Destination guides > Europe > Spain > Basque Country (Euskadi, País Vasco) & Navarre (Navarra, Nafarroa) > Pamplona (Iruña)
Pamplona (Iruña)
Pamplona (Iruña in Basque) means one thing to most backpackers - the famous Fiesta de San Fermíns, better known as 'running of the bulls'. Both the city and the festival where made famous by Ernest Hemmingway's novel, The Sun also Rises (also published under the title Fiesta).
If you're anywhere near Pamplona during July, you'd be crazy not to visit, but it is worth the visit at other times of the year as well. This elegant city has some good attractions including the Catedral de Santa Maria La Real and the adjoining Museo Diocesano. The other main attractions include the city walls and the citadel at Parque de la Ciudadela.
Practical information
Pamplona Tourist Information Centre
Calle del Duque de Ahumada 3, Pamplona
Tel 948 220 741
Accommodation
If you're here for the running of the bulls, you'll either have to book well in advance and pay around three times the regular rate, take your chances sleeping in the park or commute in from Vitoria or San Sebastián. You should lock your bags at the station if you're sleeping in the park, and loads of people do this during the Fiesta.
Another popular option, particularly if you're travelling via London, is to book a week-long tour to Pamplona from London. These camping tours work out excellent value, especially considering that they are the only practical way to have accommodation during the festival. Companies operating these trips include the Backpacker Company and PP Travel and advertise in free backpacker magazines in London. You may want to contact these places to ask about the chances of booking either accommodation only or a one-way tour.
Albergue Juvenil Fuerte del Príncipe
Calle de Goroabe 36, 31005 Pamplona
Hostel Hemingway
Calle Amaya 26, 1º izquierda, Pamplona 31004
Tel 948 983 884
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