Awoke to an overcast cool morning as we packed up to leave San Sebastián. With the help of our GPS meandered our way across the city and up to Mount Igeldo to take in the views back across La Concha, Santa Clara island and the city. Still quite spectacular despite the heavy mist. And, although not yet open as was only about 9.30 am, the old fashioned amusement park with its dodgem cars, roller coaster and carousel was quite atmospheric. An old funicular railway that has been operating since 1912 is an alternative mode of transport to the summit.
We then headed off on a motorway south to Pamplona. The drive was quite mountainous and winding with several incredible tunnels straight through mountains .... varying in length from 200m to almost 3kms! And awesome bridge structures! The approximately EUR10 in tolls today is understandable really. Most of this was tackled through drizzly rain and at times quite heavy fog.
After a brief detour off the motorway for coffee and pastries at the quaint little town of Irurzun we were on our way again.
Pamplona is quite a large centre but we managed to find our way right into the old town area and parked (we think legally ..?) It was easy enough to find the tourist information centre to acquire a map and get the insight on what to check out. We wandered around the quaint town centre’s cobblestone streets lined with tourist shops and various stores - all promoting the “Running of the Bulls” starting on 6th July... plenty of red and white outfits for sale. Near one part of the city wall we found the Corralillos where the bulls are held before let lose for the run... then we followed the route they take right through the town to the bull ring. Interesting to try and envisage what the spectacle would be like !
After a panini in a square we moved on - travelling through really picturesque countryside of rolling green hills and villages, off the motorway, stopping at Gernika-Lumo....a special request from Roey. Another quaint old town but with particular artist significance due to the ceramic reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s famous “Guernica”.....and for the famous Oak Tree of Gernika. Such a lovely town!
By now the sky was completely clear and we only had a short distance to travel to our stop for the night in the famous surfing spot of Mundaka.
Met our delightful host - shame she couldn’t speak English - at our quirky apartment. Roh headed off for a walk and swim while we washed and grabbed some supplies then we met up in the tiny town area for beers, sangria and, later , a feast! Much activity around us as some significant festival taking place ... music, people everywhere dressed colourfully , carnival rides, much eating and drinking....we felt like party poopers leaving around 930pm to get back for some much needed sleep. No doubt the festivities were continuing!