Pamplona Travel Tips
Running of the Bulls, Inc., PamplonaBalconies.com’s owner, has won the coveted Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for the second year in a row. The award is based on the reviews of actual guests, and their ratings of the service provided during the company’s tours of Pamplona. Responding to news of the award, Mark Hellmann Regouby, President of the company said, “We are so grateful for our wonderful guests, and appreciate the fact that they took the time to review their experience traveling with us in Pamplona. Years ago, we chose to differentiate ourselves in the market by providing 5-star service, and it has resulted in great relationships with our guests, and even new friendships that have lasted for years. Our … read more
PamplonaBalconies.com and Running of the Bulls, Inc. were recognized by TripAdvisor for providing superior guest experiences. The 2015 Certificate of Excellence is awarded to companies that consistently receive excellent ratings from their guests. Commenting on the award, the Founder and President, Mark Hellmann Regouby said, “Our guests’ experience in Pamplona is our #1 priority for us. We are pleased that we are able to not only be the largest tour operator in Pamplona, but at the same time, consistently provide an unparalleled guest experience. This is due in part to the fact that our team travels to Pamplona to personally host our guests, but also a result of our excellent hotel, restaurant and other hospitality partners.” We look forward to … read more
We would like to thank Elijah for sharing with the world his experience in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls. This young blogger, enjoyed San Fermin with us in 2013. We not wants to share with the world what the Running of the Bulls and San Fermin is like through a child’s eyes. Why did you decide to travel to The Running of the Bulls? I decided to go see the running of the bulls because it sounded fun. I was going to Spain anyway for summer holiday, plus I chose Spain as the country for a school report, so I read about it. But I was already interested in the running of the bulls before I researched it … read more
Tired of traveling and bringing home a boring fridge magnet? Do you always promise to bring your family and friends a gift when you visit a foreign country and spend half you holiday looking for the perfect souvenir but still end up finding nothing and settling for the the magnet? Well that won’t happen in Pamplona! In this post I will try to help you find the perfect souvenir to remember The San Fermin Festival AND bring home the perfect gifts for family and friends. One of the most typical gifts is the “pañuelico” or “Faja”, which you can find in many stores around all town Pamplona, as I published in our previous post about “What should I wear to … read more
One of the most common question that people from US ask me when I meet them is, “What do you miss most from Spain?” My answer, after family and friends, is easy, THE SPANISH FOOD! Spaniards love good food. We expect to have a variety of fresh and quality food. Since very young age we see how important food is in our lives. In Spain we like long meals followed by a long conversation in good company. The perfect meal includes many types of food and, of course, the finishing touch at the end, good wine. Where do I begin with everything Pamplona has to offer? With the world class food, the year-round cultural events, for example, seafood art, during … read more
Carlos Ciriza (www.carlosciriza.com) is one of the most recognized painters and sculptors from the Navarre region with more international potential. I would also like to discover further possibilities that the Navarre has to offer, regarding art and culture. We can find works by Carlos Ciriza in museums, parks, highways, public and private collections, and distributed in 23 countries. In Pamplona only two museums house his work and are not equipped to display more of his pieces. One of Carlos’ sculptures, entitled “The World of the Bulls”, is located outside the bullring in Pamplona. With this sculpture Mr. Ciriza wanted to capture his love of his city and the Festival of San Fermin. Carlos’ other piece of work in Pamplona is … read more
In Pamplona, during the festival of San Fermin the best choice is to get around by walking or public transportation (if your hotel is away from city center), because vehicles are not allowed in the center of the city from July 5th to July 14th. If you are coming to Pamplona by car, the best option is to park in a parking lot. All of our hotels have private parking to park your cars in a safe place, but if you don’t stay at any of the hotels we work with, here’s my recommendation: Plaza de Toros Parking C/ AMAYA s/n, PLANTA BAJA 31002 – PAMPLONA Phone: +34 948 212 046 Carlos III Parking Avenida Carlos III Baluarte Parking PZA … read more
The climate of Pamplona during the festival of San Fermin varies widely. Usually it tends to be hot and dry, but some years the weather has been rainy and cold, particularly late at night or early in the morning. To plan for your trip to Pamplona, check the forecast for this year at the following website: Weather-Spain.com If you plan to watch the running of the bulls, do not forget to bring a sweater or jacket, because while you wait for the run, it can be chilly. Usually the mornings are temperate but the afternoons are hot. If you are going to watch the bullfights in sun section, the weather may be pretty hot…. but don’t worry, you can bet … read more
As I have mentioned in previous posts, the San Fermin festival is a celebration for all ages, and few cities can claim to have a variety of different events and activities that both children and adults can enjoy together. To know what children might enjoy the most, it is best to go directly to the source. I decided to interview Ane and Sarai Martinez, two sisters, from Pamplona, aged 8 and 11 years old that look forward to festivals each year. What does the San Fermin Festival mean to you? San Fermin means fun and activities. We had a great time because we do many things from morning until night. We play and dance all day long. And what do … read more
Over time, I have been surprised by the large number of tourists that come to Pamplona to enjoy the festival. I assume that when each one sees the procession or the figure of the saint (San Fermin) in scarves, posters, etc.. they must wonder … who was he?? Well, in this post, we will put aside the bulls, the party, the drink and food to learn the history of the saint behind the festival: The Sanfermines, better known worldwide as the Running of the bulls, owe their name to the son of Firmo, a senior Roman administration official that ruled Pamplona in the third century, and his wife Eugenia. The young Fermin was baptized by San Saturnino (Pamplona’s Patron) in … read more
Iñaki Gonzalez began attending the running of the bulls 27 years ago. In this interview he shares his significant experience for those that are interested in participating by running or by watching this dangerous and traditional event that takes place every year in Pamplona from July 7 to July 14. Since you are an experienced runner, we would like to hear more about your background so our customers will learn about the run and how the locals experience the running of the bulls. Could you explain us when and why did you decided to run the bulls? Although I began running when I was 18, I had wanted to run since my mother took me to watch the run when … read more
In addition to the Bulls, as at any crowded and large public party like the Festival of San Fermín, there are other hazards that you must be conscious of while enjoying your time in Pamplona. Here is a list of things to keep in mind: Pickpockets Pickpockets in Pamplona see visitors an “easy prey.” Although these thieves usually do not resort to violence, they will seek out unsuspecting or naive tourists in crowded areas. I recommend that you don’t carry large amounts of money, and if you carry cash, always keep it in a small closed bag under your clothes. When you go through a crowd be alert so no one can take anything from your pocket. Do not wear … read more
The “pastores”, are one of the most important figure of the running of the bulls, without which there would be the proper functioning thereof, are located behind the bulls with their rod, to try to keep the bulls herd compact, and to draw the attention of those annoying, quote or touch the animals. Miguel Reta, one of the best-known pastores of Pamplona, going to tell us his vision of the encierro during San Fermín Festival, and will help us understand the importance of their work. Just left 116 days to reach the festival of San Fermin and I’d like people who are not of Pamplona, understand because there are men dressed in green and with a stick in his hand … read more
Some people think that the bulls run many times during the day, some others think that just on July 7th take place the running of the bulls… I think that before you come to Pamplona to enjoy the San fermín Festival, you have to know this interesting information that I found at the Web of the Council of Pamplona. Time: 8 am Dates: From 7th to the 14th of July Route: 848.6 metres. Santo Domingo, Plaza Consistorial, Mercaderes, Estafeta and the Bullring. Average duration: 3 minutes and 55 seconds Speed of bulls: 24 km/h The longest Bull Run: 30 minutes (11th of July 1959). A Miura bull dropped behind the herd and it was necessary to use a dog to … read more
I admit, I’m a mess when it comes to planning Sanfermin clothes. Year after year it is the same song … July 5th comes and I don’t have the clothes ready for the Festival…. As always, I have to run, and visit to the stores where I can find cheap white pants and T-shirts, but that’s when I live in Pamplona. A few years I have luckily been able to reuse some pants, but last year this was not the case and I ended up buying 5 new pairs of pants and a few shirts for the entire festival (9 days toal). If you don’t live in Pamplona, it is even more difficult, so here’s what I recommend… go to … read more
Pamplona is the capital of Navarra, a city with a population of 197,932 and has become known worldwide her Festival, The Sanfermines! This year, at PamplonaBalconies.com, we have a private service for transfers that transport you from anywhere in Spain to Pamplona. Our private transfer services is a quick and convenient way to reach the city rested for maximum enjoyment! Whether you prefer to arrive via plane, train or bus, here are some tips that will help you organize your trip. By Plane Pamplona/Noain Airport Address: Ctra. Pamplona – Zaragoza, km. 5 Online reservations: Rumbo or Iberia As it is not a large city, Pamplona does not have a big airport. Consequentially, it can be expensive and complicated to fly … read more
Personally … I will always recommend that you watch! I have attended the San Fermin festival for 28 years and have not yet run. I don’t miss out on the fun by not running, that I would not enjoy it or that I’m a coward. Running with the Bulls is an dangerous adventure, and you should be excited but understand that you will be running with 6 large animals very nearby. If you are not 100% sure what you do … do not run! If you have doubts, I advise that first you watch the run from a balony, the Plaza de Toros or from the sidelines, and then decide if you want to run the next day. The three … read more
If you are reading this you are probably planning to run with the bulls…..and if you want to run you may know that running with the bulls is dangerous. It requires some physical preparation, common sense and the desire for a once in a lifetime experience. Please enjoy a few tips so you have all the fun and less of the stress for a truly unique experience: Select in advance the section in which you run Many people think that running of the bulls means you run from Corralillo Santo Domingo in a straight line to the bullring … and this is far from reality. One of the most important keys to success is to understand and prepare for the … read more
One thing Spain is known for is its incredible food. Spain has several common local dishes, and each area in the country has its own specialties. Navarra, offers some of the best food in the country!! Our food is known for fresh and quality products. Fresh products cooked with love and shared with great company, make our food unforgettable. When I was a child, I remember helping my grandmother Manoli, prepare a special meal for San Fermín Day (July 7). Each year on that day, our family, celebrate the holiday with a special family meal. Like most other people, as a child I knew my grandmother was the best cook in the world. I was her little sous chef … read more
Have you tasted a Kalimotxo? The Kalimotxo is a characteristic drink of the area, a mixed drink made with red wine and coke. Yes. Red wine & coke. It may sound foreign and some hate it, others love it, but you can’t come to Pamplona and not give it a try…. During San Fermín Festival, the bars are open 24 hours a day, and you could try this drink at any of them at any time of the day. Below I’ve provided detail about some of my favourite bars. During San Fermin, many of the restaurants remove their tables and transform their space into a bar to meet the demand during the festival. Current and traditional SanFermin songs are played … read more
A good and cheap way to have dinner in Pamplona during Running of the bulls is to buy a sandwich and something to drink and go to the Vuelta del Castillo Park to watch the fireworks. Fireworks were first seen in Pamplona in 1595, and, since then, the fireworks have been an annual tradition of the San Fermín Festival. However, it was not until 2000 when these fireworks came to celebrate the Sanfermines Fireworks International Competition held from July 6th to July 14th. Every night, at 11:00 pm, thousands of people sit and look at the sky and see explosions of bright, colored light. This nightly half hour fireworks spectacle is an event you shouldn’t miss if you are in … read more
For me, the festival of San Fermín is much more than raging bulls, madness and alcohol. I was born on December 27th and 7 months later I was dressed like a Pamplonica. On July 6th, at noon, at the time of txupinazo, I was baptized at the same time the mayor of Pamplona initiated one of the best parties in the world! Perhaps this is why I have so much affection for this week, days in which the young, old, rich, poor, local and foreigners alike dress in white and red, and celebrate at a party known worldwide for its tradition and revelry. Indeed, it is a party for all ages. As a child, I visited the … read more