The Parador de Olite returns with greater comfort and efficiency
The long-awaited reopening draws tourist activity back to the historic palace-castle of the Kings of Navarre
The Parador de Olite-Erriberri reopened its doors on May 28th, 2026, after 17 months of closure and an extensive 8.6 million euro refurbishment that has reinvigorated bedrooms, bathrooms, roofing and facilities while simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency and remodelling its interiors with a more contemporary aesthetic. The repositioning was carried out without sacrificing the historic character of an establishment located in the oldest wing of the Royal Palace of Navarre, in the monumental heart of Olite. Located in the Old Palace, also known as the Teobaldos Palace, the Parador is part of the ensemble that is the Royal Palace of Olite, one of the benchmarks of European Gothic architecture and once the seat of one of the most refined courts in medieval Europe. Staying the night here means stepping foot in a building where the hotel experience and heritage go hand in hand. Towers, battlements, galleries, stained glass windows, tapestries and coffered ceilings are all part of a backdrop that retains its palatial atmosphere. The aim of this refurbishment was to enhance its uniqueness without turning the establishment into a historical reenactment. Stone, brick and medieval passageways now coexist with contemporary design lines, envisaged to lend greater warmth to the spaces and strengthen the hotel's connection with its surroundings. This new interior concept draws on the landscapes and wines of Olite as its reference and makes use of burgundy, honey, clay and muted gold tones in the rooms and common areas. The remodelling combines exquisite materials and contemporary furniture with discreet references to the medieval past, moving away from an overly thematic ambiance. Lighting, fabrics and the new color palette soften the monumental nature of the palace’s interior, while the centuries-old walls, vaulted corridors and views of the towers that characterize the stay remain as present as ever. La remodelación combina materiales nobles y mobiliario contemporáneo con referencias discretas al pasado medieval, alejándose de una ambientación excesivamente temática. La iluminación, los tejidos y la nueva gama cromática suavizan la monumentalidad de los interiores, mientras que los muros centenarios, los pasillos abovedados y las vistas hacia las torres que singularizan la estancia permanecen presentes.
One of the elements incorporated following the renovation is the new artistic concept. Works by Estela de Castro, Nacho Martín Silva and Manuel Vilariño are integrated into the spaces of the Parador, reviving the fascination with exotic animals that formed part of the Navarre court through a contemporary perspective. In this way, art joins the dialogue between memory and present day that shapes the renovation of the venue. The intervention also included structural and functional aspects, from the renovation of the roofing and replacement of the exterior carpentry to the complete remodeling of bedrooms and bathrooms. Internal areas designated for staff have also been updated, along with the installation of air conditioning in the kitchen and laundry. The project thus combines aesthetic renewal with improvements related to comfort, operations and the energy efficiency of the building. The gastronomy rounds out the updated experience at the Parador. Its restaurant maintains Navarran regional cuisine as the star of the show, with a menu where garden-fresh produce has a prominent presence thanks to ingredients such as asparagus, artichokes, peppers and pocha beans. These are joined by specialities such as “txistorra”, cod and stews, served in settings that retain the palatial atmosphere of the establishment.
Location
Olite is located in the Middle Zone of Navarre, in northern Spain, approximately 42 kilometres from Pamplona. Its main road accesses are the N–121 and the AP–15. It has its own train station with medium-distance services. The nearest airport is Pamplona Airport, situated in Noáin, six kilometres from the Navarran capital.