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If your idea of holiday pleasure is embracing the possibility of being gored by an angry bull, then without doubt the city of Pamplona is the ideal venue for you. Timing is important if you want to be chased by a bull, as, contrary to what many people think, you don’t get the opportunity every day, just for about a week in July during the world famous annual San Fermin festival of which the highlight is the running of the bulls. This popular yet somewhat notorious event takes place in the Plaza de Toros, which is the center for some of Spain’s most important bull fights. The city of Pamplona is a very important center of Spanish history and culture, and is the capital city of the Navarre region where it is situated, as well as being regarded by the Basques as their historical capital.
Pamplona is known for the walls that line the city, and add so much to her character. Built in the16th century, these walls enclose a very wide and specious urban area containing many historical sites, important to the region and to Spain itself. One of the major attractions in Pamplona is the Taconera Park containing a number of highly imposing monuments dedicated to historical characters that have played a significant part in the local history of the region. At the rear entrance to the park, visitors will find the Fountain of Neptune designed and produced in the neoclassic mode by the famous sculptor Luis Paret. Every town and city in Spain has a night life, and Pamplona is definitely no exception. Nor only during the San Fermin festival but all year round, visitors and local congregate around the Plaza del Castillo for a glass of beer and a traditional usually hand cooked snack known as a ‘poteo’. Another entertainment area in Pamplona is the Avenida de Bayona. This is the place to find the best bars, night clubs and discos. The locals cater for every taste in music, from jazz to classical, and all for the price of a glass of the excellent local beers.
The area surrounding Pamplona is especially attractive for those who like to tour, hike and sight see. The highlight of these attractions is the lush Roncal Valley, overlooked several mountainous peaks reaching heights of more 2000 meters Another nearby trekking spot is the Salazar Valley, where at the town of Camino de Santiago it is possible to come upon on of the most famous monuments in all the Iberian peninsula, the Chapel of the Holy Ghost. Another must to see is the quaint and attractive village of Puente la Reina with it bridge dating back to the eleventh century.
Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Pamplona as well as the surrounding area. There are several pick up areas around the city with discounts are on offer for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire in Pamplona comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft - and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in Spain, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Pamplona as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the greater region. |