Pamplona Basics

Weather/Climate

Pamplona is situated in the heart of Navarre, set in the picturesque valley known as Cuenca de Pamplona (Basin of Pamplona). The largest city in the region lies in the footsteps of the Pyrenees on altitude higher than 400 m. Anyway, the climate in Iruna as it is called in the Basque language is classified as Oceanic (type Cfb by the Köppen-Geiger system) even the place is 100 km away from the Atlantic coast. The city is located in Northern Spain and is considered to welcome visitors with cooler weather compared to other parts of the country. However, the snow is rarely seen in the city during the winter, and the temperature holds on above zero Celsius. The summer is hot right when it’s time for the San Fermin festivities with average highs about 29 C. The rainfall is significant even in the driest season, so don’t forget to wear an umbrella or a raincoat.

Crime & Safety

Pamplona has one of the lowest crime rates in Spain as a whole. So, the city is quite safe (much safer than Madrid or Barcelona), and you can talk a walk without worrying even in the middle of the night. Well, be cautious if you are about to visit the place in the San Fermin time. Watch out for pick-pocketers if the city is crowded as it is in the first half of July.

Hospitals & Pharmacies

There are several hospitals in Pamplona, and the majority of these facilities are located in the south-western part of the city. Universidad de Navarra clinic is considered one of the best in the country. EU citizens can use EHIC-cards issued in their country to avoid significant expenditure in the case of a healthcare need or emergency. In Spain, you can find lots of pharmacies open all the time. Pamplona makes no exception. Call 112 for an emergency.

Public Toilets

There are not many public toilets in the heart of Pamplona. Travelers can find free of charge restrooms near the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), around Plaza del Castillo, and right next to Taconera Park.

Internet/WiFi

Finding WiFi for free in Pamplona isn’t hard at all, especially in downtown. You need to be around some of the famous locations such as Plaza del Castillo, Plaza del la Compania, or Monumento a Los Fueros. There are hundreds of free hot spots around the city. Practically, every coffee shop or restaurant will give you access to the web, even if not entirely for free. Grab a cup of coffee, and you will have it.

Can you drink the tap water?

The tap water comes from the Pyrenean springs. So, it is drinkable not only in Pamplona but throughout the whole region of Navarra.

Speaking

Everyone in Pamplona speaks Spanish. There is another official speech in the region – Basque. Even if it is the indigenous tongue of the area, it is not commonly used by all the people. And it is unlikely for a traveler to have a command of the Basque language and you will not need it unless you go to a remote village in the countryside. However, there aren’t many local people who speak English. In this sense, it is a bit harder to get around in Pamplona compared to other significant Spanish cities.