Pamplona is situated in the northeast of Spain, and is capital of the Navarra region. Most people know the city because of the 'Running of the Bulls', as immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his novel, The Sun Also Rises, but it was also an important town on the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela. Pamplona has retained its historic quarter, with the Plaza del Castillo at its heart, and there are plenty of bars (tascas) which remain lively through the year. The city is also well placed for the Pyrenees Mountains to the north.
Pamplona became capital of the independent kingdom of Navarre in the 10th century. The city enjoyed its golden age during the reign of Charles III who is buried in the cathedral. In the early 15th century Navarre formed a union with neighbouring Castile. Around this time a young nobleman, Ignatius Loyola, was wounded while defending the city from the French. He later formed the Order of Jesuits and went on to become a saint.
The Fiesta de San Fermin, which runs from the 6th to the 14th of July, is one of Europe's most exciting annual events. Held in honour of the city's patron saint, the festival is world-famous for the Running of the Bulls (el encierro), which takes place each morning. The afternoons are devoted to bullfights, while the nights are celebrated with lots of eating and some serious partying. You can also expect plenty of noisy fireworks and traditional music throughout the festival. Usually around half a million visitors descend on Pamplona during San Fermin, so accommodation will be booked up months in advance.
The former bullring, now the Plaza del Castillo, lies at the heart of Pamplona. Running parallel to this square is the narrow street of calle Estafeta where the running of the bulls takes place. There are also many lively bars and restaurants along this thoroughfare.
Pamplona cathedral is one of the most important sights in the city. Dating from the 14th century, the cathedral is notable for its Gothic vaulting in the Barbazan Chapel. In the centre of the building is the tomb of Charles III and his wife, Queen Leonor, while the cathedral’s Museo Diocesano contains a collection of medieval religious relics.
The Royal Palace of Olite was the official residence of the Navarran kings until the early 16th century. At the time it was one of Europe’s most luxurious castles. Other historic attractions in Pamplona include the 13th century church of San Saturnino with its tall twin towers.
A 16th century hospital houses the excellent Museum of Navarre. Highlights include Goya's painting of the Marquis de San Adrian, a collection of Iron Age and Roman artifacts, and a couple of Flemish paintings on copper. The 13th century murals are also worth seeing.
Pamplona's tourist office is situated in Calle Estava and is open daily. The city has a small airport situated just 4 miles (6.5km) from the centre. There are regular flights to Pamplona from Madrid and Barcelona.
Menorca is, arguably, the most beautiful of the Balearic Islands. It is known for being a relaxed and tranquil destination offering a handful of family-friendly holiday resorts. Menorca takes its name from the Latin word for 'minor', due to the fact that it's smaller than the neighbouring island of Mallorca. Despite measuring just 32 miles (52km) long and 9 miles (15km) wide, Menorca has many fine beaches and secluded coves along its unspoilt and picturesque coastline.
The Menorcan countryside is mostly green and is characterised by distinctive stone walls which divide the fields. The northern half of Menorca is generally more rugged than the southern half. There are many Bronze Age sites scattered throughout the island. Navetes or tailaiots - stone monuments resembling an upturned boat - are particularly common.
Menorca's two main towns, Ciuldadela in the west, and the capital Mahon in the east, are situated at opposite ends of the island. Both are full of historic buildings and pretty squares. The Placa des Born in Ciuldadela, bordered by impressive 19th century mansions, is regarded as one of Spain's finest squares. Other important sights in the town include the 14th century cathedral and the excellent municipal museum which houses a notable collection of prehistoric artefacts.
The island's capital, Mahon (also written as Mao), is arranged along a cliff top overlooking a large natural harbour. Due to its strategic location the town was fought over many times. The British captured Menorca during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, and a strong British influence can be seen in the town's Georgian architecture. One of the Mahon's best-loved attractions is the church of Santa Maria, notable for its huge 19th century organ which has around 3,000 pipes. The little island of Illa d'en Colom, situated in Mahon bay, has some lovely beaches, but is accessible only by boat.
Menorca's longest beach - a 2-mile (3km) stretch of gently sloping white sand - is situated in the southern resort of Son Bou. A short distance along the coast from Son Bou is the spectacular beach of Cala en Porter, protected on either side by two large cliffs. Other resorts on the island's southern coast include Calan Bosch and Cala Galdana, while S'Algar and Cala'n Forcat are situated on the east and west coasts respectively. The scenic and peaceful resort of Arenal d'en Castell, with its beautiful horseshoe bay, is situated on Menorca's northern coastline. Close to Arenal is the nature reserve of Albufera d'es Grau and the island's highest peak, the 358-metre Monte Toro.
There are plenty of outdoor activities available in Menorca, with scuba diving especially popular. The island has a 14-hole golf course, situated at Son Parc, and a water park near Calan Bosch. Menorca is not known for its nightlife, although Mahon has several late night bars around its harbour.
Menorca has one airport situated about 3 miles (5km) southwest of Mahon. Transportes Menorca operates the island’s bus network, and there are regular services between the major towns and resorts.
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