Ávila

Ávila and El Escorial

A World Heritage city

You can visit Ávila and El Escorial in a single day, departing from the Spanish capital, Madrid.

Ávila is a World Heritage city, famous for its more than 2 kilometres of medieval walls and 87 towers, it is the best preserved in the world.

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Map of Ávila

  • MUST-SEE

    View of the Basilica of San Vicente de Ávila

    The Muralla de Ávila

    A Romanesque military wall that surrounds the old part of the city which was built in the 12th century.

    The Catedral del Salvador

    Built in the 12th century and what is most interesting is that its apse is part of the wall itself. It is believed to be the first Gothic cathedral in Spain.

    The Basilica of San Vicente

    Deemed a World Heritage Site, it is one of the most interesting churches that combines Romanesque and Gothic styles in Spain. It was built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

    Palaces of Ávila

    You can also visit the palaces of Ávila (Palacio de los Velado, Palacio de Superunda and Palacio de Nuñez Vela) and the Cuatro Postes viewpoint.

  • GASTRONOMY

    ‘Chuletón’ from Ávila

    Dishes such as the famous "patatas revolconas", mashed potatoes with bacon and paprika, deserve a special mention. The "chuletón de Ávila" steak is renowned for its quality and flavour, and is one of the region's most iconic dishes. Beans from Barco de Ávila, cooked with chorizo and "morcilla" (blood sausage), are another traditional delicacy. We cannot forget the famous "yemas de Santa Teresa", made with egg yolks and sugar. Hornazo, a type of pie filled with meat and chorizo, is also a local delicacy.

    You can try some of these dishes in restaurants such as Barro, which has a Michelin star.

  • SHOPPING

    Medieval market in Avila

    You will find small gift shops in the historic centre of the city, where you can buy souvenirs and popular handmade products such as ceramics.

  • HOW TO GET TO ÁVILA?

    Avila train station

    Ávila is just over 100 kilometres from Madrid and you can get there by car in about an hour and a half. You can also get there by public transport, as there are buses and trains every day.

  • MUST-SEE IN EL ESCORIAL

    Exterior of the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    On your way back to Madrid, you can visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which is halfway between the two cities. You can tour the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which is a World Heritage Site. The library, the royal pantheon, the Hall of Battles, its impressive gardens and the forest of La Herrería will captivate you. It is also home to the "Silla de Felipe II" (Chair of Philip II).