Parador de Olite

The Parador de Olite is a hotel inside a medieval royal palace, one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Navarre. Paradores are the state-run chain of historic hotels in Spain, and this one occupies the Old Palace, the Palacio Viejo, part of the great palace complex that the kings of Navarre built in the small town of Olite, at the centre of the wine country. The hotel opened in the 1960s after restoration of the building, which had fallen into ruin after centuries of neglect, and it remains one of the best-known examples of how a historic monument can find a new use.

The palace complex was created largely in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, under King Charles III the Noble, who turned a modest castle into one of the most luxurious royal residences in Europe, famous for its halls, towers, gardens and menagerie. The Old Palace is the older of the two main sections, and it has a more fortress-like character, with thick walls, battlemented towers and narrow stairs. The New Palace stands beside it, restored from the late 1930s and now open to visitors with a ticket, so a stay at the Parador puts you right next to the main sight of the town.

Inside the hotel, the rooms and corridors keep the feel of the medieval building: high stone vaults, pointed arches, wide staircases, wooden doors, tapestries and displays of arms and armour. Some bedrooms look out over the town, the church of Santa María la Real or the plains and vineyards that stretch toward the horizon, while others face the inner courtyard. The restaurant serves Navarrese cooking, with dishes based on local vegetables, such as asparagus and artichokes, lamb, game in season and the red wines of the Navarra region, as well as rosé wines for which the area is known.

Even if you are not staying, the hotel's setting is part of the visit. The Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra, the Jardines del Palacio Real, the Plaza de la Constitución and the church of Santa María la Real are all within a few minutes' walk. Wine cellars such as the Bodegas de Olite offer tastings and visits, and the Casa de la Cadena is another historic building in town. The Castillo de Javier lies some way to the east.

The Parador suits couples and travellers who value atmosphere, and it is easy to reach by road from Pamplona and Tafalla. Book well in advance, as rooms are popular, and ask the reception about access to public areas if you are not a guest.