You may not need time to recover from jet lag, but for many it's important. Additionally, it sounds like @MARSKA wants some time to enjoy Pamplona before starting her Camino, and there's nothing wrong with that!
Sounds like a great idea. I have stayed three times in Pamplona for a couple of nights each time, at what used to be called Hotel Eslava and is now Alda Centro Pamplona - part of a chain of small hotels. I don't know whether it is still the same under the new ownership, but was always a good (and very reasonably priced) place to stay in the old Town, very easy to walk everywhere. The rooms were comfortable and the people very nice. They did a good breakfast too! It may have changed, but I'm gambling on it still being good and have booked for a (non-Camino) stay next month.
hotelakerreta.com
Hello again Marska. I have a suggestion as you have mentioned that time is no problem for you and you have as long as it takes. Why not take a taxi from Pamplona to St Jean and start there? You can spend a couple of very relaxing days in this gorgeous small town, eating French Basque food and trying their local wine and cider before starting the Camino. It's such a beautiful section between St Jean and Pamplona and it would be a shame to miss it. Given you have lots of time, you could go slowly and enjoy every step by staying in Orisson / Borda, Roncesvalles, Viskarret, Larrasoana and then your 2-3 days in Pamplona. If you don't like the sound of the big hill between St Jean and Roncesvalles, fear not as Express Bouricott have an 08.30 shuttle taking you all the way up to Croix de Thibault making for a short but stunningingly beautiful walk to Roncesvalles (you'd also be travelling the same route as the walking pilgrims to that point). Buen Camino.
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Second this, with the same caveats.
We stayed at the Alda Centro Pamplona last September for a couple of nights and liked the hotel very much.
I have to strongly disagree with your statement that one does not need 2 days to recover. I have traveled to Europe at least 20 times in my life and 10 times to various countries in South America. The farthest being Buenos Aires from different departure cities all across the United States and Mexico and I always need 2 days to fully recover. I have walked 7 caminos and twice started with only one full day of rest and the first few days on the camino were not the best for me. I believe for some they can walk getting off a long distance plane ride running, others need a day and still others more time. It is different for all. Personally I have alot of trouble sleeping more than a few minutes here and there on a plane and feel even worse if I take something to sleep. I rarely can fall asleep the first night I arrive until late into the night. We are all different. People need to do a best guess based on their own personal sleep habits and I think it is better if you have the time of course, to err on the side of caution. What is the worst thing that can happen if you didn't need a second night? Spending an extra day in one of the most fun cities on earth?
I stayed at the Bearan Bar & Room this past Wednesday and my room was small, simple and comfortable for a solo traveler. I enjoyed my stay there as you said it’s an ideal location. The Bearan has an elevator if needed. I forgot something when I left for SJPDP. I notified them that evening and the lady who cleaned my room took it to the office where they are holding it for me. I very much appreciate their thoughtful action.
Hola, Marska,
Hi there, having stayed there 2 night ago, I highly recommend Hostel Casa Ibarrola. Although sleeping in pods, they are very roomy and have memory foam mattress and plow. Perfectly clean and great lication. Beun camino
Pamplona can be very busy but I always enjoy it there . It is nice to have friendly place to stay close in . I found a small municipal albergue called “ Paderborn”. If you are walking into town from SJPP , just after you cross the St Magdalena bridge go left for about 500 yds. It’s on the left with their back to the river . It’s just 500 yds further on to the bull ring where the running of the bulls ends . It’s very close to downtown .
In 2017 I stayed at Hotel Arriazu in the old city surrounded by restaurants and tapas bars, with easy access to the modern city as well as the old. I loved Pamplona.
We just spent a night at a little apartment just a couple of blocks from the Old City. The owner was very nice and the apartment was both comfortable and reasonably priced (there were 4 of us). It is called Apartamento en zona centrica y tranquila. You can find it on Booking.com.
that's good to hear as I have booked my room there for my jet lag day May 16 before I head off to SJPP the next day.
Pamplona is a lovely city and great introduction to Spain. Take your time the whole way. I hope your return travel dates are flexible. The thing to remember with Spain is that most cities and large towns have grown around an old historic centre. Keep going till you find the centre, it's all about the old towns. Albergues may have limitations on length of stay or need you to leave early with your luggage so a hostel or cheap hotel may be better for you. I've stayed at Hotel Yoldi several times on non Camino related visits to Pamplona. It's not in the old town but close. Please don't think of the Camino as a challenge to tackle but an experience to enjoy. It's not so much how quickly you do it as how long you take. Leave time for stops in places you like, short walking days and several days in Santiago too, it's amazing. I walked from Pamplona to Santiago in the winter of 2015 in 30 days. Next time I will allow 45 days at least. Buen Camino.
I strongly disagree. I come from Portland Oregon and it takes me 2-3 days to recover from the flight. Everyone is different.
Hahaha, so true! However, Eslava Pension burned down a few years ago and as far as I know, has not re-opened.
) I always feel very safe in Pamplona. So enjoy.
I also love Ariazu. It's very convenient to everything.Hi. I LOVE Pamplona and it's a wonderful city to recover from your travels. I am acually flying out to Madrid tonight and will take the train to Pamplona the next day and stay 2 nights in Pamplona. Just wonderful to walk around, sit at the main square and just relax. I booked Hostal Arriazu, which is affordable and in a small street behind main square. Last year we stayed at Ciudadela , which was ok too. It will be my 6th time in Pamplona and 2nd time alone (my poor husband has a massive foot injury and has to stay home
Hi SM! I looked at Ibarrola. Might give it a go. How difficult is it to get to/from train and Alsa bus from the location?
Hi @MARSKA ,
It’s an easy walk from the train station—about a half hour. IDK where the bus station is. Hope it works out!
The bus station is not far from the center of Pamplona, maybe 15 - 20 minute walk.
