Thrill and Chill: A One-Day Pamplona Adventure

Running with the bulls in Pamplona - an adventure of a lifetime.

22 April 2023

Pamplona is a charming city in northern Spain known for its yearly Running of the Bulls festival. As a tourist, you can explore the city's historic Old Town, visit the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine, particularly the tapas and wine. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby Pyrenees Mountains or cycling along the banks of the River Arga.

Day trip plan

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Day

The Running of the Bulls

  • Get up early to see the famous Running of the Bulls, a thrilling adrenaline-fueled event that takes place every day at 8 am during the San Fermin festival (July 6-14).
  • Head to a nearby cafe or bar to enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros con chocolate or bocadillo con tortilla.
  • Visit the bullring Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, where the bulls are led after the run, and learn about the history and cultural significance of bullfighting.
  • Take a stroll through the old town, wandering through the winding streets lined with colorful houses, charming squares, and historic buildings like the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria.
  • Stop for lunch at a pintxo bar, sampling the delicious Basque-style tapas like bacalao al pil-pil or txistorra con gulas.
  • Finish the day with a drink at Cafe Iruna, a historic bar that Hemingway frequented during his visits to Pamplona, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the festival.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pamplona by plane is to fly into Pamplona Airport, which is located approximately 6km from the city center. Flights are available from major cities across Europe, including London, Paris, and Madrid.

Car

The best way to reach Pamplona by car is by taking the AP-15 highway, which connects Pamplona to cities across Spain, including San Sebastian and Zaragoza. It is recommended to rent a car if you plan to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Train

Pamplona Train Station is located in the city center and offers convenient train services to cities across Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona.

Boat

There are no direct boat services available to Pamplona since it is located inland. However, you can reach nearby coastal cities such as Bilbao or San Sebastian by boat and then travel to Pamplona by bus or car.

Bus

Taking a bus to Pamplona is a convenient and affordable option. There are regular bus services available from cities across Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, and San Sebastian.

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