Olite: Home of the Most Stunning Castle in Europe
Olite is a historical site located in the northern region of Spain. It is most popularly known for its medieval castle, which was built to serve as the summer residence of its kings back in the 13th-century. It is also home to many well-preserved churches like the Gothic Iglesia de Santa Maria la Real de Olite. Aside from its medieval structures, Olite is also famous for producing the best wines in the region due to its ideal climate.
Best Time to Visit
The summer season brings a lot of visitors and makes Olite accommodations difficult to book due to festivals happening around this time. One of which is the Classical Theater Festival that showcases nightly plays and street performances. Another sought-after event during the summer is the Medieval Fair, which features people wearing costumes from that period.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Palacio Real is one of the most impressive castles in all of Europe. The castle itself already covers one-third of the whole town. Due to its vastness, it has been used to host various events such as bullfights and jousting tournaments. One of the wings of the castle has been converted to act as a hotel. The Parador de Olite offers a luxurious accommodation featuring wrought iron chandeliers, rustic fireplaces, and lobbies lined with suits of armor. For lodging in the town center, guests can look into staying at the Hotel La Joyosa Guarda, a refurbished 18th-century mansion, which offers modern amenities for its guests.