Where to park for Sanfermines 2023
Don't miss the most emblematic festival in Navarra, the Sanfermines. Find out where to park in Sanfermines and enjoy the best activities, concerts and gastronomy from July 6 to 14.
Author: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
At Parkimeter, we give you the best advice for parking during the Sanfermines 2023 so you don't miss a thing. On Thursday, July 6th, the Sanfermines 2023 begin, one of the most anticipated popular festivals of the year. At 12:00 noon is the "chupinazo," which marks the start of the most emblematic festivities in the community of Navarra. Pamplona dresses in white and red to celebrate once again its patron saint, San Fermín, with shouts of "Viva San Fermín! Gora San Fermín!"
Are you thinking of going to the Sanfermines festival and don't know where to park? Below, we explain everything you need to know to enjoy this experience and all the parking options during the Sanfermines in Pamplona.
What are the Sanfermines?
The Sanfermines are a traditional festivity celebrated annually in the city of Pamplona, in the autonomous community of Navarra, from July 6th to 14th. During these nine days, the city transforms into a colorful and joyful stage. The Sanfermines are known worldwide for their famous running of the bulls, but they also include a wide variety of cultural and festive activities. These festivals are so famous that even Hemingway used to attend!
During the Sanfermines, Pamplona comes alive with the arrival of thousands of people from all over the world. The festivity begins with the "chupinazo," a rocket that marks the start of the celebrations and is launched from the balcony of the City Hall. From that moment on, the city becomes a bustling stage where participants dress in white with red scarves around their necks. The most emblematic event of the Sanfermines is the bull run, which takes place every morning. Brave men and women gather in Santo Domingo Square and run ahead of the bulls through the narrow, cobbled streets of Pamplona until they reach the bullring. This exciting and adrenaline-filled event attracts both spectators and runners willing to live a unique experience. In addition to the bull run, Pamplona offers a wide range of activities during the Sanfermines. Visitors can enjoy parades of giants and big-heads, open-air concerts, fireworks displays, and traditional sports events such as Basque pelota. The city is also filled with bars and restaurants that offer the opportunity to taste the delicious Navarre cuisine, such as the famous pintxos and typical dishes (running ahead of the bulls works up a voracious appetite). We recommend planning your trip in advance so you don't miss anything, so check out the official program to find out which activities you shouldn't miss.
Parking in a parking lot during the Sanfermines 2023
Parking on the street may not be a very safe option. During this festivity, the streets are filled with tourists and people who may not be as civic-minded as you. It is very possible that your vehicle may get hit, dirty, or even vandalized. Despite the city of Pamplona increasing its security during these dates, the possibility is always there. Parking lots usually have additional security measures, such as surveillance systems and specialized personnel, that provide extra protection for your vehicle. By choosing a designated parking spot, you can reduce the risk of theft or accidental damage. Another advantage of parking in a parking lot is that if you reserve in advance, you will save a lot of time searching for parking. By opting for a parking lot, you avoid the stress of looking for a free space on the street, driving through congested streets, or worrying about parking availability. Parking in a parking lot will also help you avoid penalties: if you are not familiar with or attentive to the regulated area, you may be in for a surprise in the form of a ticket on your windshield! However, if you reserve a parking spot, that won't happen to you.
Accessibility is another point to consider. Parking lots are usually located in strategic places, close to the areas of greatest interest and influx during the Sanfermines. This facilitates walking access to the celebration sites, such as Plaza del Castillo or the running of the bulls route. By parking in a nearby parking lot, you will save time and energy by avoiding long journeys from a street parking spot. In addition, the vast majority of parking lots have direct elevator access to the street and specialized spaces for people with reduced mobility, so that everyone can enjoy the Sanfermines without exception. At Parkimeter, we are clear about it: the best option is to reserve your parking spot in advance.
Don't let the bull catch you off guard - reserve your parking spot in advance for the Sanfermines 2023!
Parking on the street during Sanfermines 2023
Parking during the San Fermín festivities in the Old Town of the city of Pamplona is a challenge due to its pedestrian zone status. However, the city offers regulated parking options in the surrounding areas, allowing you to enjoy the history, beauty, and bars and restaurants that make this area the main tourist attraction.
Pamplona has different regulated parking zones, identified by colors and rates: blue zone, green zone, orange zone, and red zone. The blue zone is mainly intended for residents, who have no time limit for parking. However, for non-residents, the maximum allowed parking time is 2 hours. The green zone is exclusive for residents, while the orange zone allows both residents with unlimited parking and users who wish to park for a maximum of one day. Finally, the red zone allows parking for both residents and non-residents during established hours. Outside of these hours, only residents will be able to park there.
Regulated Zone Schedule
The operating hours of the regulated zone are as follows:
- Blue and orange zones: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free on Sundays and holidays.
- Red and green zones: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Remember that it is important to carefully read the signage in parking areas. Checking the parking signs is crucial to comply with traffic regulations and avoid unnecessary fines. By doing so, we ensure road safety and respect for traffic regulations.
Please note that the city of Pamplona has excellent public transportation connections, allowing you to leave your car on the outskirts and travel on foot or use the bus, train, or even take a taxi to reach your main destination comfortably. Additionally, it is not a large city, so distances are not very long. Some parking areas away from the city center where you can leave your vehicle are:
- Azpilagaña (next to Miguel Astráin).
- Biurdana (where the impound lot used to be located)
- San Jorge (in Santra Engracia, near the train tracks)
What to see in Pamplona?
Is it your first time in Pamplona? Pamplona is a beautiful city with a great cultural and historical offering that goes beyond the Sanfermines festival. If you are visiting the city for the first time, you will find a city full of charm, history, and traditions. Here are some things you shouldn't miss:
- The Old Town: Strolling through the narrow, cobbled streets of Pamplona's Old Town is a unique experience. You will discover beautiful historic buildings, charming squares, and a large number of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
- Plaza del Castillo: Located in the heart of the city, this spacious square is the meeting point for locals and visitors. Here you will find outdoor cafes, lively terraces, and a wide variety of shops. It is the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Pamplona.
- Cathedral of Santa María: Pamplona's Gothic cathedral is an impressive building that you must visit. Admire its imposing facade and explore its interior, where you will find religious artworks and beautiful stained glass windows.
- Pamplona's city walls: Walk along the ancient walls that surround the Old Town and enjoy panoramic views of the city. This walk will transport you back in time and allow you to appreciate the beauty of Pamplona from above.
- Citadel Park: This park is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city. You can stroll through its spacious gardens, discover statues and monuments, and relax by the central pond. Additionally, the Museum of Navarra is located in the Citadel, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region.
These are just some of the many things you can see on your first visit to Pamplona.
The city has much more to offer, and as Parkimeter, we like to make sure you are well-informed to make the most of your trips. We recommend that you visit this link where you will find useful information for parking in different areas of Pamplona.
