A Trip to the City of Avila in Spain
General Information
The city of Ávila, with a population of about 60,000 residents, is located approximately 120 km west of Madrid. It is a charming city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly thanks to its medieval walls with round towers that have been fully preserved and completely encircle the entire old town. The wall is 2.5 km long, with 88 round towers and 9 gates.
Recommended Guided Tours from Madrid to Ávila, Segovia, Salamanca, and Toledo:
Recommended Accommodations in the City of Ávila:
♦ La Casa del Presidente
A 5-star hotel in the center of the Old Town adjacent to the walls. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, and gardens. Free Wi-Fi. Parking available for an additional fee.
♦ Sofraga Palacio, World Hotels Crafted
A 4-star suite hotel in the center of the Old Town adjacent to the city walls. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, and gardens. Free Wi-Fi. Parking available for an additional fee.
♦ Panorama Suite
A 2-bedroom apartment with a living room and kitchen in a convenient location in the city. Features free Wi-Fi and parking.
A Walk on the City Walls and Through Its Alleys
It is recommended to walk on the wall around most of the Old Town, which is full of plazas and alleys. Ascending and descending are possible at 3 different points for a modest fee. You can also settle for a walk along half of the wall. The views of both the city and its surrounding areas are truly unique. The city walls are illuminated after dark, making the city impressive at night as well.
Ascent and descent access points along the wall: House of Las Carnicerías, the Gate of El Alcázar, and the Gate of El Puente.
The town is famous for cookies unique to it: Yemas de Santa Teresa (Yemas de Ávila), sold in many bakeries throughout the town alongside marzipan and wonderful pine nut cookies.
After the walking tour along the walls, it is recommended to stroll through the center of the town, wander among the alleys, shops, and restaurants, and visit the cathedral and its museum.
In the large square in the Old Town, Plaza Mercado Chico:
Parking: It is recommended to park in an organized parking garage adjacent to the walls, east of the wall: Parking El Grande Telpark by Empark
or in the parking garage adjacent to the wall to the south: Parking El Rastro
Don't miss the excellent viewpoint overlooking the city and its walls, located about 300 meters west of the walls called: Vista desde los Cuatro Postes
From here, a panoramic view of the city and its walls unfolds.
Weather
The best season to visit the city is between spring and autumn, from May to October. The city is located at an altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea level, so during the summer months, the average daily maximum temperature is around 28°C, and in the winter months, around 8°C during the day. In the winter, it sometimes snows.
You can reach the city of Ávila as a day trip from Madrid or as part of a road trip from Madrid heading towards northern Portugal: Porto and the Douro Valley.