Artajona y Olite

Hello Everyone! It is clear that timely posts are not my forte....but, I will persevere in updating the blog slowly but surely. My goal is to get up to speed in the next two weeks, so we'll see how I do! Pictured here are Fede and the kids at the top of a small town called Artajona, in the Navarre region (about 20 minutes from Pamplona). We loved the beautiful view of farmlands, the patchwork colored hills of Navarra.

Like many small towns in the area, Artajona was a fortified castle-like complex centuries ago. When we visited it had a very rural, almost abandoned feel to it (in reality only a handful of people live within the castle walls) and the monochromatic sand-brown buildings only helped to add to this sensation.

Fede and kids standing at the entrance of Olite's walls

From Artajona, we jumped back in the car and drove another half an hour to a splendid little village called Olite. We were in for a pleasant surprise as this cute little town has a rich heritage and a beautifully preserved castle. Within the town walls, we found a colorful ambiance among the residents with many terraces, taverns and people walking the cobblestone streets.

Antonio took this picture of us in front of Olite's main church

Olite was very manageable to walk, which was great with the kids. This church is almost adjacent to the castle below. This castle, of all that we have seen this was the most fairy-like. It has several tall turrets and was simply beautiful to behold.

Tita and Fran can be seen from the balcony, and if you look closely Ale and Antonio are peeking out through the flower-like windows below!

Different views of Olite's Castle.

We called this turret Rapunzel's tower, because it was pretty much exactly as we pictured her home :) -needless to say, the kids were thrilled going up and down the towers and exploring all of the little hallways and rooms. Visiting Olite, during our stay in Pamplona, was definitely worthwhile.

Here we are at the top of our of the towers, which gave us a spectacular view of the Navarre landscape.

A final view of the Olite Castle...cheers everyone!