Ávila
Ávila is a city in Spain. Its old town has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Understand
Location
Ávila is in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula, just north of the Sistema Central mountain range, which splits into two the Meseta Central plateau. Ávila is the "highest" province capital in Spain as it lies at an average altitude of over 1100 m.
Climate
Winter in Ávila is cold regarding Spanish standards, with minimum temperatures frequently below 0º C during the winter months, and featuring several days with significant snowfall. Summer is dry, with maximum temperatures not breaking the 30º C mark.
Get in
By car
It is 120km from Madrid via N6. Distances to/from Avila: Madrid 110 km, Caceres 215 km, Salamanca 100 km, Segovia 70 km
By train
You can also take a cheap train from Madrid-Chamartin station.
Get around
A medieval city in a medieval way, the mesta route N110 road (Soria, Burgo de Osma, Ayllón, Segovia, Villacastin, Ávila, Piedrahíta, Barco, Plasencia, Cáceres) close to the mountains border of the Central System. The border for 3 centuries during the Moorish invasion make the region very special.
There is a tourist 'train' (articulated bus) but walking is sufficient for most sights.
See
- Walls of Ávila of the Medieval period (11th-14th centuries) are stunning. The largest fully illuminated monument in the world.
- The Cathedral is actually built into the city wall in places.
Do not miss the Romanesque shape of Saint Vincent, the sarcophagus in Saint Thomas.
- Basílica de San Vicente
- Convento de San José
- Iglesia de San Pedro
Do
Buy
Eat
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The meat is delicious, the Ávila beef is a must in Spain, try the steak Chuletón de Ávila.
Avila yolks, known as Yemas de Ávila, Yemas de Santa Teresa, are the most famous sweet.
Judías del Barco
Drink
At night Vallespin St. is the best choice for young travellers. During the day you can take tapas with beer (caña) in the square "el grande" behind the cathedral.
Sleep
Splurge
The Parador is the best way to enjoy a medieval experience in the ancient Ávila. A bit expensive, the Bush family used to sleep there.
Go next
Do not miss the mountains of Gredos, incredible trekking tours; the best way to get there is the village Hoyos del Espino 50km from Avila, 150km from Madrid. Visit also the historical cities of Piedrahita, Barco de Ávila and Arevalo.