{"id":240863,"date":"2025-07-05T19:42:18","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T19:42:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/240863\/"},"modified":"2025-07-05T19:42:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T19:42:18","slug":"pamplona-has-so-much-to-offer-tourists-beyond-the-controversial-running-of-the-bulls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/240863\/","title":{"rendered":"Pamplona has so much to offer tourists \u2013 beyond the controversial Running of the Bulls"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\"The
\n\t\tOrnate facades of buildings on Historic Plaza del Castillo with restaurants and cafes in Old Town Pamplona, Spain famous for running of the bulls (Credits: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

Each year from July 6 to 14, thousands of thrill seekers head to northeastern Spain<\/a>, to Pamplona, for the Running of the Bulls.<\/p>\n

Visitors from all over the world flock to the city, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, to watch the bulls charge along a half-mile stretch towards the Plaza de Toros bullring, a sea of fearless runners in front of them.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a tradition that dates back to the 14th century, as part of the San Ferm\u00edn fiesta. And while the race itself lasts mere minutes, the aftermath can be bloody. <\/p>\n

\t\t\"The
\n\t\tThere\u2019s so much more to the city of Pamplona than its controversial Running of the Bulls (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Deaths from suffocation in pile ups have been recorded since 1910, with countless others injured. There have been several fatalities, most recently, in 2009, when a 27-year-old man was gored to death. <\/p>\n

The event has also been criticised for animal cruelty \u2014 after the initial spectacle, the animals are killed by professional matadors. For years, animal rights groups have been calling for it to be banned, with PETA dubbing it a \u2018cruel, disgusting gore-fest.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\t\t\"Pamplona,
\n\t\tThousands flock to the streets every year for the thrilling race (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\t\t\"People
\n\t\tSan Fermin Fiestas run from July 6 to 14 (Picture: Shutterstock\/Unai Beroiz)<\/p>\n

But, whether the event excites or horrifies you, that\u2019s not the only reason for Pamplona to be on your radar. As Lonely Planet<\/a> says, \u2018even when the bulls aren\u2019t thundering down the cobblestones through the centre of town, Pamplona makes a fascinating place to explore.\u2019\u00a0 <\/p>\n

There\u2019s a stunning cathedral, beautiful green spaces, and the place even counts Ernest Hemingway as a fan. <\/p>\n

Intrigued? Here\u2019s everything you need to know about a trip to Pamplona, for those who prefer to wander through the city\u2019s street, rather than run.<\/p>\n

Things to see and do in Pamplona
\nThe Hemingway route<\/p>\n

\t\t\"An
\n\t\tCaf\u00e9 Iru\u00f1a was one of Ernest Hemingway\u2019s favourite haunts (Picture: Richard Baker\/In Pictures via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Ernest Hemingway visited Pamplona in the 1920s, falling in love with the people and culture, spotlighting it in his 1926 novel,\u00a0The Sun Also Rises.<\/p>\n

Since then, Pamplona has been woven into Hemingway\u2019s legacy, with one of his favourite haunts being Caf\u00e9 Iru\u00f1a, located in Plaza del Castillo. Perfect for a light lunch, it also has a bar tucked away at the back that transforms into a nightclub.<\/p>\n

The city is also known now for its Hemingway route, which takes you on a tour of some of his most cherished spots. These include Castillo Square, the first place he laid eyes on upon arriving with his wife, and Gran Hotel La Perla, one of the oldest hotels in the peninsula.<\/p>\n

Pamplona Cathedral<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Cathedral
\n\t\tPamplona Cathedral is a sight to behold (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

When not walking in Hemingway\u2019s footsteps, you can explore cultural and historical landmarks aplenty in Pamplona.<\/p>\n

Pamplona Cathedral stands proudly in the heart of the city, a 15th-century Gothic church that offers free entry before 10:15am.<\/p>\n

Inside, you\u2019ll discover Spain\u2019s largest working bell\u2014it\u2019s 12 tons, and yes, it still rings today!\u2014and some fascinating statues.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re up for the climb, you can head to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city that look fresh off a postcard.<\/p>\n

Museo de Navarra<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Pamplona,
\n\t\tMuseo de Navarra is the perfect place to delve deeper into the city\u2019s history (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

If the cathedral has only whetted your appetite for learning about the city\u2019s history, then head to the Museo de Navarra\u2014entry is just \u20ac2.<\/p>\n

Housed inside a former hospital, the four-storey museum displays exhibits from prehistoric works to the 20th century, perfect to help you peel back the layers on Pamplona\u2019s past.<\/p>\n

Highlights include the\u00a0Map of Abauntz, which is one of Europe\u2019s oldest maps etched into a stone, plus intricate artwork from Baroque and Renaissance creatives.<\/p>\n

Archivo de Navarra<\/p>\n

\t\t\"Pamplona,
\n\t\tImmerse yourself in the offerings of the Archive (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve got the history bug, head to Archivo de Navarra. It houses documents that are centuries old and is itself one of the most ancient and emblematic historical buildings in Navarre.<\/p>\n

The Archive is the ideal spot for immersing yourself in the city\u2019s history in a welcoming, warm atmosphere, whether it be the cultural, political, or social evolution of the community. <\/p>\n

It also hosts special events, workshops, and guided tours to help deepen your understanding before you close the pages and head back outside to witness the buzz for yourself.<\/p>\n

Walls of Pamplona<\/p>\n

\t\t\"A
\n\t\tTake a trip back through time by strolling along the city\u2019s walls (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

For when you\u2019d simply prefer to be out in the open air, travel back in time by walking the walls of Pamplona.<\/p>\n

The city walls are one of the most interesting and best-preserved military structures in Spain, with King Philip II building the fortifications in\u00a01569.<\/p>\n

Initially, as a medieval city, Pamplona erected the walls to defend itself against invaders.<\/p>\n

Now, tourists can walk along the path between the Media Luna and Taconera parks, which offers the perfect juxtaposition of both serenity in the cold stones and an inviting green landscape in the background.<\/p>\n

What to eat in Pamplona<\/p>\n

\t\t\"\"
\n\t\tPamplona is home to 300 various bars and restaurants (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

For the foodies, you\u2019ll be spoiled for choice in Pamplona.<\/p>\n

With more than 300 restaurants, bars, taverns, and caf\u00e9s on offer, there\u2019s something for everyone, whether it be a cosy caf\u00e9 or a luxurious Michelin-starred experience.<\/p>\n

Renowned for its delicious cuisine, Pamplona is especially loved for its fresh vegetables, such as asparagus, onions, and wild mushrooms.<\/p>\n

As for traditional dishes you simply must sample before leaving, recommendations include txistorra, which is a type of thick sausage served in different ways, the most popular being chopped up in a bowl with scrambled eggs and fried potatoes.<\/p>\n

\t\t\"spanish
\n\t\tFrom light bites to luxurious three-course dinners, you won\u2019t go hungry here (Picture: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

Circling back to the bulls, yes, the people of Pamplona eat them too! Estofado de toro is a traditional bull stew made from bull\u2019s tails, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, red wine, and saffron.<\/p>\n

But if that\u2019s not your vibe, why not try ajoarriero\u2014salted cod mashed up with garlic\u2014or cordero al chilindr\u00f3n\u2014lamb, in particular stew, is huge in the north of Spain\u2014or, after all of that, one of the city\u2019s creamy desserts?<\/p>\n

Wherever you are in Pamplona, you won\u2019t go hungry.<\/p>\n

How to get to Pamplona<\/p>\n

There are currently no direct flights to Pamplona from the UK, so you\u2019ll have to make a pitstop, usually in another Spanish city, like Barcelona<\/a> or Madrid<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For example, if you were to head to the city for a long weekend in August (August 8 to 11), you could get flights with Iberia from London Heathrow<\/a>, making a stop in Madrid. The return journey would cost \u00a3351.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, Bilbao Airport is about 100 miles away, or a 2 hour drive, operating a direct route every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from Bristol Airport with Easyjet. A return trip in August (August 7 to 12) costs \u00a3162.98.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want to hire a car, trains with Renfe (Spain\u2019s national railway company) between the two cities are easy to navigate, and start at \u00a314 one way.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tSo much to see and do in Spain\t\t\t<\/p>\n

With locals in Spanish hotspots like Barcelona, Palma and the Canary Islands protesting against overtourism, why not try these alternative cities, with fewer tourists.<\/p>\n