Be Safe In Pamplona

During 90 per cent of the year, Pamplona is a relatively safe and quiet town. During fiesta however, everything changes. The entire town turns into a chaotic, churning mass of humanity, which inevitably leads to all kinds of problems in terms of both safety and health. If you go to Pamplona during July, consider yourself warned.

Safety

First of all, not everyone goes to Pamplona in July to watch the bulls. For two or three weeks the town becomes a goldmine for thieves of all kinds. Pickpockets are out in force, taking advantage of the chaos and confusion to make an easy steal of your bag, wallet and anything else that isnt firmly attached to you. Always be prepared; wear a concealed money belt and keep your camera and bags slung over your shoulder. A few simple precautions will keep you out of harms way.

The things people do during fiesta is astounding. Running with angry bulls in a narrow street is an obvious danger, but people also jump from buildings into the arms of their friends and take part in other such escapades. Drunken rowdiness is accepted and even encouraged during fiesta, so be prepared. It is common practice to pour drinks out of windows onto people below in addition to the general crowding and pushing which goes on in the narrow streets and bars.

Even during the rest of the year, Pamplona has a certain reputation for being a bit rowdy late at night. However, if you steer clear of drunk people and keep your eyes open, you shouldnt run into any trouble.

Health

Apart from the potential physical injuries you may receive as a result of the Running of the Bulls, there are no real health concerns in Pamplona. The water is perfectly safe to drink and the food hygiene is of an excellent standard. The summer gets very hot in Pamplona, so try to stay hydrated and out of the sun if you have a long day planned.

Travel insurance

No matter how many precautions you take during your visit to Pamplona, there is always a potential risk of an accident or misfortune. Theft can easily happen if you are not being careful, especially during fiesta, which can quickly ruin your holiday. Travel insurance goes a long way to ensure that you have peace of mind and a backup should anything unfortunate occur. The cost is minimal compared to the price of getting caught off with no theft insurance.

Visitors who are not EU citizens should make sure they have comprehensive medical insurance before they travel. Medical costs in Spain can be expensive if something serious happens.