Bullfighting is deeply rooted in world historical traditions. But today, local public opinion leans against tradition. Although the site includes information for tourists interested in attending the events, TripSavvy relies on its readers to make their own decisions about the ethics of bullfighting as an attraction.
The running of the bulls in Pamplona (during the San Fermín festival) is by far the most famous running of the bulls in Spain. But running in front of a herd of angry cattle is not a matter of a week a year: there are many more bullfights you can attend if you are not in Spain for Pamplona.
There are many more bullfights in Spain than the ones on this page, but the ones here are the most famous,
Pamplona running of the bulls in San Fermín
This is the big one. From July 6 to 14 of each year, this famous event is eight days of bullfighting that attracts daredevils from all over the world. Every morning there is a bullfight where six bulls chase locals and visitors through the historic streets of Pamplona. At night there are bullfights. The rest of the time, there is food, drink and dancing in the streets.
Accommodation in Pamplona during the festival is expensive. Backpackers generally camp nearby, although they will need to make sure they have transportation to the festival. Take a look at these Pamplona Running of the Bulls tours for some great backpacking tours that will save you a lot of money and ensure you get to the bull run on time.
Other things to do
Pamplona is the central festival of the eight days of the festival. If you are looking to do more cultural activities, continue after the bullfight and continue towards Bilbao or San Sebastián.
Bulls in the Sea in Denia
The Toros en el Mar (Bous a la Mar in Catalan, Bulls in the Sea in English) in the first two weeks of the month is very similar to the bullfight in Pamplona, but instead of running into a bullring , the bulls run to the seas. See photos of Denia Bous a la Mar or watch a video of a past event.
Denia is halfway between Benidorm and Gandia and is accessible from Valencia and Alicante. If you are staying in Benidorm, the line 9 tram takes you to Denia. From other destinations, you will need to take a bus or drive.
As a popular beach resort area, there are many accommodations in this area, but much of it is taken up by package tour groups. Take a look at these hotels in Denia recommended by the official tourism office.
Other things to do
The Bous a la Mar event is just one element of the Festa Major in Denia. Outside of the festival, the main attraction on the Costa Blanca is the beaches, although Valencia has much more to do.
San Juan Bull Runs in Coria
They say less is more and indeed, when the city of Coria releases a single bull (as opposed to the usual dozens thrown during bullfights), the inhabitants of the city enjoy a few fun days in late June (usually 23-27) while they drink and dance in the streets, until that bull raises its ugly head. See past photos and videos of the San Juan bullfights in Korea.
With bullfights during the day and at night, you don’t need to stay in Coria, where accommodation is scarce and expensive at this time of year. Stay in Cáceres or Mérida.
Other things to do
The historic city center of Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s close to Mérida, with its spectacularly well-preserved Roman ruins that are the local highlight.
San Sebastián de los Reyes Bull Runs
If you travel to San Sebastián de Los Reyes, Madrid (not to be confused with San Sebastián in the Basque Country) at the end of August, you can see the second most famous bullfight in Spain (after the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, Of course). ) This event is also known as ‘Pamplona chica’. Before you go, you can check the San Sebastián bullfight route from the official website.
San Sebastián de Los Reyes is a commuter city close to Madrid which is the best place to stay in the area. Take the Cercanias train from Atocha to get there.
Other things to do
If you’re staying in Madrid, you’ll find more than enough to do and see – start with this list of 100 things to check off your to-do list.
Other bullfights in Spain
There are many more bullfights throughout Spain. If you are in the area, some of the most notable include:
- Chinchón – Bull runs near Madrid in August.
- Zumaya (Zumaia ): a smaller version of the bullfight, which takes place around the same time as the Pamplona event.
- Tudela, Navarra (near Pamplona) – Bullfight, very similar to the one in Pamplona, held in the last week of July.
- Collado Villalba (Madrid) A bullfight, as in Pamplona, held in mid-June.
- Tordesillas, Valladolid – In the second week of September, the inhabitants of Tordesillas celebrate the Virgen de la Peña festival. A word of warning (gruesome): a bull is chased by the townspeople and then killed. The killer is invited to cut off the bull’s testicles, making this a particularly unpleasant event.
- Torrejón de Ardoz, near Madrid – A smaller bullfight. See photos of the running of the bulls in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, held in mid-June.
