Olite exudes history with every step you take. There are castles, fortresses, tales and legends in this charming municipality in the Autonomous Community of Navarra which invite you to visit part of Spanish history like never before.
Its perfect location, in the centre of Navarre and only 45 kilometres from Pamplona, and its heritage make it one of the most popular places in the region for visitors. It has approximately 4,000 inhabitants and a wide range of tourist attractions that you can enjoy during your trip.
What to see in Olite?
This town has a great interest for travellers of all kinds. One of its main attractions is undoubtedly the Castle of Olite, a Royal Palace which was declared a National Monument in 1925. This place, which dates back to the 15th century, was home to the Kings of Navarra. By making it the location of the royal court, the Kings put Olite on the map and Carlos III in particular is an emblem of the town to this day.
If you want to see the interior of the castle, you can consult prices and opening hours and buy tickets to visit it either on your own or with a guide in advance. On the tour you will see the main gardens and the chambers of the Kings. We highly recommend going up to the highest tower to take in a spectacular panoramic view of the whole town.
Another attraction is the Plaza de Carlos III El Noble, which is right at the entrance to the Palace and where you can see the Torre del Chapitel, also known as the Clock Tower. The Medieval Galleries are located in the same square. They currently house a museum where you can discover some works of art from the golden age of this town.
In terms of religious heritage, the Convent of San Francisco stands out, as does the nearby Monastery of Santa Clara. This was a resting point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in days gone by. The church of San Pedro and the church of Santa María are some of the points of greatest interest for fans of religious architecture.
And although all the limelight goes to the Castle-Palace we mentioned above, there is another: the Palace of the Teobaldos, next to the church of Santa María. It was also once a residence of the Kings of Olite and is now a hotel.
All this is just a small taste of what there is to do in Olite. If you're short on time, there's nothing better than a free tour that allows you to get to know the most important spots in depth and on a schedule.
If, on the other hand, you have a little more time to stay, we recommend that you book accommodation in the town. You'll find some of the best holiday cottages in Navarra here, fully equipped with all kinds of services. Even if you're travelling with your pet, there's sure to be a cottage for all of you.
If you stay a few days, you must visit both Olite and Ujué, which is a nearby town with a special charm that will leave you open-mouthed.
How to get here? There are two good options for getting to this village. The most comfortable is by car, but if you prefer, there are also buses.
