Where to go
The full list.
Pamplona's San Fermín festival (July 6–14) is famous for the running of the bulls. These picks put you in the middle of it or in the calmer Basque and Rioja countryside nearby.
Why San Fermín
Overlooks the encierro route on Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the festival.
- Typical weather
- Highs ~82°F (28°C); warm
- Crowds · season
- High · Peak
- Price level
- $$$$
Hemingway's hotel on Plaza del Castillo.
Hotels in Pamplona →Why San Fermín
San Sebastián's beaches and pintxos, about an hour from Pamplona.
- Typical weather
- Highs ~75°F (24°C); mild
- Crowds · season
- High · Peak
- Price level
- $$$$
Belle Époque hotel on the Urumea River near the old town.
Hotels in San Sebastián →Why San Fermín
Bilbao's Guggenheim and Basque food scene.
- Typical weather
- Highs ~77°F (25°C); mild
- Crowds · season
- High · Peak
- Price level
- $$$
A five-star stay in Bilbao, a strong base for Bilbao.
Hotels in Bilbao →Why San Fermín
Rioja wine country, about 90 minutes from Pamplona.
- Typical weather
- Highs ~84°F (29°C); warm, dry
- Crowds · season
- Moderate · Peak
- Price level
- $$$$
Frank Gehry-designed winery hotel.
Hotels in Elciego →Why San Fermín
Biarritz's surf beaches across the French border.
- Typical weather
- Highs ~73°F (23°C); mild
- Crowds · season
- High · Peak
- Price level
- $$$$
Imperial palace built for Empress Eugénie.
Hotels in Biarritz →