Olite between the Royal Palace, Old Town and wine tradition

Olite is home to the Royal Palace, the principal work of King Charles III “the Noble” (1387–1425) and the most representative landmark of the former Kingdom of Navarre. The complex comprises towers, rooms, galleries, gardens and courtyards; its distinctive silhouette dominates the townscape.

Culture

The Church of Santa María la Real is attached to the palace. The Navarrese monarchs used it for major celebrations and solemn ceremonies; its façade is one of the most significant ensembles of Navarrese Gothic sculpture. The Royal Palace can be visited independently with an audio guide or as part of a booked guided tour, while the New Palace is open to visitors. The gateway to Olite’s Roman and medieval walled area is a historic landmark of the town.

The Old Town invites you to explore its old lanes as well as its medieval, Renaissance and Baroque palaces and manor houses.

Landscape

The plain surrounding Olite comprises grain fields, vineyards and olive groves. Monte Encinar is a remnant holm-oak forest and a habitat favourable to wildlife, particularly mammals. It consists mainly of holm oaks and reforested pines, as well as juniper and Mediterranean scrub.

Further places to research: Murillo El Fruto, Arbizu, Igantzi, Iza, Atondo, Beire, Estella and Muneta.

Trails

The Olite–Ujué–Olite mountain-bike route starts in Olite, is 39.5 kilometres long and has 480 metres of elevation gain. The hiking route to the Ermita de Santa Brígida (SL NA-171 A) also starts in Olite, is 6.9 kilometres long, has 90 metres of elevation gain and is suitable for mountain bikes. The differing distances and elevation gains help you compare the two trails in advance. This means the two routes differ considerably when planning your day: the mountain-bike route combines the greater distance with more elevation gain, while the route to the Ermita is shorter and can also be ridden by mountain bike.

Wine

On the first weekend of September, Olite opens the grape-harvest season with a parade followed by an address. This is followed by the pressing of the grapes and the analysis and tasting of the must. A bodega in Olite opens its doors to the public and offers guided tours of its facilities, accompanied wine tastings and wine tastings.

If you are comparing holiday apartments in Olite, check your travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. You can also compare the desired length of stay using these specific details; the comparison remains focused on your travel period and the selected offer.

Getting there

National road 121 between Tarazona and France and regional road 115 between Soria and Tafalla cross the municipal area of Olite. The Navarrese A-15 motorway runs from north to south through the area; an access point is three kilometres from the town. The railway line also crosses the municipal area from north to south, and there is a railway station near the town.

For the general travel overview: Navarre.