Olite

A charming medieval town dominated by the fairy-tale Palace of the Kings of Navarre, one of the most spectacular Gothic castles in Spain. Wander its cobbled streets and sample local wines from the surrounding vineyards.

Things to do

• Tour the Palacio Real de Olite — Climb the towers and battlements of this 15th-century Gothic palace built by Charles III of Navarre, famed for its fairy-tale turrets and hanging gardens.
• Visit the Church of Santa María la Real — Admire the exquisite Gothic portal covered in carved biblical scenes right beside the royal palace.
• Climb the Torre del Chapitel — Wander to this bell tower area for sweeping views over Olite's rooftops and the surrounding vineyards.
• Explore the underground wine cellars — Descend into centuries-old subterranean bodegas carved beneath the town, once used by local families to make their own wine.
• Walk the medieval streets and old walls — Stroll the Coso and narrow cobbled lanes lined with stone houses and coats of arms from Olite's royal past.
• See the Church of San Pedro — Visit this Romanesque-Gothic church with a striking spire and cloister on the edge of the old town.
• Sample Navarra DO wines at a local bodega — Take a tasting tour at one of the wineries surrounding Olite, known for robust reds and fresh rosados (rosés).
• Attend the Medieval Days festival — If visiting in September, catch this lively recreation of medieval life with markets, parades, and period costumes filling the streets.

Food to try

• Pochas con chorizo — Creamy fresh white beans from Navarra stewed with local chorizo, a hearty regional specialty.
• Espárragos de Navarra — Thick, tender white asparagus from the region, often served simply with olive oil or a vinaigrette.
• Cordero al chilindrón — Slow-cooked lamb in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce, a classic Navarrese comfort dish.
• Menestra de verduras — A colorful sauté of seasonal vegetables like artichokes, peas, and green beans grown in the fertile Ribera area.
• Rosado de Navarra — Crisp, fruity rosé wine produced in the vineyards surrounding Olite, best enjoyed on a shaded terrace.
• Cuajada with local honey — A traditional sheep's milk custard dessert, often drizzled with honey from Navarra's countryside.

Local customs & good to know

• Expect a midday lull — Many shops and small restaurants close for a few hours in the early afternoon, so plan sightseeing around siesta time.
• Dinner starts late — Locals typically eat dinner from 9pm onward, so restaurants may not open for the evening meal until then.
• Park outside the old town — Olite's medieval core has narrow streets unsuited for cars, so use the designated lots just outside the walls.
• Dress modestly for churches — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Santa María la Real or San Pedro, as they remain active places of worship.