San Juan Donibane
Experience the electrifying San Fermín festival in Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls, or explore the charming coastal village of Pasaia Do...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
San Fermín festival
San Juan Donibane
Best Time
San Fermín festival

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the electrifying San Fermín festival in Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls, or explore the charming coastal village of Pasaia Donibane.
"San Fermín offers an unforgettable rush, while Pasaia Donibane provides a serene escape."
🎯 Arrive Early for Chupinazo
Get to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM Chupinazo start.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring Pasaia Donibane's charming streets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Running of the Bulls
Pamplona streets
Experience the adrenaline rush of bulls charging through the streets. A truly unforgettable, albeit intense, spectacle.

Chupinazo Opening Ceremony
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Pamplona
The explosive start to San Fermín! Feel the energy as the festival officially kicks off with cheers and celebrations.

Pasaia Donibane's Coastal Charm
Pasaia Donibane, Basque Country
Wander through this picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and a unique waterfront street.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for San Fermín
Navigating Pamplona's Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Chupinazo
Get to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM Chupinazo start.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring Pasaia Donibane's charming streets.
📱 Local Insights App
Check out local tips for San Fermín to discover hidden gems and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
🚢 Take the Green Boat
Cross to Pasaia Donibane from San Pedro on the charming green boats for scenic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Chupinazo
Get to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento by 7:30 AM for the 8 AM Chupinazo start.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring Pasaia Donibane's charming streets.
📱 Local Insights App
Check out local tips for San Fermín to discover hidden gems and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
🚢 Take the Green Boat
Cross to Pasaia Donibane from San Pedro on the charming green boats for scenic views.
🐂 Bullfight Tickets
Tickets for bullfights can be hard to get; book in advance if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
San Fermín is an electrifying festival, with the Running of the Bulls and the Chupinazo being major highlights that offer unparalleled adrenaline and energy. Visitors also praise the charm of Pasaia Donibane's picturesque coastal village. However, the extreme crowds and the controversial nature of the bull-related events are significant drawbacks for some.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pamplona is accessible by bus and train from major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Many visitors also fly into nearby airports and take a bus or taxi.
The city center is largely pedestrianized during San Fermín. Walking is the best way to get around, but be prepared for crowds. Public transport may be rerouted.
You can reach Pasaia Donibane by bus from San Sebastián or by taking a short ferry ride from the neighboring Pasaia San Pedro.
These locations are in different regions of the Basque Country. Traveling between them typically involves a train or bus journey, taking several hours.
Driving directly into the heart of San Juan Donibane is restricted due to its unique single-street layout. Parking is available nearby, and the ferry is a popular option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for bullfights vary depending on seating location and the specific event. It's advisable to check official sources or reputable ticket vendors for current pricing.
Yes, bullfight tickets can be in high demand, especially for popular days. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.
While watching from the streets is free, you can purchase tickets for designated viewing areas along the route or in the bullring for a more comfortable experience.
Pasaia Donibane itself is a public area and does not have an entry fee. You only pay for specific activities like boat rides or museum entries if you choose to visit them.
Attractions like small museums or historical sites may have varying hours. It's best to check their individual schedules, especially outside of peak tourist season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For an adrenaline rush, some participate in the run itself (with extreme caution and understanding of risks). Others prefer watching from balconies or the bullring.
Don't miss walking along the unique 'Donibane Kalea,' the main street, and enjoying the colorful waterfront houses. The ferry ride is also a highlight.
Expect a vibrant, energetic, and very crowded atmosphere with constant celebrations, music, and people enjoying themselves.
The village maintains its strong maritime heritage. You might see traditional rowing teams practicing, and local festivals often involve seafood and wine.
Running with the bulls is extremely dangerous and carries significant risks of serious injury or death. It is not recommended for the inexperienced or unprepared.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find plenty of tapas, pintxos, and local specialties. Seafood is popular, especially in coastal areas like Pasaia.
There are several charming restaurants and bars along Donibane Kalea, offering fresh seafood and local Basque cuisine.
While traditional Basque cuisine features meat and fish, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. It's always good to ask.
Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, dry white wine from the Basque Country, often enjoyed with seafood. It's a local specialty you should try.
Tapas and pintxos bars are generally more budget-friendly than full-service restaurants. Look for local spots away from the main tourist thoroughfares.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the energy of the Chupinazo, the dramatic moments of the bull run (from a safe distance!), and the festive street scenes.
The colorful houses lining the single street, the reflections in the water, and the boats create a picturesque scene. The ferry ride offers great vantage points.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, be mindful of private property and respect individuals' privacy.
Late afternoon light often provides a beautiful glow on the colorful houses and the water.
Yes, but always from a safe distance and with respect for the animals and the event.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill and Controversy of the Running of the Bulls
This tradition, while exhilarating for some, is also highly controversial due to the inherent dangers and the subsequent bullfights. Animal welfare organizations strongly condemn the event, highlighting the stress and potential harm to the animals. Visitors considering participating are urged to understand the extreme risks involved and to do so with utmost caution and respect.
For those who prefer to watch, securing a spot on a balcony along the route or in the bullring is recommended. Remember that the run begins promptly at 8 AM, so arriving very early is crucial for good viewing positions.
Discovering Pasaia Donibane: A Coastal Gem
Getting to Donibane is part of the experience. Many visitors opt for the short and scenic ferry ride from the neighboring town of Pasaia San Pedro, offering lovely views of the bay and the village as you approach. Once there, strolling along Donibane Kalea is a must. The atmosphere is tranquil, filled with the scent of the sea and the sounds of local life.
Donibane is an ideal spot for a relaxed day trip. You can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, perhaps trying the local Txakoli wine, and soak in the authentic maritime charm. The village also holds historical significance as a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
The Spirit of San Fermín: Beyond the Bulls
The festival also provides a platform for social and political expression. In recent years, attendees have used the event to voice solidarity with various causes, as seen with demonstrations supporting Palestine. This highlights how San Fermín, while rooted in tradition, also reflects contemporary societal dialogues.
Beyond the organized events, the true spirit of San Fermín lies in the communal celebration. Locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, share food and drink, and immerse themselves in the unique culture of Pamplona. Experiencing the festival involves embracing this lively, inclusive spirit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit