15 Amazing things to do in Ávila, Spain: city of walls and stories

Looking for the best things to do in Ávila, Spain? Walk along the medieval city walls, visit historic churches and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Get to know Ávila

Ávila is located in the Castilla y León region and is known as the highest city in Spain, sitting at 1,130 meters above sea level. When you approach from the west, the impressive city walls rise up in the distance. They are often regarded as the most beautiful medieval walls in the country.

Inside the walls you’ll find medieval palaces, a cathedral that was partly built as a fortress and, of course, the legacy of Teresa of Ávila. This nun challenged the church in the sixteenth century and went on to found no fewer than seventeen convents. With so many well-preserved monuments, it’s no surprise that the entire old town of Ávila has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

To be honest, I hardly knew Ávila before I went there. Castilla y León invited me to spend a night in the city and I am very glad I got the chance. It turned out to be exactly the kind of place I love: cozy and easy to explore. I felt right at home and enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets, where there was something to discover around every corner.

Going out with a guide made it even more interesting, as I learned more about the city’s stories. About its glory days during the Spanish Golden Age, the decline caused by the plague, the nobles who moved to Madrid and the markets that have been held here since Roman times. There is plenty of history, yet at the same time the atmosphere is very relaxed.

For me, Ávila was a wonderful surprise. A destination worth visiting during a trip through Castilla y León, but also a great base for exploring. Outside the city there are even more beautiful places waiting to be discovered. In this article I will show you the best things to do in Ávila and which day trips are worth taking.

The best things to do in Ávila

Within Ávila’s old city walls you will find a wealth of monuments and historic sites. The center is compact and easy to explore on foot. These are the places you should definitely not miss while visiting Ávila.

The city walls of Avila

The first thing I saw in Ávila were the imposing city walls (la Muralla de Ávila). My hotel was right next to them, so I had to drive through by car. It felt very special to enter the city through such an ancient gate and, to be honest, also a bit exciting.

The walls were built around the year 1100 and stretch almost 2,500 meters, with 87 towers and 9 gates. About 1,600 meters can be walked and you can climb up in several places. From the top you have views of the city, the cathedral and the surrounding landscape. For me, this was one of the highlights of my visit: the walls are an absolute must-see in Ávila.

An entrance ticket costs €8. Opening hours vary by month and entrance. For up-to-date information and tickets, check the official website.

The cathedral of Ávila

In Spain, visiting the cathedral is always part of the experience, and in Ávila it is no different. The Catedral de Ávila is not just any church: it is the oldest Gothic building in Spain. What makes it extra special is that it is partly built into the city wall and was therefore also used as a fortress.

Inside you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows. Some were lost during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, but many impressive details remain. The mix of styles is striking too: Gothic architecture blended with the solid lines of a fortress. That contrast alone makes the cathedral worth visiting.

A nice detail for those walking the Camino: this is where you can collect an official pilgrim’s stamp.

Plaza del Mercado Chico

The heart of Ávila is Plaza del Mercado Chico, a square that has been the city’s center since Roman times. This was once the site of the forum, and today it is still where residents gather. I really loved the atmosphere here; the square is framed by arcades and historic buildings, including the city hall.

On Friday mornings a market takes place, with fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables. It’s the perfect time to soak up the local atmosphere. The rest of the week the square is lively too, with terraces where you can sit down, watch people go by and take in the city.

Teresa de Ávila and her legacy

Much of Ávila’s identity revolves around Teresa de Ávila, a 16th-century nun who was far ahead of her time. She challenged the established order, wrote numerous books, reformed the Carmelite order and founded seventeen convents. She was eventually canonized.

Several sites in Ávila are dedicated to her. One of the most important is the Basílica y Casa Natal de Santa Teresa de Jesús, built on the spot where she was born. In the nearby Padres Carmelitas you can even see a relic of hers: a finger (a bit macabre, though adorned with a striking ring).

Yemas de Theresa

Ávila has its own sweet specialty named after Saint Teresa: Yemas de Teresa (also known as Yemas de Ávila). The best place to try them is La Flor de Castilla, a shop that has been around since 1860.

These sweets are made from egg yolks and plenty of sugar, and they taste best when freshly prepared. I even had the chance to make them myself together with the store manager, and they were delicious! In the store, you can also find different varieties; I especially enjoyed the ones flavored with chocolate and cinnamon.

La Flor de Castilla is also a nice spot to sit down for a coffee. In the back of the shop there are a few tables, and with your drink you always get a delicious cookie on the side.

Palacio de los Verdugo and the medieval palaces

In the Middle Ages, Ávila was full of palaces owned by noble families, more than sixty in total. When many of these families moved to Madrid and the plague struck the city, the palaces fell into decline. Even so, you can still see many of them today, giving a clear picture of the wealth Ávila once enjoyed. Nowadays most are used as government buildings or hotels. I stayed in Sofraga Palacio, a beautifully renovated palace right next to the city walls.

One of the best-known examples is the Palacio de los Verdugo, a 16th-century building with an impressive façade decorated with family coats of arms. Inside, you can see the courtyard, which is typical of the architecture of the time. It offers a great glimpse into the life of Ávila’s nobility.

Basilica de San Vicente

Just outside the city walls stands the Basílica de San Vicente, one of the most important Romanesque churches in Spain. Construction began in the 12th century and lasted nearly two hundred years, which is why Gothic elements are also visible.

When I visited, the church was largely covered in scaffolding, but it remains an impressive sight and is definitely worth stepping inside.

Mirador de los Cuatro Postes

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love a good view. In Ávila I naturally went looking for one as well. Just outside the center, on the other side of the river, you’ll find the Mirador de los Cuatro Postes. This monument consists of four stone pillars with a cross in the middle, for a moment it even felt like I was in Greece. From here you have a fantastic view of the city and its impressive walls.

I visited during the day, but this also seems like a wonderful spot at sunset, when the walls glow softly in the evening light.

Camino de Santiago through Avila

I hadn’t been wandering through the old town for more than 15 minutes when I spotted the first yellow arrow. My hiker’s heart skipped a beat. Yes, Ávila is also on the Camino de Santiago. It’s not one of the best-known routes: the Camino de Levante runs from Valencia through Ávila to Zamora, where it connects with another route toward Santiago de Compostela.

In town I didn’t see many pilgrims, but now and then someone would pass by with a backpack and the familiar shell. Even if you’re not walking the full Camino yourself, it’s fun to follow the markings in Ávila for a while.

La Ruta Teresiana

In addition to the Camino, another special route passes through Ávila: the Ruta Teresiana. Opened in 2015, this pilgrimage trail connects several monasteries founded by Teresa of Ávila.

The route is 107 or 117 kilometers long, depending on which variant you choose. It is not only a religious journey but also a way to better understand Teresa’s history and legacy. Ávila marks the end point of the route (or the starting point if you walk it in reverse), giving you a different perspective on the city.

The markings are easy to spot throughout town. The symbol is a footprint with a circle next to it, representing Teresa’s walking stick.

Paseo del Rastro

The Paseo del Rastro was perhaps my favorite spot in Ávila. This promenade runs along the southern side of the city walls and is completely car-free, making it a lovely place to stroll or simply relax on a bench.

From here you have views over the city and the mountains in the distance, which makes it even more special. It was never very crowded, so for me this was the perfect place to unwind during my visit to Ávila.

Fun day trips from Avila

Ávila is compact enough to explore in a day or two, and it also makes a great base for discovering more of Castilla y León and central Spain. These are the best day trips from Ávila.

Segovia

Segovia is about an hour’s drive from Ávila and is best known for its impressive Roman aqueduct. With its 160 arches, it is one of the most remarkable Roman remains in Spain.

But Segovia has much more to offer: a fairy-tale-like Alcázar, a Gothic cathedral and a charming historic center that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With so many highlights, Segovia is easily worth a full day.

Sierra de Gredos

The reason I traveled to Castilla y León was to go hiking in the lesser-known Sierra de Gredos mountains, and I was not disappointed. This area feels like a completely different world compared to the cities. Some peaks, such as Pico Morezón, are quite accessible, and from the top the views are simply breathtaking.

Along the way you will encounter plenty of wildlife. Cows graze in the valleys, birds circle overhead, and with a bit of luck you may even spot ibex. For me it was an impressive experience and the perfect way to combine a city trip with nature.

El Escorial

Driving from Madrid to Ávila you pass El Escorial, a perfect place to stop on the way. The village is home to the impressive monastery-palace, one of the most important buildings in Spain. Commissioned by King Philip II in the 16th century, the complex served at once as a monastery, palace, library and royal mausoleum.

I couldn’t visit it myself during my trip (it is closed on Mondays), but you can see the complex well from several viewpoints. I chose the Silla de Felipe II, a short climb to a spot with a beautiful panorama.

Salamanca

One place that’s high on my list for a future trip to Spain is Salamanca. From Ávila it’s just over an hour away, and the city is often described as one of the most beautiful in the country. The Plaza Mayor in particular is said to be spectacular. The university, one of the oldest in Europe, has a façade with incredibly detailed decorations.

The mix of lively student life and centuries of history makes Salamanca both fun and fascinating. For me, that’s reason enough to make sure I go there next time.