Ávila Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Avila Cathedral
Ascend the city walls for views of the preserved medieval landmarks that make up the Town of Stones and Saints.

Ávila is an exceptional city with a rich religious history exemplified by its many museums and churches. Around the Old Town wind iconic 11th-century walls, among the most complete of any ramparts in Spain. Explore the quaint cobbled alleys and pleasant plazas that lie within the walls and sample famed Ávila beef.

Among the architectural highlights is Ávila Cathedral. Admire the Gothic and Romanesque features that make up this fortress-like church. Take the audio tour for a better understanding of the cathedral. Note how its apse merges with part of the 11th-century Walls of Ávila. These are among the only completely preserved ramparts of their kind in Spain. Climb atop the walls via the tourism office and appreciate the excellent views of the historic center.

Cross the old Roman bridge on the Adaja river to reach the western outskirts of the city, where you will find Los Cuatro Postes. The four pillars of this historic monument hold up a canopy surrounding a cross. Capture photos of the Old Town from this hilly vantage point and see the city walls illuminated at night.

Within the city lie many other landmarks, such as the Basilica of San Vicente. See the tomb of the sanctuary’s namesake saint and walk along the elegant colonnade. Other gems include the Convento de San José and the Palacio de Polentinos.

The city is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northwest of Madrid in the central part of Spain. Fly to Madrid International Airport and rent a car for the 90-minute drive to get here. You can also take a train to the Ávila Railway Station from the Madrid Chamartin train station. Get around the central part of the city on foot or via bus.

Ávila and its preserved medieval walls transport you to a bygone era. Expect scorching hot days and warm nights in summer, with cold winter evenings. Snow falls erratically from November through March, while the rest of the year is generally dry.

Where to stay in Ávila

Avila Cathedral

Old Town of Ávila

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Old Town of Ávila is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Walls of Ávila and Convento de Santa Teresa.

Old Town of Ávila
Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos
Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos
4 out of 5
Plaza De La Catedral, 9, Ávila, Avila
The price is ₹5,297 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹5,297
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service.
8.8/10 Excellent! (434 reviews)
"Amazing location. The lobby was beautifully renovated. The room we staid in would benefit from the same. Decoration slightly outdated and some amenities such as coffee machine or kettle would bring extra value. Staff was super nice."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos
Sofraga Palacio, WorldHotels Crafted
Sofraga Palacio, WorldHotels Crafted
4 out of 5
c/ Lopez Nunez, 1, Ávila
The price is ₹7,358 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹7,358
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (186 reviews)
"The staff at the hotel were excellent. I would recommend a stay here to anyone considering a visit to Ávila."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Sofraga Palacio, WorldHotels Crafted
Parador De Avila
Parador De Avila
4 out of 5
Marqués Canales de Chozas, 2, Ávila, Avila
The price is ₹6,741 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹6,741
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service.
8.8/10 Excellent! (341 reviews)
"Loved the terrace garden bar where you could linger for hours under the trees. The dining room offerings were ample & delicious. A classic parador experience."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2024

Parador De Avila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Las Moradas
Hotel Las Moradas
3 out of 5
Alemania, 5, Ávila
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk.
9/10 Wonderful! (323 reviews)
"room was comfortable and hotel close to city walls"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Hotel Las Moradas
Exe Reina Isabel
Exe Reina Isabel
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Estacion, 17, Ávila, Avila
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service.
8.6/10 Excellent! (186 reviews)
"Had an excellent breakfast buffet and the staff gave great information about what sites to see."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Exe Reina Isabel
Hotel Arco San Vicente
Hotel Arco San Vicente
2 out of 5
Calle Lopez Nuñez 6, Ávila, Avila
Stay at this residence in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Palacio de Los Verdugo and Basilica de San Vicente are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (178 reviews)
"Excellent stay. Charming hotel and I would stay again for sure. Warm and cozy"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

Hotel Arco San Vicente
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ávila

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
" "5 - Excellent 83.33333333333333%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Oct 2019

we needed more time to discover more of the town and region but there was more than enough to keep us occupied during our short stay

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Aug 2019

Free tapas and HUGE meals to share will be my lasting memory of the food! We were there for 5 days in August and maybe heard two or three English voices. Seems as if most tourists are Spanish, more Spanish and maybe a few German and French.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Jul 2019

Lovely historic town well worthy of World Heritage status. Could easily spend a few more days there. Friendly local and great bars just outside the walls. Well worth a visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Jun 2019

Is a beautiful unique city. Lots of history and lovely landskapes.

5/5 - Excellent

Ian
17 Jun 2019

Fabulous place to visit. Make sure you walk the walls and see the walls from outside at dark.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Jun 2019

Incredible old architecture, the walls are a treat. Need to wait till 20:30 to have dinner.