Luggage Storage Pamplona

More about Pamplona

About Pamplona

Pamplona is in the northern part of Spain, close to the French border and the Pyrenees Mountains that separate the two countries. The capital city of the autonomous region of Navarre, Pamplona has been an important place for the last 2000 years.

Founded as a military camp by Roman soldiers, Pamplona has passed through the hands of Visigoths and Franks in the Dark Ages before being conquered by the Moors. However, Pamplona eventually rejected Arab rule and became autonomous. This strain of independence remained even after the Castilian conquest that unified Spain, when Navarre preserved its own laws and customs. Pamplona spent centuries as little more than a fortress city, and as a result, no building was allowed inside the walls. This meant that the only way for the city to grow was up, and so Pamplona's old buildings became as tall as the technology of the time would allow. Due to this lack of space, industrial development was very limited.

It wasn't until the second half of the 20th century that Pamplona was finally allowed to grow. As a result, the city is divided into the Old Town and the new areas outside it. These days, Pamplona is considered to have one of the high standards of living in Spain, and it has become a center for immigration.

Things to do in Pamplona

This fiercely independent city has a unique culture that makes it a fascinating place to visit. Home to two universities and with close cultural ties to the equally autonomous Basque region of Spain, Pamplona is the perfect city to explore the many different populations that make up modern Spain.

• Risk life and limb for glory at the Running of the Bulls. This event is just one part of the San Fermin festival held in July, but it is the first thing most people think of when they talk about Pamplona. You can watch the runners pursued by the bulls, or even take part yourself. Remember, somewhere between 50 to 100 people are injured every year during the run, so make sure you have good health insurance.

• Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. This approximately 500-mile-long walking trail runs right through Pamplona, and is still walked today by people seeking spiritual enlightenment. Whether you're a believer or not, you can walk some of the trail and see the many churches, shrines, and other historic sites along the way.

• See state-of-the-art military technology from the 16th century at Ciudadela de Pamplona. The star-shaped fortress was developed in response to the increasing use of gunpowder by European armies. It never faced a siege, so remains in good condition. If you’re lucky, there may even be a concert taking place at the Citadel when you visit.

• See where the kings of Navarre were crowned at Santa Maria Cathedral. This well-preserved Gothic church is known for its 13th-century cloister and has been the spiritual heart of Navarre for hundreds of years.

• Learn more about the art and history of Navarre at the Museo de Navarra. Located inside a former Renaissance hospital, this museum uses ancient artifacts to tell the history of the fiercely independent region that is often virtually unknown to outsiders.

Transit options in Pamplona

• Pamplona airport is small and is connected only to a few other Spanish airports. Many international visitors instead fly into Bilbao and catch a train or bus from there to Pamplona.

• Pamplona train station is close to the heart of the city and connects Pamplona via high-speed trains with Bilbao, Zaragoza, Madrid, and other cities throughout Spain and beyond.

• EHG operates 24 bus lines throughout Pamplona, making it easy to get around the city.

Luggage storage in Pamplona

The historical heart of Pamplona is not large. The quaint streets and beautiful squares make it the perfect city to explore on foot. There's no better way to soak up the atmosphere of this unique town.

You'll find getting around a lot easier if you can drop off your heavy bags at a luggage storage service in Pamplona. Bounce offers storage for any size of bags, and you can leave them for as long as you want while you explore, knowing they'll be safely looked after until your return. Let Bounce handle your bags so you can start exploring.

Activities and attractions near Pamplona

• San Fermin: Take part in the procession of San Fermin. There's more to Pamplona's biggest festival than the running of the bulls. The festival starts with a procession that seems to involve the entire city. To the accompaniment of musicians, the people of the town dress in white with red neckerchiefs and accompany the statue of St. Fermin as it is carried through the streets. The statute is also followed by giant papier-mâché figures that add to the carnival atmosphere. These crowds are no place to be carrying heavy bags, so make sure you leave them at a Pamplona luggage storage shop before attending.

• Urbasa Andia Natural Park: Rejuvenate amid nature at Urbasa Andia Natural Park. In between two mountain ranges, this park is the source of several of the region's rivers and is home to waterfalls, lakes, and lush forests. It's the perfect place to see a more natural side of Navarre.

• San Sebastian: Enjoy world-class beaches an hour outside of Pamplona at San Sebastian. The outlying islands block the currents of the Atlantic ocean, making these turquoise beaches calm and inviting. As if golden sand and clear water wasn't enough, San Sébastian is also one of Spain's best culinary cities, so you have plenty of options for dinner. Make the journey to the coast easier on yourself by dropping off heavy bags at a luggage storage service in Pamplona first.