Pamplona is renowned worldwide for its Fiestas de San Fermin, a riotous festival climaxing in the famous 'running of the bulls', but there is much more to the city than this one-week fiesta in July. Those in the know will come to Pamplona any time of year to appreciate its history, beauty and stunning setting in Spain's northern province of Navarra. Once a powerful fortress town, it is today the prosperous capital of the region, and an important stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Visitors can wander through its beautiful Casco Antiguo, or old town, to admire ancient churches and elegant buildings, soak it all up with a coffee in the magnificent main square, or relax in the park along with the locals. A little energy definitely needs to be conserved for nightfall, however, as this is when Pamplona's bars and restaurants really come into their own, serving up delicious local specialities and tasty pintxos - their version of tapas - long into the night.
