Best of Pamplona

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Pamplona
Though its claim to fame is the Running of the Bulls and Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises, there's much more to Pamplona, and you'll find many reasons to visit the historic city outside its festival month. Pamplona is the capital of Spain's Navarra province, nestled in the country's north. Influences from neighboring Rioja and the Basque Country provide a mix of award-winning wine and Haute gastronomy. Additionally, Pamplona is brimming with unique culture, rich history, and outdoor experiences.

Highlights of the city include its medieval walls surrounding the charming streets of Casco Viejo (old town), the twisting Arga River lined with green spaces with resident peacocks, the impressive pentagonal fortress of Ciudadela de Pamplona from the 16th century, and the numerous pintxos bars, Northern Spain's answer to traditional tapas. Plaza del Castillo is an excellent spot to enjoy a caña (beer), copa (wine), and pintxos, especially before visiting city sites. Many travelers also use Pamplona as a base for exploring the surrounding area, including nearby cities like Bilbao, the vineyards in Rioja, or hiking areas like Parque Natural Valles Occidentales in the Pyrenees Mountains.
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Buildings on Plaza del Castillo in Pamplona
Map of Self-Drive in Basque Country, La Rioja & Navarra - 7 Days
Self-Drive in Basque Country, La Rioja & Navarra - 7 Days

Spend one week exploring three provinces of northern Spain with a road trip starting in San Sebastián. Enjoy urban walks, hiking, and sailing, then head to La Rioja and Navarra to visit cities like Pamplona and Logroño and enjoy the countryside and its vineyards. End in Bilbao, uniquely known for its eclectic public art and modern aesthetic.

Make a stop to check out Gaztelugatxe, a Basque island with a dramatic coastline and hermitage
Map of Basque Region & Wine Country Road Trip: Bilbao, San Sebastián, La Rioja & Pamplona - 7 Days
Basque Region & Wine Country Road Trip: Bilbao, San Sebastián, La Rioja & Pamplona - 7 Days

For wine lovers and foodies, this road trip in northern Spain takes you along the incredible Basque coastline with its rugged sea cliffs, charming fishing villages, and gastronomic cities, then into the rolling vineyards and hills of La Rioja and Navarra. Blend city walks with small towns, food tours, and an overnight stay at a winery in Spain's most famous wine region, Rioja.

Discover Basque Country with a stop in San Sebastián and explore La Concha Bay
Map of Self-Drive Northern Spain: San Sebastián, Pamplona, La Rioja & Bilbao - 10 Days
Self-Drive Northern Spain: San Sebastián, Pamplona, La Rioja & Bilbao - 10 Days

A road trip through Northern Spain offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural roots and diverse landscapes, from the coastal heritage of San Sebastián to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja. This 10-day excursion includes opportunities to explore unique traditions, cuisine, and architecture that define this corner of Spain, with stops in historic Pamplona and vibrant Bilbao.