When October paints Pamplona in golden and crimson hues, most travelers have long forgotten about it, assuming life here pauses until the next San Fermín. But the city, as if shedding its noisy mask, reveals a special charm. During this time, tranquility reigns, and the streets fill with the aromas of fresh mushrooms, young wine, and seasonal vegetables.
Pamplona boasts one of the most impressive fortress systems in Europe. The five-kilometer-long walls encircle the old center, almost as if embracing the city and preserving its past. Lookout points offer views of the Arga River and surrounding hills, while a walk through the ancient gates becomes a journey through centuries, where every tower and stone recalls the battles and victories of the Kingdom of Navarre.
Within these walls lies a Gothic gem — the cathedral of Santa María la Real, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Its elegant cloister is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, and in the shade of its arches rest monarchs Charles III and Leonor of Castile. Nearby stands the former royal archive, restored by architect Rafael Moneo, where you can literally touch the region’s history.
Another pride of the city is the star-shaped Citadel, built by order of Felipe II to protect the northern borders. Today, its bastions have been transformed into green parks and exhibition halls, where contemporary art stands alongside centuries-old masonry. It’s a pleasant place to stroll among sculptures and ancient trees, forgetting about the passage of time.
The heart of Pamplona is its old quarter, where life pulses in Plaza del Castillo. Here, in Café Iruña and Hotel La Perla, Hemingway’s spirit still lingers. The narrow streets of Estafeta, San Nicolás, and Zapatería invite you to get lost among bars and shops, sampling the best of Navarrese cuisine.
The city’s gastronomy is a story of its own. Here, pintxos are more than just a snack—they are a ritual. From traditional chistorra and croquettes to signature creations with foie gras, truffle, or eel, every bar surprises with its approach. In autumn, the tables are crowned with mushrooms, grapes, and the famous pimentón from Lodosa. Dishes like lamb, migas, and ajoarriero preserve traditions, while local wines give each meal a special character. And, of course, the evening deserves to end with a glass of pacharán—the signature sloe and anise liqueur.
Pamplona is made for walking. At every turn, there’s something new to discover: the baroque façade of the town hall, the fortress-church of San Saturnino, and the city’s oldest park, Taconera, with its peacocks and sculptures. In the modern part of town, there’s Yamaguchi Japanese Park, perfect for relaxing by the ponds and wooden bridges.
In October, Pamplona invites you to slow down, savor its flavors and atmosphere, and immerse yourself in its history and architecture. When the crowds have vanished, the city reveals its true soul—calm, welcoming, and vibrantly alive.
