28 July - 11 August (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Mendigorria International Music Festival
Mendigorria
Come and visit the Palace of Olite. Learn all about this medieval palace. Plan the perfect visit to the town of Olite / Erriberri
Come and see one of the most important medieval monuments in Europe. Travel back in time at the Palace of Olite and explore the wonderful medieval town where it is located.
Complete guide: everything you need to know about the palace
Coming to Middle Navarre to visit the Royal Palace of Olite/Erriberi should not be missed. In fact, it is most visited monument in the whole of Navarre. That’s clear from glancing at any travel blog, tourist magazine or Instagram: yes, everybody flocks here and yes, it’s worthwhile.
Visit the Royal Palace of Olite/Erriberri and feel part of the Court as you stroll through its rooms and gardens. The walls of this beautiful National Monument, designed for the seclusion and enjoyment of its residents, are still steeped in luxury and beauty. Inspired by the French Gothic, Charles III ‘the Noble’ of Navarre ordered this architectural complex to be built; it has two places in one: the New Palace (which you are going to visit) and the Old Palace, which is now a National Parador Hotel.
As you enter the palace you will be plunged back to the Kingdom of Navarre at the height of the 15th century. Make sure you have your camera ready as you going to want to take photos of absolutely everything. Here is a mini-guide for a fabulous experience.
- Climb up the towers to enjoy the best views: the Keep is the highest and offers panoramic views over the vineyards, towns and landscapes of Middle Navarre; the Four Winds tower has the most photogenic balconies; the Joyous Gard, whose name recalls Arthurian legends; and the Three Crowns tower, just like a tiny castle designed for princes and princesses.
- Take in all the details of the courtyards, rooms and royal galleries, and look for the traces of the Mudéjar style inside.
- As you look down from on high, you can see the ice well, an old fashioned ice-room used by the charter town’s residents until the early 20th century.
- If you use the spiral staircases, look out for the quarry marks on the stone.
You can go on a self-guided visit of the Palace or take a guided tour to learn about its history. Either option is the perfect way to discover the delights of this remarkable place, and I am sure you will find a favourite. Either way, don’t miss out on tickets and get your entries here.
Come and visit the Palace of Olite with your family
Plan your trip to the Palace of Olite so that you do not miss any of the hidden nooks and crannies while the whole family enjoys themselves to the fullest:
- Learn all about this monumental site on a family tour.
- Enjoy a dramatized tour with the whole family and step into the medieval world hidden behind these walls, guided by Eleanor of Castile, Queen of Navarre and King Charles III of Navarre on a truly special tour.
- Or if you prefer, treat your children to a creative experience at our family workshops
The palace, the hub of cultural life in Olite/Erriberri
The Palace is a living place, not only due to the thousands of visitors every month, but also because it is the venue for activities such as the Theatre Festival, held in the town each summer. You can enjoy performances inside and also watch plays against the backdrop of its walls.
It’s not surprising to wonder what medieval life was like as you approach the castle. Well, you are in luck: you can experience the lively hustle and bustle of the Middle Ages during the Olite/Erriberri Medieval Fair every August. The castle is the setting to showcase the best crafts and typical cuisine at an event when Olite/Erriberri is a hive of parades, minstrels, dancing and jousting. Thou should not miss it.
A day in Olite / Erriberri: what to see and where to eat
Enjoy a stroll through the medieval town of Olite
The castle is amazing, but Olite/Erriberri does have much, much more to offer to round off a truly, truly medieval day. After visiting the New Palace, you can explore the town’s architecture at your own pace, and the team at the Olite/Erriberri Tourist Office will be happy to answer your questions.
The Church of Santa María la Real backs on to the castle; it has a striking carved portico which is a Gothic delight: balanced shapes, fantasy creatures, characters and plant motifs. As you know, Middle Navarre is the land of wine and you will find it is even engraved in stone: can you find the vine leaves?
The high altarpiece inside is dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary; the stained glass windows, choir and organ are worth seeing. In the neighbouring Plaza Carlos III square, you can admire and visit Chapitel Tower, which was one of the first public clocks on the Iberian Peninsula. The Church of San Pedro is also worth visiting and is just a short walk away along the cobblestone streets. And keep your camera handy because the rose window, the Gothic tower and cloisters are beautiful.
You can book a guided tour of the castle and charter town here or check out these suggestions combining wine and culture at Olite/Erriberri.
What to see near the town
We are sure that visiting Olite/Erriberri is going to be a taster to visit more beautiful spots, and the Medieval Towns of Middke Navarre route is the perfect way to do so. Take in the charm of the narrow streets and beauty of the Romanesque and Gothic styles in unique towns such as Ujué/Uxue, Obanos and Artajona. All the details are here.
If you want to travel beyond the Middle Ages, do it through the sites adjacent to the town. Let yourself be intoxicated by Roman luxury at the sites of Andelos and the Roman Villa of Las Musas de Arellano. Delve into the Middle Ages in the walled enclosure of Rada, a vestige of an impressive defensive past. Learn all the details of these emblematic sites through a combined visit to the Royal Palace of Olite/Erriberri and these three archaeological sites here.
Travel back in time through the archaeological sites surrounding the town. Be captivated by Roman luxury at the archaeological sites of Andelos and the Roman Villa of Las Musas de Arellano. Step back into the Middle Ages at the walled enclosure of Rada, a vestige of an impressive defensive past. Discover all the details of these iconic sites through a combined visit to the Royal Palace of Olite and these three archaeological sites here.
The culture of wine and pintxos in Olite
Such a jam-packed visit is sure to leave you hungry. And what should you eat in Olite/Erriberri? Well, you will be spoilt for choice: from traditional pintxos (tapas), a tasting menu, whatever you feel like but chargrilled at any of the town’s grill houses… Just take your pick. If you order wine, make sure it is always a D.O Navarra and enjoy a true culinary experience at the bars and restaurants.
Discover the wonders of wine in Middle Navarre and find your perfect winery in our wine tourism selection. Treat your taste buds to the finest local delicacies: spectacular flavours, local produce and a unique gastronomic culture through the typical dishes of Middle Navarre.
