The fortified city of Ávila is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.

Located in the heart of the Castille y Leon province, Ávila is known for its well-preserved medieval walls, which protect the city along with 80 towers and 9 gates.

And while Avila is quite small, there are plenty of things to see and do within its walls (and beyond). In fact, the walled town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I’ve put together a short guide to help you make the most of your stay in Ávila Spain, whether you’re visiting the city on a day trip or planning to spend a night there.

So, let’s dive right in!

How to get to Ávila from Madrid

If you’re travelling to Ávila from Madrid, you can get a bus or a train.

Trains to Ávila depart from Madrid’s Chamartín Station. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. You can buy tickets at the station, or online. Prices vary depending on the type of train and how far in advance you book.

Buses to Ávila depart from Madrid’s Estación Sur (South Station) or Moncloa Station. The main bus operator is Avanza, and the ride usually takes about 1.5 hours.

I bought my tickets online via Omio and got some really good prices! Plus, I didn’t have to worry about queueing for tickets on the day I was travelling.

Avila’s train station and bus station are a 30-45 minute walk from the centre (the bus station being closer to the medieval town).

If you’re visiting Ávila on a day trip, try to get there in the morning. Ávila may be small, but if you’re planning to walk along the entire wall, have lunch and explore some of the other historic landmarks, then you will need a full day in the city.

Where to stay in Ávila Spain

There are various hostales in Ávila, many of which are housed in quaint, old buildings.

Not to be confused with hostels, hostales are small, family-run lodgings that consist of private bedrooms and bathrooms. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotels.

For instance, Le Vintage is a quirky guesthouses located right next to the town hall and cathedral.

If you want to spoil yourself, there are several nice hotels in Avila. For example, Palacio de los Velada is set in a 16th-century palace and comes with luxurious rooms and a lovely central courtyard.

Where to eat in Ávila

Ávila is one of the best places to try typical Castilian dishes, including the popular toston asado (suckling pig).

Another must-try treat is hornazo, a traditional Spanish pie stuffed with ham, chorizo and eggs.

Ávila is also known for its delicious yemas de Santa Teresa, pastry balls made with egg yolks and a thick syrup and covered with powdered sugar. You can find some delicious yemas at Chuchi Pasteles.

If you’re in Ávila for just a few hours and just want to find a cheap place for a quick bite, I recommend getting some something to eat from 100 Montaditos, which is located right outside one of the entrances into the walled city (Puerta del Alcazar).

Here, you’ll find a variety of sandwiches, salads, and finger food.

Meanwhile, Soul Kitchen serves a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes at very reasonable prices.

For hearty, Spanish meals, I highly recommend booking a table at Restaurante Siglodoce or Restaurante Bococo.

Ávila is also a popular destination among Spaniards, and restaurants tend to be very busy during peak seasons. Therefore, you’ll want to try booking a table in advance.

Best things to do in Ávila

Avila is packed with historical gems and attractions. So, here are the best things to see and do on your Avila day trip.

1. Walk along the medieval walls

Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the walls of Ávila offer staggering views of the city and the surrounding hills.

They stretch for 2.5 kilometres, and are punctuated by 88 semicircular towers. The walls themselves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re only visiting Avila for a few hours, you might not have enough time to walk along the entire perimeter. However, I still recommend purchasing an entrance ticket and taking a short walk.

Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss the views, especially on a nice day.

If you’re travelling to Ávila with a suitcase, you won’t be allowed onto the walls with it. Thus, if you’re stopping there on your way to another city, consider travelling with a rucksack.

Alternatively, you can leave your suitcase in a locker at the bus station.

2. Step inside Avila’s impressive cathedral

Dedicated to San Salvador, the Catedral de Avila dates back to the 12th century and features an interesting mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

In fact, it’s often considered the first Gothic cathedral in Spain.

What makes it particularly unique is that its apse (the rounded part of the church where the altar is located) is integrated into the city’s defensive walls. This dual purpose made the cathedral not just a place of worship but also a fortress.

The exterior has a fortress-like appearance, with thick walls and battlements. Inside, you’ll find soaring arches, intricately carved stonework, and beautiful stained glass windows.

The cathedral’s dome, known as “El Cimborrio,” offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

3. Admire the beautiful Palacio de los Davila

Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, Palacio de los Dávila used to be inhabited by the city’s nobles and clergy.

The main façade features a large arched doorway and several heraldic shields that display the Dávila family crest. The building is also adorned with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance elements, reflecting the changes in architectural tastes over time.

While parts of the palace are privately owned and not open to the public, some sections are accessible and often used for cultural events, exhibitions, and sometimes house a small museum showcasing items related to the Dávila family and the history of Ávila.

4. Visit San Vincente de Ávila

This beautiful basilica stands on the site where St. Vincent was martyred during the Roman rule, along with his sisters, Saints Sabina and Cristeta..

Erected in the 12th century, the basilica is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain.

One of the most remarkable features inside the basilica is the Cenotaph of the Martyrs, an intricately carved tomb that is considered a masterpiece of medieval sculpture.

The cenotaph depicts scenes from the martyrdom of Vincent, Sabina, and Cristeta, along with other biblical and mythological figures.

Beneath the main altar is the crypt, where the relics of the martyrs are traditionally believed to be kept.

5. Go for a stroll along Paseo Rastro

This scenic path starts from Plaza de Santa Teresa and runs along the exterior of the city walls.

You can enjoy a lovely evening walk along the promenade while absorbing beautiful views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains in the distance. Or, you can just sit on a bench and soak up the afternoon sun.

Frequently asked questions about Ávila

Still not sure about visiting Ávila Spain? Here’s what you need to know.