The Pamplona Camino Urban Walk follows the waymarked Camino Francés through Pamplona's historic core and into the suburban village of Cizur Menor, covering roughly 9 kilometres of mostly flat to gently rolling terrain. The walk begins at the Puente de la Magdalena, Pamplona's medieval pilgrim bridge spanning the Arga River on the city's eastern edge, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the central Plaza del Castillo. No private vehicle is needed: the walk is reachable on foot from central Pamplona, and the return from Cizur Menor is served by Pamplona city bus line 16. No fee or permit is required. Pilgrim credentials for stamp collection are available from the Oficina del Peregrino on Calle San Francisco near the old city. From the medieval bridge, yellow-arrow Camino waymarks lead through the Puerta de Francia (Portal de Francia), a 15th-century city gate set in the well-preserved medieval wall, and into the historic Casco Antiguo. The route passes through old-city streets near the Ayuntamiento and skirts the Plaza del Castillo before crossing the famous curve where the Encierro (Running of the Bulls) enters the Estafeta street. Continuing westward out of the city, the path traverses the Taconera city park and descends through the Rochapea district before crossing the Arga again at a modern bridge. From there, waymarks lead across open agricultural fields on the Pamplona outskirts — a 3-kilometre section through cereal and vegetable plots forming a clear transition from urban to rural Navarrese landscape. The path climbs gently to Cizur Menor, a quiet village with a 12th-century pilgrim church (Iglesia de San Miguel), albergue, and café bar. The urban section is almost entirely paved (stone and asphalt); the outer section transitions to compacted earth and gravel farm tracks. Elevation change is minimal, from approximately 449 metres at the Arga River to 490 metres at Cizur Menor. Bus line 16 departs from near the village square to central Pamplona.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Pamplona
- Best season
- All year
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Pilgrim passport (optional — get stamped at hostels)
Location
Start: Puente de la Magdalena, 31001 Pamplona
42.8264, -1.6419 View on map
Highlights
- Entry through the Portal de Francia — Pamplona's 15th-century medieval city gate through which pilgrims have passed for centuries
- Passage along the Estafeta street of the famous Encierro (Running of the Bulls) in the heart of the old city
- Transition from medieval walled city through contemporary Pamplona suburbs to open Navarrese cereal fields
- 12th-century pilgrim church of San Miguel in Cizur Menor — the first village halt west of Pamplona on the Camino
- Panoramic views back over Pamplona's old city walls and the Taconera gardens from the western city exit
Tips for visiting
- Collect a pilgrim credential at the Oficina del Peregrino on Calle San Francisco before starting — stamps are available at the office, the old-city albergues, and at Cizur Menor
- City bus line 16 returns to central Pamplona from Cizur Menor, making this a practical one-way walk without a return taxi
- Weekday mornings offer the fewest other walkers; July brings heavy pilgrim traffic on this iconic urban opening section
- During the Fiesta de San Fermín in July, the Estafeta street section closes for encierro practice runs each morning — time the walk around the 8am schedule
When to visit
Year-round, with spring and autumn the most pleasant. Avoid walking near the bullring during the morning encierro period in July (approximately 8–9am) when streets are closed. Summer evenings offer a cooler alternative to midday heat.
Accessibility
The urban section through the Casco Antiguo to the city's western edge is largely accessible for wheelchair users, with paved streets and few steep steps, though some medieval cobblestones and kerb heights may present challenges. The 3-kilometre farm track section between Pamplona and Cizur Menor is compacted earth, generally manageable for all-terrain wheelchairs in dry conditions but not recommended for standard wheelchairs or strollers in wet weather.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be walking the full Camino to do this section?
No. The Pamplona Camino Urban Walk is a standalone half-day excursion open to anyone. No pilgrim registration, permit, or commitment to continue the Camino is required.
How do I return from Cizur Menor to central Pamplona?
Pamplona city bus line 16 connects Cizur Menor to the city centre and runs regularly throughout the day. A taxi from Cizur Menor to Pamplona centre costs approximately €8–12.
Is this walk suitable in winter?
Yes. The mostly paved route is suitable year-round. The outer farm track section between Pamplona and Cizur Menor can become muddy after heavy rain; waterproof footwear is recommended in wet conditions.
Can I get a pilgrim stamp (sello) on this walk?
Yes. Stamps are available at the Pamplona Pilgrim Office, at albergues in the old city, and at the albergue in Cizur Menor. A pilgrim credential is required to collect stamps.