NAVARRA
Cathedral
in Pamplona 
Navarra is a one province region that
sits under the Pyrenees where they meet the
'Mar Cantábrico' (the part of the Atlantic
Ocean that covers the Bay of Biscay. The
capital is Pamplona. Atlantic Pyrenees on
the northwest of Navarra, are the more even
part of this mountan range, filled with forests
like the one of 'Bertiz' which are a joy for
any open air activity. Other Navarra mountains
with charm are the 'Sierra de Aralar' and
'Urbasa' mountains in the 'Sierra de Aralar',
'Sierra de Urbasa', 'Sierra de Malloak', 'Sierra
de Orgi' or the green path of Plazaola. Eastern
Pyrenees area is more than 2.000 Km2
in about 100 Km. in the proximity of border
with France, this wide nature area has been
preserved nearly untouched for centuries.
Another interesting area is that of Estella
is to the southwest of Navarra, this part
of the region is crossed by the 'Camino de
Santiago'. You will find many monasteries
and romanic churches. The town of Estella-Lizarra,
has a magnificent medival neighbourhood from
the 12th century.
Highlights: 'San Fermín (or 'Los
Sanfermines') July 7th. Tapas eating in the
bars around the 'Plaza del Castillo'.
Monuments: cathedral of 'Santa María',
church of 'San Nicolás', City Hall
building, Museum of Navarra, Diocesan Museum,
church of 'San Lorenzo', city walls, 'Parque
de Taconera', the 'Ciudadela', 'Plaza del
Castillo', the 'Puente de Miluce'.
Food: trout and wild salmon. Asparagus
and artichoke from the 'Rivera'. Cheeses from
El Roncal , Urbasa or Aralar. Cod 'ajoarriero',
lamb 'chilindrón', 'Perdíz al
chocolote', mushrooms or 'Pimientos del piquillo'
(small sweet red peppers), 'cuajada' (special
neutral youghurt), 'Sopa Cana'. White, red
and rosè wines. 'Rosados' (rosé)
are admitedly ones of the best worldwide.
SAN
FERMÍN
'Encierro
de San Fermín'
The 'encierros' start daily sharp at 8.00
a.m. from July 7th to 14th. Its a race of
youngsters in front of brave bulls and the
most awaited event of these celebrations.
The race lasts around 3 minutes, or a lot
more if there's any sort of incident (which
there are). You can always watch it form behind
the protection structures, though you better
wake up early to get a good place. This event
attracts thousands every year to Pamplona.
