Pamplona is waiting for you

Medical Treatments

Choosing the right hospital to treat you or a loved one is one of the most important decisions to make. For certain illnesses, many tests and treatments may need to be carried out over several days, but it is not always necessary for the patient to stay in the hospital. Especially when the patient has companions, a stay in the hospital's own lodgings is not the best alternative to take advantage of the time between examinations and treatments, due to privacy, comfort, remote work needs, prices, food and laundry arrangements, etc.

The Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN) is considered the most reputable private hospital in Spain and is only 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus from our boutique apartment.

Atalaya sobre la Medialuna to Clinica Universidad de Navarra - Google Maps

Since the first and for all ten editions of the Health Reputation Monitor Ranking (MRS), the CUN has topped the list of the most important health care institutions in the world.

Health Reputation Monitor Hospitals.

If only private hospitals are considered, the Clínica is the most reputable center in 24 medical specialties out of the 35 analyzed in the latest edition of the study published in November 2024. If all are considered, 18 departments and medical services of the Clinic are among the ten best in Spain in public and private hospitals.

In this edition, the Nuclear Medicine Service appears in the ranking for the first time, in which the CUN is in first place in the group of hospitals in the whole country, so that together with Radiodiagnosis (7th), the Clinic is consolidated as a reference hospital in specialties related to imaging and diagnostics. Also outstanding are the positions of the departments of Radiation Oncology (3rd) and Medical Oncology (5th), and the presence of medical specialties such as Urology (6th), Endocrinology (6th), Allergology (6th), Gynecology (7th), Dermatology (8th) and Cardiology (13th).

In addition to the recognized competence they have a specific team of people dedicated to the international patient ensuring that language is not a barrier to be treated in one of the best hospitals worldwide. In the current international ranking of Newsweek magazine together with Statista, CUN is ranked 80th among the best hospitals in the world.

https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2024

Short-term Assignments and Business Trips

Navarre companies stand out in the adoption of advanced technologies, which implies a large number of business trips and expatriates on short-term missions. There are many experts in automation, robotics, 3D printing, .... visiting the region on stays of days or weeks. Hotel accommodation is not always the best option. There are cases in which experts would like to bring companions, to take advantage of the time after work with the family or to save on food and cleaning clothes, etc. In other cases there are groups of 3 or 4 people who for convenience and savings would prefer to share an apartment rather than occupy many hotel rooms.

The participation of industry in Navarre's economy has always been historically high, representing approximately 30% of its GDP, much higher than the average for the whole of Spain and equivalent to the countries that top the OECD ranking. Its industrialization has started very early with the transformation of mills into flour factories, followed by sugar mills, paper production and metallurgy. Since the 1970s and 1980s, two activities have dominated half of the manufacturing industry: the manufacture of motor vehicles and the food industry. Since the end of the 1990s there has been a significant presence of the big names in the sector, from turbine and component manufacturers to wind farm developers.

The automotive sector with its entire value chain currently accounts for 12% of GDP and the wind energy sector accounts for 5-6% of GDP. The largest pharmaceutical laboratory in Spain by units is also located there. The automotive sector will maintain its leadership in the coming years, as 9-digit investments for the production of two models of electric cars in Pamplona as well as in a battery factory for them are meeting the deadlines and even analyzing a possible expansion before it enters into production in 2026.

Navarra has led the industrial evolution in recent decades thanks to an outstanding effort in R&D, with expenditures of almost 2% of GDP, far exceeding the Spanish average. More than 400 companies export goods worth more than 1 billion euros annually, guaranteeing a significant positive trade balance for the region. Exports represent almost 48% of the regional GDP, the highest figure of all the autonomous regions. The presence of dozens of multinational companies frames the global economic integration of the region.

CincoDías_SpecialEditionNavarra_28.11.2024

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash

Wine Tourism

Renting an apartment in Pamplona for a few days is an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the region's wine culture at a relaxed pace. Unlike staying in hotels or driving from one winery to another each day, basing yourself in the city provides both comfort and flexibility. Pamplona offers a vibrant local atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and proximity to major wine-producing areas, making it a strategic hub. Having your own apartment allows for a more immersive experience—shopping in local markets, enjoying Navarrese cuisine at home with a bottle of regional wine, and planning day trips without the stress of constant travel.

Wine has deep historical roots in the region surrounding Pamplona. The tradition dates back to Roman times, when viticulture spread across the Iberian Peninsula. During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a key role in maintaining and improving winemaking practices, particularly along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which crosses Navarra. Wine became an essential part of religious rituals, social customs, and trade. Over centuries, these traditions evolved into a refined industry, one that respects its past while embracing modern enological methods.

Pamplona sits at the heart of the D.O. Navarra, one of Spain’s most diverse and dynamic wine appellations. The region spans a variety of landscapes—from the cooler Atlantic-influenced north to the drier, sun-drenched south. This diversity supports a wide range of grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for reds, as well as Chardonnay and Viura for whites. Navarra is particularly known for its fresh rosés (rosados), often made from Garnacha. Wineries in this D.O. blend tradition and innovation, producing wines that range from young and fruit-forward to complex barrel-aged styles.

To the south of Pamplona lies the world-renowned D.O.Ca. Rioja, a prestigious wine region that spills over from La Rioja into parts of southern Navarra. While distinct from D.O. Navarra, many wineries here offer a different profile of wines—often more structured and oak-influenced, especially the celebrated red Rioja reservas and gran reservas. This region also boasts stunning winery architecture, cutting-edge cellars, and picturesque medieval villages like Laguardia and Haro. Visiting Rioja complements a Navarra-based itinerary with a deeper dive into Spain’s most iconic wine tradition.

A well-planned wine tourism experience around Pamplona can be achieved in one week. This allows enough time to explore key sub-zones of D.O. Navarra, take a full-day excursion into D.O. Rioja, and enjoy the cultural and culinary offerings of Pamplona itself. Spacing visits over several days gives room to appreciate the nuances of each winery, sample local food pairings, and truly soak in the scenic and historical richness of the region.

Sports and Nature

Renting an apartment in Pamplona for a few days is a smart and practical choice for those interested in active sports. The city is ideally positioned between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast, making it an excellent base for day trips in all directions. Staying in an apartment offers greater flexibility than a hotel—more space for gear, the ability to cook meals, and a more relaxed rhythm for planning excursions. From Pamplona, the Pyrenees can be reached in about 60 to 90 minutes, coastal surf towns like Zarautz and Biarritz in around 90 minutes, and even inland wind or kite surf spots like Alloz Reservoir and La Loteta are within easy reach by car. This central position allows travelers to explore a wide variety of landscapes and sports without constant packing and moving.

To the north, the Pyrenees offer a wealth of trekking routes and rugged landscapes within 100 km of Pamplona. The Irati Forest, one of the largest beech and fir forests in Europe, provides peaceful, shaded trails for all levels. The Valle de Roncal and the Belagua Valley offer more alpine terrain, with peaks like Lakartxela and the iconic Pico de Ori (2,021 m) offering panoramic views and rewarding climbs. For the more adventurous, canyoning in areas like the Foz de Lumbier or Foz de Arbayún adds a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty, navigating through narrow gorges with waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.

For water sports lovers, the options are equally compelling. Just over an hour away lies Zarautz, a classic Basque surf town known for its long, consistent beach break, suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. A bit further, Biarritz in southwest France combines world-class waves with a stylish seaside atmosphere. Scuba diving is possible in the protected waters of Hondarribia, where rocky seabeds and marine life offer good visibility and varied terrain. Inland, windsurfing and paddleboarding are popular at the Alloz Reservoir, a turquoise lake surrounded by gentle hills. For kitesurfing, La Loteta—an artificial lake near Zaragoza known for its reliable wind—is within a two-hour drive.

In winter, Pamplona serves as a convenient starting point for accessing the main ski resorts of the western Pyrenees. Formigal, Astún, and Candanchú are all reachable in about two to two and a half hours, offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. These resorts provide a mix of terrain for all skill levels, from wide beginner slopes to more technical alpine routes, with scenic mountain villages nearby for après-ski relaxation.

Cycling enthusiasts will find plenty of options around Pamplona. Mountain bikers can head to areas like the Ultzama Valley or Irati for forested trails, or explore purpose-built bike parks such as Larra Belagua, which offer summer mountain biking when not used for winter sports. For road cyclists, the mountain passes around the Baztan Valley and the climb to Alto de Artesiaga offer challenging routes with breathtaking views. The region is a regular feature in professional races, and its smooth, well-maintained roads make it ideal for speed biking as well as longer touring routes.

In summary, a well-paced stay of one to two weeks in Pamplona allows for a solid overview of the region’s active sports offerings. The diversity of terrain—mountains, coast, lakes—combined with the city’s central location and relaxed lifestyle, makes it an ideal base for both adrenaline-seekers and nature lovers looking to explore northern Spain in motion.

Photo by Javier Balseiro on Unsplash