evenings!
Sites around the city & a place to stay
Hotel Europa Hotel y Restaurante | Hotel Europa Pamplona | Navarra Europa’s central location ensures a steady flow of visitors around the year. The hotel with 25 rooms for travelers, comes with a restaurant that has won a Michelin Star. Serving traditional Spanish delicacies and special Navarra items, the wine cellar is quoted as something not to be missed. My room was a small double, with chic decoration, clean an comfortable but sadly no view.
Images of a day in Pamplona and
Day trip options
Pamplona has more than enough to offer. But, if you want to explore further north you’re a stone’s throw, well, a bus ride away from San Sebastián. Check out the Alsa App for details. Officially known by the bilingual name Donostia / San Sebastián. The city lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km from the France–Spain border.
Feedback & Sharing
As ever, my aim is to encourage folk to travel and give a glimpse of what’s on on offer in this huge and wonderful county. If you like what you read, please share site details with friends & family. If you’re not able to go, I hope what I write is shows the culture a good light. Happy to receive comments. Enjoy and stay safe.