Ávila

Travel Guide

Avila
Avila Cathedral
Walls of Ávila showing interior views
Avila
Ávila featuring night scenes, a city and heritage architecture

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 CathedralOpens in a new window. 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 ÁvilaOpens in a new window. 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 PostesOpens in a new window. 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 VicenteOpens in a new window. 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(35 area reviews)

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

Old Town of Ávila
Sofraga Palacio

Sofraga Palacio

4 out of 5
Calle Lopez Nunez, 3, Ávila
The price is ¥13,120 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥13,120
¥14,432 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (338 reviews)
"Beautiful setting and excellent staff, facility. Location ideal. Only regret is not spending more time there."

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2025

Sofraga Palacio
Parador De Avila

Parador De Avila

4 out of 5
Marqués Canales de Chozas, 2, Ávila, Avila
The price is ¥14,784 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥14,784
¥16,263 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Walls of Ávila and Palacio ...
9/10 Wonderful! (433 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Parador De Avila
Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos

Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos

4 out of 5
Plaza De La Catedral, 9, Ávila, Avila
The price is ¥9,153 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥9,153
¥10,068 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (567 reviews)
"Excellent hotel."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Hotel Palacio de Valderrábanos
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
Stay at this 3-star residence in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Puerta del Alcazar and Puerta de ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (395 reviews)
Cute hotel
"Lovely hotel in the centre of Ávila. Comfy bed and the room had great A/C which was needed in the heat. The staff we met were all very nice and friendly. Breakfast was good for setting us up for the day. We parked in a car park just outside the city walls about a five minute walk from the hotel. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Hotel Las Moradas
Exe Reina Isabel

Exe Reina Isabel

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Estacion, 17, Ávila, Avila
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly residence in Ávila. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Convento de San Jose ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (217 reviews)
"Good breakfast with variety of food"

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2025

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 (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Palacio de Los Verdugo and Basilica de San ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (193 reviews)
"Got an attic tight room w a loud air conditioner, claimed to reception & got a better room"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2025

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

Things to do

Reviews of Ávila

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
23
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful wall city. Coble stone streets. Get flavor of the old Spain

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great for religious tourism (the churches, the sites related to St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross) and to see the city walls, the ambience, etc., but in one or two days you can see all the main attractions.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I recommend to try "Chuleton", the typical plate for Avila, but one is enough for 2 or 3 people.

5/5 - Excellent

Traveler

Beat place to enjoying culture and rest

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

El clima realmente frío no es muy favorable para recorrer sus bellas murallas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Avila. This is the third time I go. And I’m planning to go again in the future