Pamplona

Pamplona - Bar Xante ©Panoramio Malko

Generally, Prices in Pamplona are somewhat higher than those in other large locations passed on the Camino. Navarra does have an extraordinary amount on offer and local products of exceptional quality. It's complicated to encounter locals trying to cheat customers.

And like any big city, although the previous night may have been long, their coffee machines begin functioning early in the morning. For the most discerning palate, the bakery La Tahona (Leyre, 10 | 948 207 977), very close to the bullring, it offers good products. Unfortunately, the bar famous for its churros (similar to a donut in flavour but long and deep fried, typically served with hot chocolate) Mañueta, situated in the heart of the old town, only opens its doors during the holiday week. With more than a century of practice making churros using a traditional method, those visiting during the festivities should not miss out. It is certainly worth waiting the queue.

Pamplona, as the ​​capital of Navarre, has the best representation of local products. The white beans of Sangüesa, roast suckling pig (piglet rubbed with raw garlic and cooked a hot oven), piquillo peppers (Roasted red peppers served alone or Stuffed) from the banks of the Ebro and Ega, asparagus from Mendavia and txistorra (spicy sausage often called chistorra). To accompany, there is nothing better than a good wine from Olite. For dessert, tortas from txantxigorri (small flat cakes), roscos blessed by San Blas (round sponge cakes with a hole in the centre), cheese from Roncal, cuajada (thick milk curd), fried milk (a milk based custard, breaded and fried), and much more.

To avoid feeling like a stranger it is essential to put an end to the meal by sharing a bottle of pacharán (sloe gin), a liqueur produced from soaking alcohol in sloe berries. There number of restaurants where visitors can enjoy the gastronomy of Navarra-a community referred to as The Kingdom of the Good food-is ample and varied. It is possible to find a pilgrim menu, eat a la carte, or have a snack in one of its many bars. The restaurant La Viña (Jarauta, 8 | 948 221 499) and Sarasate (San Nicolas, 19-21 | 948 225 727) offer pilgrim menus with prices around 10 euros.

Those with higher budgets have an excellent opportunity to enjoy fine dining. The majority of the cuisine is traditional but some restaurants like Rodero are breaking with tradition. The restaurant in the Hotel La Perla enjoys great prestige. The cafe Iruña is one of the most emblematic places in the city. Another good option is to go out for tapas. A drink and a few small dishes in each bar will leave any stomach satisfied.