Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, is a city with great history and culture. It is known all over the world for the Sanfermines festival, but it offers much more than this celebration. We suggest what to see in Pamplona and the surrounding area so that you don’t miss some of the most beautiful places in Navarre.
What to see in Pamplona/Iruña
A tour of the most emblematic places in the city, perfect for any visitor who wants to get to know its essence and history:
Plaza del Castillo
The Plaza del Castillo is the heart of Pamplona, or Iruña in Basque. This open space, surrounded by historic buildings, has been the epicentre of the city’s social life for centuries.
It was once the site of castles, hence its name, and today it is the perfect place to relax on a terrace, enjoy a coffee or stroll around.
It is also home to the famous Café Iruña, a place steeped in history, with a statue of the writer Ernest Hemingway, who used to frequent the square.
You will see it often, as it is normal to pass by this square several times, as it is a meeting point for tourists and locals alike.
Picture: Castle square Navarra, to Noemi Aiala
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real is an architectural treasure that stands out for its neoclassical façade and Gothic interior.
Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, the cathedral houses the tomb of Charles III of Navarre and his wife, Queen Leonor of Castile, which gives it great historical value.
One of the cathedral’s greatest attractions is its cloister, considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
The walls of Pamplona/Iruña
The city preserves a large part of its ancient walls, which surround the old quarter and extend for almost five kilometres.
These walls form one of the best-preserved defensive complexes in Spain and offer an excellent opportunity to stroll around and admire the city from the heights.
You can start your tour in the Parque de la Media Luna, and then continue along the walls to the Portal Nuevo, enjoying the views and the contrast between the stone and the surrounding gardens.
The Pamplona/Iruña Citadel
The Citadel is a clear example of Renaissance military architecture.
Built in 1571, this star-shaped pentagon fortress was designed to protect the city from enemy attacks.
Today, the Citadel has been transformed into a green space open to the public, ideal for strolling among its moats and bastions, and enjoying the open-air art exhibitions organised in its pavilions. Undoubtedly a perfect place to relax.
Picture: Citadel, Navarra, to Francis Vaquero
The route of the running of the bulls
The running of the bulls is undoubtedly one of the most famous aspects of Pamplona thanks to the Sanfermines, and even if you don’t travel during the fiesta, you can still walk the route that takes you from the start of the running of the bulls to the bullring.
This route, which is almost 900 metres long, will take you through historic streets such as Estafeta and Mercaderes, where you can enjoy a wide variety of pintxos in the local bars.
You will also be able to see the monument to the running of the bulls, a sculpture that pays tribute to this iconic event.
The route will allow you to experience the atmosphere and excitement surrounding this tradition that is so deeply rooted in the local culture.
Picture: Bull run, Navarra, to Javier Campos
La Taconera Park
To enjoy a break in the midst of gardens and animals, there is nothing better than a visit to the Taconera Park, the oldest and most emblematic park in Pamplona.
This park is a great attraction, as it has animals that live in its moat, such as deer, ducks and peacocks.
A stroll through this park is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the green surroundings while observing the fauna.
Picture: Taconera’s park, Navarra, to Francis Vaquero
What to see around Pamplona/Iruña
Beyond Pamplona, the surrounding area is home to authentic natural treasures that are well worth a visit. Here are some of them that you should not miss:
Castle of Javier
The Castle of Javier is one of the most important historical monuments in Navarre, not only because of its imposing structure, but also because it is the birthplace of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of Navarre.
This medieval castle, built in the 10th century as a watchtower, has been restored several times, maintaining its character and splendour.
A visit to the castle will allow you to delve into the medieval history of the region, touring its towers, chapels and rooms, and enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, every March, thousands of pilgrims flock to the castle for the Javierada, a pilgrimage in honour of the saint.
Imagen: Javier Castle, Navarra, to Francis Vaquero
Lumbier Gorge and Arbayún Gorge
A few kilometres from Pamplona are two of the most impressive gorges in Navarre: the Foz de Lumbier and the Foz de Arbayún.
Both gorges have been sculpted by the rivers Irati and Salazar, creating rocky walls that reach a height of 300 metres.
The Lumbier Gorge is accessible by a simple hiking route, perfect for enjoying a stroll through nature while following the course of the river Irati.
On the other hand, the Arbayún Gorge is an ideal place for bird lovers, as it is home to one of the largest colonies of vultures in Europe, and the Iso Viewpoint offers impressive views of the canyon.
Both are ideal for an excursion from Pamplona.
Picture: Arbayún, Navarra, to Francis Vaquero
Source of the Urederra
The source of the Urederra, whose name in Basque means ‘beautiful water’, is one of the most impressive places in Navarre.
Located in the Sierra de Urbasa, this natural enclave surprises visitors with the turquoise waters of its pools and waterfalls, which create a magical landscape.
The route that leads to the source of the river Urederra is simple and accessible, making it a perfect option for an excursion with family or friends.
The 6-kilometre route along footbridges and paths will allow you to admire this corner, where the sound of the water and the vegetation will make you feel like you are in a true natural paradise.
Irati Forest
The Irati Forest is the second largest beech forest in Europe. This immense forest is a place of great biodiversity and beauty, which attracts many nature and hiking lovers.
The Irati Forest can be accessed from the Aezkoa and Salazar valleys, offering numerous hiking routes of varying difficulty, perfect for getting lost among the trees and enjoying the tranquillity of this corner of Navarre.
Among the points of interest in the area are the Irabia reservoir and the Ori peak, which offer spectacular views of the landscape.
Zamariain Viewpoint
The Zamariain viewpoint is one of the most impressive panoramic points in the Aezkoa Valley.
This natural balcony offers a spectacular view of the valley, and is the ideal place for photography lovers, or also for those who are looking for a moment of peace and quiet with views of nature.
The viewpoint is located a short distance from the Irati Forest, which makes it a perfect stop to complement an excursion to this area.
From here, you will feel like you are floating above the valley, enjoying one of the most impressive landscapes in Navarre.
With these places surrounding Pamplona, you can complement a trip to the city in a much more complete way, from medieval castles to dreamlike landscapes, you can enjoy rural tourism in Navarre and all that the region has to offer.
