Located on the west bank of the Rio Zidacos, Olite is a charming medieval town in the Spanish community of Navarre. It was founded in the 7th century as Oligicus by the Visigothic King of Hispania and became the royal seat of Charles III of Navarre in the 14th century.
Things to do in Olite
Spend an afternoon wandering the medieval streets of Olite, which are lined with centuries-old houses, galleries and ornate churches. A highlight is the Gothic-style Santa María la Real, a 13th-century church decorated with sculptures and a large rose window. Step inside to see the retablo depicting the Virgin Mary and the 14th-century statue of Christ.
Dominating the townscape is the Royal Palace of Olite, which once served as a seat of the Kings of Navarre. It was constructed in the 13th century in a mixture of Gothic and Moorish styles and was later damaged by Espoz y Mina and his troops during the Napoleonic French Invasion. Join a guided tour to explore its labyrinth of rooms and passageways before climbing up its turreted towers to enjoy panoramic views across Olite.
Picturesque vineyards blanket the countryside surrounding Olite and there are several bodegas where you can sample the local wines. Head to the family-owned Bodegas Ochoa to taste their Tempranillos or learn about the traditions of Navarrese wine-making at the Bodegas Marco Real. In the Aromas Room, you can experience more than 40 different types of wines and learn about the production of corks.
Getting around Olite
Olite is around 35 minutes’ drive from Pamplona and 30 minutes from Pamplona Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. Regular trains connect to the Olite railway station and the town is small enough to explore on foot.