Olite is a small town about 35 minutes drive from Pamplona, the capital of Navarre. This is where one of Navarra's most popular tourist attractions is located, the Royal Palace of Olite. But this is not the only interesting thing about Olite. There are also beautiful medieval streets and buildings to visit in this village, as well as delicious restaurants and many wineries.
Royal Palace of Olite
The Royal Palace of Olite was one of the most luxurious medieval castles in Europe and has served as a royal palace since the 13th century. In the 15th century, a famous king of Navarre, Carlos III “el Noble” (Charles III “the Noble”) decided to fill the palace with luxurious amenities. Inside the palace were beautiful stained glass windows, a lion cage, fountains, baths, exotic hanging gardens, and even a giraffe and buffalo. The oldest part of the castle is today a Parador . Paradores are luxurious state-owned hotels located in beautiful locations and housed in buildings that are part of the Spanish heritage. Paradores are often housed in castles, palaces, monasteries and other monumental buildings.
The Royal Palace of Olite is the perfect place to learn more about the medieval history of Navarre. It can be explored inside, with access to galleries, rooms, and various towers. It is possible to visit the palace independently (also with an audio guide available) or with a guided tour. For more information, click here. Every month, there are a few days considered heritage days, during which entry to visit the castle independently is free. These days can be found on this page (click on “Rates”).
Other places of interest in Olite
In addition to exploring the palace, Olite has more wonderful experiences to offer. Walking through the medieval alleys of the old town or visiting beautiful churches are some examples. One of these churches is the Church of Santa María, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, and is one of the most important Gothic churches in Navarre. The impressive facade is framed by arches that house sculptures of the apostles.
Things to do in Olite
Olite is also known as the wine capital of Navarre. In early September, the big celebration, the Fiesta de la Vendimia (“Grape Harvest Festival”), takes place. A tradition during this festival is that some young people stomp grapes with their feet to make wine, after which there is an opportunity to taste different types of wines. Additionally, Olite is home to the Museum of Vineyards and Wine of Navarre, located in an old 17th-century palace.
During the second weekend of August the Medieval Days take place, where the city goes back in time to the Middle Ages. Numerous activities, musical performances and acts take place, along with a medieval market. In addition, many people dress in all kinds of medieval attire. Similar to these celebrations, a similar event takes place in the nearby village Artajona at the end of August.
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Wineries
Due to the fact that Olite is the wine capital of Navarra, there are numerous wineries. For wine lovers (or those interested), there is the opportunity to visit and taste different types of wine, also known as wine tourism. Some of the wineries that offer tours in English are:
- Bodegas Marco Real produces a solid, modern and complementary range of wines through the blend of the different varieties grown in its more than 200 hectares of its own vineyard.
- Bodegas Ochoa is a family winery with traditional practices together with new production techniques. In addition, they always work with grapes that come from their own vines, planted, pruned and harvested by the same winery.
- Bodegas Piedemonte has built up an authentic love for wine over the years, giving it a presence in 22 international markets as well as numerous awards and recognitions.
- Bodegas Vega del Castillo has been around since 1911 and its wines stand out for their freshness, fruit and finesse.
- Bodegas Unsi aims to restore mountain garnacha vineyards to produce quality wines of unique character, valuing a sometimes forgotten autochthonous variety.
Village fair
Every year, from 13 to 19 September, the village festivities take place. During this week, the inhabitants dress in white with red accessories, often with a traditional red scarf. Numerous activities are organised for both adults and children.
The village comes to life, especially in the afternoon, with concerts, inflatables for the kids and a great atmosphere. There is also street music, sometimes a round of bingo and always a good time to get together with a drink. The festivities often last until late at night. It is a week of joy, music, adventure and above all being together.
From September 14th, every morning there is an encierro, the famous running of the bulls. In the evening there is another encierro, followed by the Torico de Fuego (“Bull of Fire”), a special version for children. They run ahead of the bull and have the greatest fun.
