Why You Should Visit Olite
Though relatively unknown among Korean travelers, Olite is a beloved destination for Spaniards and European tourists. When I first arrived, I was amazed by the number of international visitors and couldn’t help but wonder how they had all discovered this hidden treasure.
This is a map showing the location of Olite, Navarre, Spain.
Located about two hours north of Zaragoza by car, Olite is a small town that seems straight out of a medieval fairytale. The moment I entered, I was struck by its strong Renaissance and medieval charm—especially the castle that instantly reminded me of Hogwarts from Harry Potter.
Here are a few reasons why I strongly recommend visiting Olite:
- The castle is absolutely stunning. Truly, one of the most enchanting castles I’ve seen—it gives off major Hogwarts vibes.
- The region is famous for its wine.
- The entire village, not just the castle, is picturesque and atmospheric.
- You can take a beautiful photo anywhere—this place is Instagram heaven.
- The Castle of Olite: A Royal Masterpiece
The Olite castle
The majestic castle you see in the center of town was once the royal palace of the Kingdom of Navarre. During the time when most of Spain was under Islamic rule, Navarre—along with Castile and Aragon—was one of the Christian kingdoms that persisted in the north.
From the main square, you can easily spot the castle. I strongly recommend going inside—tickets were around €10 with a student discount. It’s important to book your visit in advance and arrive at your designated time slot, as the number of visitors is usually high. Once you’re inside, however, there’s no time limit—you can explore at your own pace.
Each watchtower is accessible, and as you climb up, the view opens up to the entire town of Olite. Standing atop the castle, gazing out over the rooftops, I felt as though I had become royalty myself. It was one of those rare moments that stir your imagination endlessly.
Just be careful—some stairways are narrow, and with excited kids running around, it’s good to stay alert. Also, it’s quite windy up top, so hold on to your hats!
The castle’s interior is beautiful, but the view from outside is just as breathtaking. This is truly one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret among locals.
A Castle with a Basque Touch
Interestingly, Basque is also spoken in this region. The architecture reflects a mix of local traditions and Renaissance influences, giving it a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a Renaissance-era castle with a touch of Basque flair, Olite is your destination. Don’t miss the chance to take a step back in time in this magical corner of Spain.
