[Ultimate Guide] Visit Avila, Spain – Best Things to Do + Free Itinerary
Àvila, Spain, is a stunning medieval city in Central Spain, famous for its fortified city walls. It’s also a perfect day trip destination from Madrid due to its location only an hour from the capital city.
I was lucky to visit Àvila myself in 2019 when I was on a business trip in the area, and I absolutely loved it. So I’ve made this guide to help you plan your trip, sharing with you the best things to do in Avila, an easy-to-follow itinerary, and my best tips to make sure you spend a great time there.
Let’s get to it!
Where is Avila?
Avila is located in Spain, 1-hour northwest of Madrid, the capital city. The city is in the community of Castile and León, the largest community in Spain.
Just like Segovia, Avila in Spain is perfect for a day trip from Madrid, to explore the many epic monuments and places in the city.
Walking on the medieval city walls is one of the best things to do in the city, but trust me, there are so many interesting things to do, such as seeing the first Gothic cathedral in Spain!
Facts About Avila
Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about Avila for you:
- the city of Avila was founded in the 5th century BC, before Roman times
- the fortified walls around Avila are the main attraction in the city; they are the largest fully illuminated monument in the world
- the city was at its best in the 16th century, when it prospered with wool manufacture. Many of the impressive buildings are from this time
- Avila has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985
15 Best Things to Do in Avila Spain
Avila is quite a small city, but it’s packed with interesting things to see, from epic religious monuments to military palaces. Depending on how many days you spend in the city, you’ll be able to see some – or all – the things on this list.
Without further ado, here is the full list of the 15 best things to see in Avila Spain:
- Catedral de Avila
- Iglesia Santa Teresa
- Plaza Mercado Chico
- Basilica de San Vicente
- Puerta del Alcazar
- Puerta del Carmen
- See the Walls of Avila
- Walk on the Fortified Walls
- Mirador 4 Postes
- Try the Yemas de Santa Teresa
- Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
- Museo de Avila
- Palacio de los Verdugo
- Palacio Polentinos
- Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles
1. Catedral de Avila
We’ll start the list of what to see in Avila with the Catedral de Avila.
The Catedral de Avila is the first Gothic cathedral in Spain and was built in the 11th century.
This very imposing building, which is one of the greatest landmarks in Spain, is full of surprises inside to discover. You can even go up the bell tower!
Read more here: Guide to the Catedral de Avila
2. Iglesia Santa Teresa
The second item on this list is another religious monument, the Iglesia Santa Teresa.
The Iglesia Santa Teresa was built in 1636, on the birthplace of Santa Teresa of Avila. The church is also stunning inside, and free to enter; I highly recommend you take the time to enter and visit it.
Read more here: Visit the Iglesia Santa Teresa de Avila
3. Plaza Mercado Chico
The Plaza Mercado Chico is the main square of Avila within the city walls.
Most locals come here to sit down and relax at one of the cafés on the square, so it’s the perfect place to have a feel for the local life.
4. Basilica de San Vicente
The Basilica de los Santos Hermanos Martires, Vicente, Sabina y Cristeta, also known as the much simpler Basilica de San Vicente, is a stunning church right outside of the city walls of Avila.
Built around the 12th century, it’s a fine example of Romanesque architecture. I highly recommend visiting and seeing the inside of the basilica. Don’t forget to visit the crypts, too!
5. Puerta del Alcazar
The Puerta del Alcazar is one of the 9 gates in the Avila fortified walls, and it’s considered the main gate.
The name means “Gate of the Fortress”, and it was originally the access to the Alcazar de Avila. Today, there is no trace of the castle, but the gate still remains.
At this gate, you can go up on the walls, and you’ll have a different view of the Avila Cathedral.
6. Puerta del Carmen
The second gate that is worth seeing is the Puerta del Carmen. It’s very different from all the other gates, and it’s the most unique one.
The big bell tower is characteristic of the Puerta del Carmen, and it makes it so epic! Storks often use the bell tower as a place for their nest, so look up and you might see some 🙂
7. See the Walls of Avila
No visit to Avila would be complete without seeing the famous fortified city walls. You can see them from a lot of places in the city, but there is one spot in particular that is best to see the walls in all of their glory.
This view is next to the Puerta del Carmen, in the northwest part of the walls. There is a big open field where you can enjoy this view, and it’s the ideal location to sit down and have a snack.
8. Walk on the Fortified Walls
After seeing the walls from below, you can go up the walls and walk around the city!
To go up the walls, you’ll have to walk up from one of the 4 gates with access to the walls:
- Puerta del Alcazar
- Puerta de la Catedral
- Puerta del Carmen
- Puerta del Puente
Read more here: Discover the Muralla de Avila
9. Mirador 4 Postes
Once you’ve explored the city, and seen the old center from the inside, it’s good to take some distance and see the city as a whole.
The Mirador 4 Postes offers the absolute best view over Avila in Spain!
Read more here: The Best Viewpoint Over Avila
10. Try the Yemas de Santa Teresa
Among this list of best things to see, including monuments and locations, I’ve included one thing to do: try the local food!
What you can see on the photo above are Yemas de Santa Teresa, a sweet pastry made with egg yolk and sugar. You can find them in a lot of pastries in Avila, such as this one.
11. Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
The Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas is one of the best monasteries in Avila.
There are a lot of things to explore in the monastery: a cloister, inside of the monastery, and a museum, … Plan at least 2 hours to visit everything there.
12. Museo de Avila
If you’re a fan of history, then you’ll enjoy visiting the museums in Avila. Although it’s quite a small city, there are around 10 museums in Avila.
The Museo de Avila, or Provincial Museum of Avila, is the main museum in the city. It has 3 different exhibitions: archaeology, fine arts, and ethnology.
13. Palacio de los Verdugo
The Casa de Suero del Aguila, or Palacio de los Verdugo, is a beautiful National Monument built in the 16th century.
Located right after the Gate of San Vicente, the Palacio is free to enter and definitely worth a quick stop to see the stunning arcades and pillars inside.
14. Palacio Polentinos
The second palace on this list is the Palace of Polentinos, built in the 16th century just like the previous one.
The Palace was used as the Military Academy, and there are a lot of interesting buildings to visit around (Army Museum, Military History Archive, …), and is free to enter.
15. Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles
The last item on this list of what to do in Avila Spain is the Ermita de la Virgen de Sonsoles.
The Sanctuary is a little haven of peace, a bit outside of the city. You will find the sanctuary, which is stunning inside, and lovely gardens where you can relax for a nice afternoon break.
It’s a short drive from Avila (10 minutes), or a 1-hour walk if you’re into hiking.
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So there you have it, your list of the 15 best things to see in Avila Spain!
Now let’s see how to get to Avila from Madrid!
How to Get from Madrid to Avila
The distance Madrid – Avila is pretty short (115 km/71 miles), which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip from Madrid.
You can see in the table below a quick comparison of the different ways to get to Avila from Madrid based on time, cost, pros, and cons.
| Time | Cost | Pros | Cons | |
| Car | 1h20 | 30€ | flexible | Tiring, risk of traffic |
| Bus | 1h20 | 16€ | cheapest option | Last bus is before sunset in summer |
| Train | 1h30 | 21€ | late return possible | Longest option |
| Tour | 1h30 | 89€ | live explanation, additional sights | Most expensive option |
Read below for more details on each means of transportation.
🚗 From Madrid to Avila by Car
Renting a car is my favorite way to travel because it gives me total flexibility. If you’re planning to visit other places after/before Avila, I definitely recommend renting a car.
If you’re only doing a day trip from Madrid to Avila, then it’s probably not the best option, since you won’t really need your car to explore Avila.
1. Average Time
To get from Madrid to Avila by car, you have 2 options:
- the freeway (with tolls) – 1h10 to reach Avila
- or the regular road (without tolls) – 1h20 to reach Avila
➡️ Since you don’t save that much time by using the freeway, I recommend taking the regular roads. It will save you some cash, and you’ll also enjoy the drive much more, going through the mountains and forests in the area.
2. Cost
The cost to get from Madrid to Avila by car includes car rental and gas. I will exclude tolls because taking the freeway is really not necessary.
- Car rental: About 20€ for 24 hours. Renting a car from the Madrid airport for 1 day is in fact really cheap, and unless you want a really fancy car, you’ll find one for around 20€, including unlimited mileage and insurance.
- Gas: 20€. With only 3h of driving, you won’t need to add that much gas before returning the car.
- Tolls: Free. Use the regular roads. It’s only 20 minutes longer, and it’s a much nicer drive.
- Parking: Free. As in most places in Europe, parking in Avila is actually pretty expensive. But don’t worry, there are a few free parking around the city, to avoid additional costs. Check on the map the free parking in Avila.
Total Cost: 40€
Obviously, if you’re from Spain and already have a car, the cost to get from Madrid to Avila by car will be reduced to 20€.
Click here to choose a car to rent close to you.
🚌 From Madrid to Avila by Bus
If you want to avoid the hassle of driving (or if you don’t have a driving license), there is another option to reach Avila: taking a Madrid to Avila bus.
The Autobus Madrid Avila takes a little longer than the other transportation options, but it’s the cheapest option.
Be careful when you book your bus ticket, the only station in Avila is “Avila, Estacion de Autobuses“. If it says “Ojos-Albos” or “Vicolozano“, it’s not in the city of Avila!
1. Average Time
The Madrid Avila bus takes around 1h20 to do the trip and leaves from the Mendez Alvaro station.
2. Cost
The bus is a cheap option to go from Madrid to Avila, costing around 19€ for a return trip.
Get the best prices for your bus trip here: Bus Madrid Avila
3. Madrid Avila Autobus Timetable
The Bus Madrid Avila runs every day, from 6:45 am to 9 pm, and there is on average 1 bus per hour. To see all of the times, click here: Madrid Avila bus timetable
🚆 From Madrid to Avila by Train
The third option for the Madrid Avila day trip is to take the train.
Taking the train from Madrid to Avila is the longest way to reach Avila because there is no high-speed train.
1. Average Time
To Madrid Avila train takes from 1h26 to 1h55 to reach its destination, depending on the kind of train you book, and how many stop it makes before reaching Avila
2. Cost
A ticket for a return trip to Avila from Madrid costs between 15€ to 21€.
Book the train from Madrid to Avila on the RENFE website here: Renfe Avila Madrid
3. Madrid to Avila Train Timetable
The train Madrid Avila runs every day, from 6:28 am to 10:14 pm, and there is on average 1 train per hour.
To see all of the times, click here: Madrid Avila train timetable
🗺 Avila Tour from Madrid
The last option to go from Madrid to Avila is to take an Avila day tour from Madrid.
It’s the most expensive option, but it’s also the best way to discover Avila, with a guide showing you around the city, an added explanation of the city’s history, and additional impressive sights around the city.
1. Average Time
The tour will take you from Madrid to Avila by bus, and it will take around 1h30. Once in the city, you will go on a 1h30 walking tour in the city with your guide.
After exploring Avila, you will then go to Segovia by bus where you’ll explore the Segovia Cathedral and the Alcazar of Segovia.
2. Cost
The day trip tour from Madrid to Avila and Segovia costs 77€ (there are often interesting discounts).
Book your tour to Avila here: Tour from Madrid to Avila
So there you have them, the 4 ways to go from Madrid to Avila. Whether you decide to drive to Avila, take the train from Madrid to Avila, the Madrid bus to Avila, or go on a guided tour, it all comes down to personal preference.
Now let’s go over the best itinerary to see the city in 1 day!
Recommended Itinerary to See Avila in 1 Day
To make it easy for you to explore Avila, I’ve created a custom map, specially for you. And yes, it’s free.
To get your Avila itinerary map, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
Note: the itinerary is designed so you get to see all of the main sights in Avila, with the most time-efficient path. If you have plenty of time, feel free to adapt the itinerary to your liking!
What to Know Before Going to Avila
If you’re planning to discover Avila by walking around the city, then I have a few tips for you.
These will help you make the most out of your visit to Avila:
- as for any walking tour, make sure to wear proper footwear! Sneakers are ok for this short walk, but hiking shoes are always recommended
- wear sunscreen and a hat if it’s sunny; the sun is no joke
- remember to be respectful when you enter places of worship: take off your hats, and be quiet
- bring a thermos with you on your walk, you’ll be happy to have cold water/hot coffee with you when you sit down for a break
Missing a few travel essentials? Discover here my favorite travel gear I never leave behind!
FAQ About Visiting Avila
Is Avila Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Avila is certainly a destination worth exploring, and there are numerous compelling reasons for it!
This city boasts a captivating medieval ambiance that has been exceptionally preserved due to its profound historical significance. As highlighted in this post, Avila’s remarkable heritage has bestowed upon it a picturesque charm, rendering it one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Spain.
Beyond its captivating appearance, Avila is renowned for its culinary delights as well. For instance, you can indulge in the flavorsome chuletón, a delectable prime rib dish that is a typical specialty of the region. Alternatively, if you’re more of a sweet tooth, you can satisfy your cravings with the heavenly yemas de Santa Teresa.
Best Time to Visit Avila?
Regarding the weather, the best period for visiting Avila is from May until September.
But if you can, I’d advise you to avoid going in July or August, Avila’s peak season. During these months, the city tends to be crowded, and accommodation prices tend to escalate. And the heat can be quite intense.
You should also know that Avila hosts several annual events, which are wonderful opportunities to discover the city during these festive times:
- Semana Santa (Easter) in March/April
- The Outdoor Festival in July
- Santa Teresa week in October (the biggest event in Avila)
Best Tours to Visit Avila
There are several guided tours available to discover Avila starting from Madrid, but most of them include another city, most of the time Segovia or Toledo. So, these tours are great if you have limited time and want to make the most of it.
Here are my favorites:
- Avila & Segovia day trip from Madrid: this 9-hour trip makes you visit both cities at the fullest and even includes a drink and an aperitif!
- Avila & Salamanca day trip from Madrid: this 11-hour trip takes is the best to discover these 2 cities in a single day
- Avila, Segovia & Toledo day trip from Madrid: this 11-hour trip is wonderful to make the most of your day, and includes a lunch in a traditional restaurant!
Where to Stay in Ávila
If you’re visiting Avila and its fortified walls, you have several options for where to stay. You’ll find below hotels depending on your travel style:
💰 Budget –Hostel El Rincón: cheapest accommodation in Avila, for around 30€ per night. It comes with a private bathroom and free wifi. This hostel has the best location, it’s within the fortified walls of Avila, and everything is within walking distance. There are also free toiletries in the bathroom for your comfort.
✅ Comfy –Vallespin Suite: this is my favorite accommodation for a comfy stay in Avila, for around 60€ per night for the full suite, which can host 3 people (that’s 20€ per person if you’re 3). It’s ideally located inside the fortified walls of Avila, and it’s an 8 min walk from the Cathedral. The beds are pretty comfy, and the included breakfast makes it a perfect choice for your stay in Avila.
✨ Luxury – La Casa del Presidente: this is the best hotel in Avila, hands down. It has everything you’ll need, and even more: free parking, breakfast included, incredible rooms, a swimming pool, and the location… The hotel is right next to the Avila fortified walls, you can’t be closer!
Visit Spain
Ready to go to Avila? Then, here are other pieces that will definitely be helpful to you.
Find below my guides to some of Avila’s most famous monuments:
- Visit the Cathedral of Avila
- Explore the Birthplace of Santa Teresa
- Discover the Muralla de Avila
- Get the Best View of Avila
- The Best Avila Guided Tours
Don’t know what to do next? I got you covered: here are posts about destinations close to Avila:
For more places in Spain, check all my Spain travel guides here.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Avila and to Spain! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.
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