Ávila

88 towers guarding 11th-century walls

This ancient Spanish city is encircled by an 11th-century wall with 88 towers. Its well-preserved medieval architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985.

4.3
out of 5

Ávila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Spain, captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval walls. This small city in Castile and León invites you to explore the imposing Ávila Cathedral, climb the ancient city walls, and walk in the footsteps of Saint Teresa. As you wander through Ávila's compact, walkable streets, you'll encounter centuries-old churches, sample distinctive local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Spanish history.

Ávila Cathedral

Ávila Cathedral, considered by many as Spain's first Gothic cathedral, is partially integrated into the city walls. Its apse forms one of the wall's turrets, serving both as a place of worship and defense. Inside, you'll discover a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The cathedral displays valuable artworks, including pieces by Pedro Berruguete and Juan de Borgoña.

Basilica of San Vicente

Just outside the city walls, you'll find the Basilica of San Vicente, an excellent example of Romanesque architecture. Construction of this church began in the 12th century and took two hundred years to complete. The basilica honors Saint Vincent and his sisters, who were martyred during Roman times. As you approach, you'll see intricate stone carvings on its western façade. Inside, don't miss the cenotaph of the saints, a remarkable Romanesque sculpture.

Convent of Santa Teresa

The 17th-century Convent of Santa Teresa stands on the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent mystic and writer. Many pilgrims visit this site to learn about her life and work. In the convent, you can explore a church, a museum, and a reliquary room. You'll see personal items that belonged to Saint Teresa, such as her rosary and sandals, as well as manuscripts of her writings.

The Walls of Ávila

The medieval walls of Ávila dominate the city's skyline. These fortifications, constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries, stretch for 2.5 kilometers and reach heights of up to 12 meters. You can walk along 1,700 meters of the battlement walkway, accessing it near the Gate of St. Vincent. As you explore, you'll encounter 88 semi-circular towers and nine gates. The Gate of St. Vincent and the Gate of the Fortress are particularly impressive due to their size and design.

Local Cuisine

Ávila's cuisine reflects its inland location and cold climate. You can taste substantial meat dishes, particularly the "chuletón de Ávila" - a large T-bone steak from local cattle. Another local specialty is "judías del Barco," a hearty bean stew often prepared with chorizo and bacon. For dessert, try "yemas de Santa Teresa," egg-yolk confections named after the city's famous saint.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Ávila experiences a continental Mediterranean climate with cold winters and warm summers. Due to its high altitude (1,132 meters above sea level), temperatures can vary significantly between seasons. In summer (June to August), you can expect warm and dry weather, with daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. For comfortable sightseeing, consider visiting in spring or autumn when temperatures are milder.

Getting to Ávila

You can easily reach Ávila from Madrid. Trains run regularly from Madrid's Chamartín station, taking about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Madrid's Estación Sur, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you prefer to drive, take the A-6 motorway from Madrid to Villacastín, then the AP-51 to Ávila. The drive typically takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Average temperatures during the day in Ávila.
October
13°
Nov
8°
Dec
5°
Jan
4°
Feb
6°
Mar
8°
Apr
10°
May
14°
Jun
19°
Jul
22°
Aug
22°
Sep
19°

What people say about Ávila

4.3
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
4

Places nearby Ávila

Best places to visit in🇪🇸Spain

Articles about Spain

Image of Bucket list-worthy places in Spain
Image of Bucket list-worthy places in Spain

Bucket list-worthy places in Spain

December 2023,
Spain's reputation abroad is often relegated to images of flamenco dancers and bullfights, yet there's much more to discover. The nation presents a compelling blend of coastlines, mountain ranges, his
Image of The warmest places in Europe during winter
Image of The warmest places in Europe during winter

The warmest places in Europe during winter

September 2024,
Winter in Europe typically falls between December and March. During this time, temperatures can vary significantly depending on the region. In the northern parts of Europe, temperatures may drop below
Image of Game of Thrones filming locations
Image of Game of Thrones filming locations

Game of Thrones filming locations

December 2023,
Game of Thrones was filmed across large parts of Europe and Northern Africa. From Jon and Ygritte's love nest in Grjótagjá, Iceland to THE walk of shame in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The TV series is an adap
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

January 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

August 2023,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes
Image of The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

The World’s Most Stunning Hikes

October 2023,
Are you an avid hiker looking for a challenge? Look no further than some of the world's most incredible trails! From the breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Torres del Paine in Chile's Patagonia to
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world
Image of The 20 happiest cities in the world

The 20 happiest cities in the world

September 2024,
This is a list of the top 20 happiest cities in the world according the World Happiness Report which is based on data from 160+ countries. The Nordics and Oceania are heavily over-represented, but the
Image of The best places to visit in March
Image of The best places to visit in March

The best places to visit in March

April 2024,
Spring bells! March is here; open your doors to exciting travel experiences. The journey reveals five different cities: History in Art, Paris; Spirituality and Chemistry, Bali; the sandy beaches and v
Image of The best places for women to travel alone
Image of The best places for women to travel alone

The best places for women to travel alone

August 2023,
There are many places around the world that are great for female travelers! When choosing a destination to visit alone, women tend to look for places that are safe, easy to get around on foot or by pu
Image of The 3 best workation destinations in Europe
Image of The 3 best workation destinations in Europe

The 3 best workation destinations in Europe

December 2023,
Workation meaning The definition of workation is working while travelling. Workation is a portmanteau of the words "work" and "vacation," reflecting the concept of combining work responsibilities with
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Image of Killing Eve filming locations
Image of Killing Eve filming locations

Killing Eve filming locations

May 2024,
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London,
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms