SightWalk the City Walls and RampartsPamplona's medieval fortifications are some of the best preserved in Spain. Walk along the top of the walls for panoramic views over the old town and the river valley below. The Ciudadela, a 16th-century star-shaped fortress, is now a public park and a perfect spot for a rest.
CityNavarra703 km to Santiago de Compostela
Pamplona
The capital of Navarra, famous worldwide for the San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival. A vibrant city with a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a star-shaped citadel, and some of the best pintxos bars in Spain.
AccommodationRestaurantCafeGroceryPharmacyATMTrainPost OfficeAirportBusPilgrim OfficeClinicWaterTobacconist
Pamplona is the capital of Navarra and one of the great cities of the Camino Frances. Famous worldwide for the San Fermin Running of the Bulls festival each July, the city offers far more than its fiesta reputation suggests.
The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real, the star-shaped Citadel (now a park), the Plaza del Castillo, and the narrow streets of the old town are all worth exploring. The pintxos (Basque tapas) bars along Calle San Nicolas and Calle Estafeta are among the best in Spain.
Pilgrims will find every service imaginable, from albergues and hotels to supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, and a hospital. The city is a natural rest day destination. The Camino enters through the Portal de Francia and exits via the university campus.
Where to stay
Beds in Pamplona, night by night
Every kind of bed in one place: online booking, direct-contact albergues, walk-ins and donativos. Live prices for your night.
November 7 to November 20Each night shows how many places you can book online and the lowest price. Select a night to see the detail.
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Saturday, November 7Albergue dorms and private rooms both count. Walk-in and donativo albergues never sell out online: arrive early in the day instead.
Prices come live from our booking partners and change with demand. Walk-in and donativo albergues are not counted here: they are in the full list at the bottom of the page.Explore
Explore Pamplona
The Camino through town, with prices where the beds are. Amber is the route; each pin is a place to stay.
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Things to do
Things to do in Pamplona
7 things
SightVisit the CathedralThe Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real sits in the heart of the old town. The 14th-century cloisters are considered among the finest in Europe. The Diocesan Museum inside houses an impressive collection of religious art. Look for the kitchen with its enormous chimney, one of only three medieval kitchens preserved in Europe.
SightRun with the Bulls RouteEven outside the San Fermin festival (7-14 July), you can walk the famous encierro route through the narrow streets of the old town. Start at the corrales on Calle Santo Domingo and follow the cobbled path uphill to the Plaza de Toros. Information plaques along the route explain what happens during the run.
FoodEat Pintxos on Calle San NicolasPamplona's pintxos scene rivals San Sebastian. Calle San Nicolas and Calle Estafeta are lined with bars, each with their own specialities piled along the counter. Order a glass of Navarra rosado and point at whatever looks good. Expect to pay 2 to 3 euros per pintxo.
SightVisit the Hemingway StatueErnest Hemingway put Pamplona on the literary map with The Sun Also Rises. A bronze bust of the writer stands outside the Plaza de Toros. Nearby, Cafe Iruna on Plaza del Castillo was his favourite haunt and is still open today, beautifully preserved in its original Art Nouveau style.
RelaxationRelax in the Parque de la TaconeraThe oldest and most beautiful park in Pamplona, just inside the city walls. Small deer, ducks, and peacocks roam freely. There are shaded benches, fountains, and a cafe. A perfect place to rest tired legs and watch the afternoon pass before dinner.
SightVisit the Museo de NavarraHoused in a former medieval hospital, this excellent museum covers the history of Navarra from prehistoric times through Roman mosaics to medieval art. The highlight is a collection of stunning Roman mosaics and a Goya portrait. Free on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Pilgrim tips
Tips for Pamplona from pilgrims
Short, practical advice from people who have walked through Pamplona.
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Getting here
Getting to Pamplona
How to reach your starting point from major cities and airports.
By trainBy Train
Renfe trains run from Madrid (3 hours), Barcelona (3.5 hours), and other Spanish cities to Pamplona station. The station is about 2 km from the old town. Local buses or a short taxi ride connect you to the centre.
By airBy Air
Pamplona Airport (Noain) is 7 km south of the city with limited domestic flights. Most international travellers fly into Bilbao (1.5 hours by bus) or Madrid (3 hours by train). Barcelona is also well connected by rail.
By busBy Bus
Alsa runs regular buses from Madrid (5 hours), Barcelona (5.5 hours), Bilbao (2 hours), and San Sebastian (1 hour). The bus station is next to the Ciudadela park, a short walk from the old town.
By taxi or transferBy Taxi / Transfer
Taxis from Bilbao Airport to Pamplona take approximately 1.5 hours. Private transfers can be arranged in advance.
Arrival day
What to do on arrival
Your checklist for arrival day in Pamplona.
Visit the Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino) at the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real. Your Credencial is your official Camino passport, needed for albergues and your Compostela in Santiago.
All accommodation
Places to stay in Pamplona
Our Koala Picks first, then donativos, albergues and hostels, hotels, and everything else. Within each group the best-reviewed places lead.
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Practical info
Practical information
Everything you need to know for your time in Pamplona.
Pilgrim Office / Credential
Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real, or the Asociacion de Amigos del Camino de Santiago at Calle Curia 11. Open during working hours.
ATM / Banks
Multiple ATMs throughout the old town, around Plaza del Castillo and Calle Estafeta. Major banks represented.
Pharmacy (Farmacia)
Several pharmacies in the old town and along Avenida Carlos III.