A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Olite: The Medieval Jewel of Navarre

Located in the heart of the Chartered Community of Navarre, in the north of Spain, Olite is a small city that exudes history and charm in every corner. Known for its impressive medieval castle and its vineyards, Olite offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and gastronomy.

The Royal Palace-Castle of Olite

The main attraction of Olite is, without a doubt, its Royal Palace-Castle. Considered one of the most spectacular castles in Spain, this impressive medieval building was the residence of the Kings of Navarre during the Middle Ages. The castle has numerous towers, courtyards, and gardens, and offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

The Church of Santa María la Real

Another of Olite's notable monuments is the Church of Santa María la Real. This Gothic church, built in the 13th century, stands out for its impressive facade, considered one of the masterpieces of Navarrese Gothic. Inside, you can admire several altarpieces of great artistic value, as well as a Romanesque crypt.

The Wineries of Olite

Olite is located in one of the main wine regions of Spain, and the city has several wineries that can be visited. These wineries offer the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and, of course, to taste the excellent wines of the region.

The Natural Park of Bardenas Reales

A short distance from Olite is the Natural Park of Bardenas Reales, an impressive semi-desert landscape that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The park offers numerous hiking and cycling routes, and is an ideal place for nature and photography lovers.

The Gastronomy of Olite

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Olite. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars where you can taste the typical dishes of the region, such as chilindrón lamb or Navarre beans, accompanied by a good local wine.

In conclusion, Olite is a destination that offers a wide variety of attractions for all types of travelers. Whether for its history, its culture, its gastronomy, or its nature, this small Navarrese city has a lot to offer.

Gastronomic Products of Olite

Wines of Navarra

Olite is the wine capital of Navarra, and is famous for its high-quality wines. The region has several wineries that produce wines with the Navarra Designation of Origin. The wines from this region are known for their variety, which includes red, rosé, and white wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the local wineries.
Piquillo Peppers

Piquillo peppers are another emblematic gastronomic product of the Navarra region. These small, sweet red peppers are grilled and peeled by hand, without water to maintain their intense flavor. They are delicious stuffed with meat, fish, or cheese, or simply roasted with a little olive oil.
Tudela Artichokes

The Tudela artichoke is another famous gastronomic product from the Navarra region. These artichokes are appreciated for their mild flavor and tender texture. They can be prepared in many ways, but are especially delicious grilled or in salads.
Roncal Cheese

Roncal cheese is a sheep's cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin, produced in the Roncal valley, in Navarra. This cured cheese has a strong and slightly spicy flavor, and is perfect to pair with the local wines.

Outstanding gastronomic places in Olite

Olite, known for its imposing castle and its wines, is also a place where you can enjoy excellent cuisine. Here we present some of the most outstanding places:

Casa Zanito Restaurant

Located in the heart of Olite, Casa Zanito Restaurant is famous for its Navarrese cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as chilindrón lamb, beans with clams, and ajoarriero cod. In addition, its cellar has a wide selection of wines from the region, perfect to accompany your meal.

Parador de Olite

The Parador de Olite, located in the old Royal Palace, offers a unique gastronomic experience. Its restaurant, overlooking the castle, serves traditional dishes from the region with a modern twist. You cannot miss the tasting menu, which includes dishes such as duck foie with sweet wine sauce and beef tenderloin with truffle sauce.

Taberna El Sol

If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, Taberna El Sol is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Navarrese dishes, such as shepherd's breadcrumbs, stuffed piquillo peppers, and cod omelette. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Navarrese wines.

Sporting Activities in Olite, Navarra

Hiking

Olite is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it an ideal place for hiking. You can explore routes like the Río Zidacos or the Embalse de la Sotonera.

Cycling

The varied terrain of Olite offers cycling routes for all levels. You can opt for mountain routes or enjoy a peaceful ride through the region's vineyards.

Golf

If you're a golf enthusiast, you can enjoy a day at the Castillo de Gorraiz Golf Club, which is a short drive from Olite.

Wine Tourism

Although not a sport in the traditional sense, wine tourism is a very popular activity in Olite due to its location in the wine region of Navarra. You can take a guided tour of a winery, learn about the wine-making process and, of course, taste some of the region's best wines.

Places near Olite

If you are in Olite and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Tafalla

Tafalla, a hidden gem in Navarra, Spain, is famous for its rich medieval history, impressive architecture and vibrant festivals. Visitors can delight in its exquisite local cuisine, highlighting the piquillo peppers and the wine of the region.

Pamplona

Pamplona, famous for its San Fermín festival, is a gem in the north of Spain. Its old town, full of history, and its vibrant gastronomic scene, with pintxos and wines from Navarra, make this city an essential tourist destination.