Famed for the annual Festival of San Fermín — ‘The Running of the Bulls’ — Pamplona is in full celebratory mode every July. This is, of course, the busiest time to visit, but this medieval city is also marvellous when it’s quieter, and you can sample superb cuisine and admire heritage architecture without the crowds. A wide range of accommodation options, fit for a whole array of tastes and budgets, reflect the city’s popularity. Our selection of the best places to stay in Pamplona showcases two very different hotels — one traditional landmark and another ultra-modern new arrival.

The capital of Navarre, Pamplona is also the very first city on the Camino de Santiago’s Spanish Way, which winds towards Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. A legendary pilgrimage route, the Camino is in part responsible for the city’s many churches. The neoclassical Catedral de Santa María la Real y Museo Diocesano is one such highlight, and guided walking tours will lead you to a number of others. For a sense of Pamplona’s past, make for the Museo de Navarra or the Renaissance-era Ciudaela, surrounded by a leafy park. Pamplona lived within its medieval walls until the early 20th Century, and these are still well worth exploring.

To savour terrific regional fare, try the bars and eateries of Plaza del Castillo. Café Iruna, famously favoured by Ernest Hemingway, now boasts a statue of the writer. Pick a perch at one of the tables for a glass of Spanish wine and a taste of the fantastic pintxos. Hemingway first visited the city in 1923, taking a room at one of our Gurus’ picks of the best places to stay in Pamplona. Whether you’re retracing his footsteps, curious to see bulls racing through the streets in July or simply here for the food, Pamplona remains a very special destination.

The Best Places to Stay in Pamplona

For Heritage Luxury

• Gran Hotel La Perla was once Hemingway's hotel of choice when in Pamplona. A stunning building, this beautiful property now has 44 indulgent guest rooms with antique furniture and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. The superb Plaza de Castillo setting and excellent restaurant complete the picture.

For Contemporary Cool

• Alma Pamplona is a sleek, minimalist modern hotel on the edge of the city. Expect pared-back interiors with lots of pale wood, clean lines and crisp white linens. Light-filled guest rooms offer verdant views, and the best have private terraces and big bathtubs. The spa and fine dining restaurant are sensational. A superb addition to the city's hotel scene.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly into Pamplona Airport, and travel into the city by bus or taxi from there. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Navarre is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect a warm year-round climate, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C - 30°C between April and September. You'll find fewer crowds outside the school holidays - and appealingly cooler weather - in April, May or September.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Tudela.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Navarre.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Pamplona