Car Hire Pamplona - Mini guide to Pamplona
This city is best known for the tradition of the running of the bulls which occurs between 6-14 July every year. In the core of the city there is also a wealth of history, now surrounded by modern, high rise buildings.
The Plaza de Toros is located at the end of the town-walls close to the Arga River. Its tradition has made Pamplona world-famous as the location of some of Spain's most important bullfights, especially during the festival of San Fermin, a spectacular event that leads thousands of tourists to Pamplona each year.
The 16th century town-walls, enclosing wide urban areas, are still today very impressive and help to orientate the visitor. Taconera Park has several monuments to famous personalities and a neoclassical Fountain of Neptune by Luis Paret. At the end of the park there is the church of San Lorenzo, from the 18th century. The Cathedral’s most valuable asset is its claustrum. Also remarkable are its 15th century altar, the 14th century Barbanza chapel and the Fuente de la Cruz with the tombs of the Counts of Gades.
Around Plaza del Castillo you will find a large number of traditional bars ideal for what the people of Pamplona call ‘poteo’. That means to have a glass of beer or wine, together with a snack. To find fashionable ambience at a later hour, try Avenida de Bayona where you will find plenty of cafeterias, English pubs, traditional bars, locals with live music of all styles - from Classical and Jazz to Techno - and discotheques.
The Roncal Valley, surrounded by several mountain peaks of more than 2000 metres in height, and the Salazar Valley, offer opportunities for beautiful excursions from Pamplona. At Camino de Santiago find one of the most legendary monuments on this culturally and religiously important medieval pilgrim-way: the Chapel of the Holy Ghost. Puente la Reina is said to be one of Spain's most beautiful villages. Especially worth seeing are its 11th century bridge and its centre which is enclosed by walls.
Pamplona Airport is located about 6kms from the city.
