Things to Do in Ávila

Ancient city walls surrounding Ávila, Spain, with historic buildings in the background.

Walk the Walls of Ávila

Ávila’s star attraction is its astonishing medieval wall, one of the best preserved in Europe. Stretching over 2.5 km with 88 towers and 9 gates, it feels like stepping onto the set of a medieval epic. You can stroll along its ramparts and pause at viewpoints that overlook both the old town and the rolling Castilian plains.

Location: Encircles the historic center (Find on Maps)
Timings: You can admire the walls 24/7

Central nave and gilded altarpiece in Avila Cathedral, Spain.

Visit Ávila Cathedral

Half fortress, half house of worship, Ávila Cathedral was literally built into the city walls, making it both a defensive stronghold and a Gothic masterpiece. Step inside to admire its soaring vaults, vivid stained glass, and Renaissance choir stalls. Don’t miss the contrast between its fortress-like exterior and the delicate artistry within—it’s Ávila in architectural form: strong yet spiritual.

Location: Plaza de la Catedral (Find on Maps)
Timings: 10am–8pm (spring–autumn), 10am–6pm (winter)

Church facade and statue at the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Avila, Spain.

Explore historic convents

Ávila’s convents are as much about history as they are about faith. The Convent of St. Teresa honors Ávila’s most famous daughter, the mystic writer St. Teresa of Ávila, and houses relics and exhibits about her life. Across the city, you’ll find peaceful cloisters, gardens, and baroque chapels that offer a glimpse into the city’s spiritual heartbeat. Many convents sell handmade sweets at the door. Don’t leave without trying these yemas de Santa Teresa (egg-yolk candies).

Location: Various sites across the old town

Calle Cruz Vieja near Avila Cathedral, stone walls and lanterns, Castilla y Leon, Spain.

Stroll Ávila’s old town

Inside the walls, Ávila’s UNESCO-listed historic center is a tapestry of stone palaces, Romanesque churches, and inviting plazas. Meander through narrow streets where every turn reveals a new detail: a carved doorway, a quiet square, or a shop selling lace and ceramics. It’s the kind of place that makes wandering aimlessly fun.

Location: Enclosed by the city walls

Shopper browsing clothes on a vibrant street market.

Discover hidden gems

Beyond the landmarks, Ávila rewards the curious. Seek out tucked-away artisanal shops, small museums, and family-run taverns where traditional Castilian cooking shines. Around Plaza del Mercado Chico, you’ll find vibrant local life—cafés, boutiques, and street art blending seamlessly with the city’s medieval backdrop.

Panoramic view of Avila's medieval town walls at sunset from Los Cuatro Postes, Spain.

Soak in scenic viewpoints

Ávila’s elevated position makes it a natural lookout. The Cuatro Postes viewpoint (just outside the walls) frames the city perfectly, with the mighty walls dominating the skyline. Within the old town, towers and wall walks provide endless photo ops. Bring your camera (or your sketchbook), believe us, you will want to capture these vistas.

Festivals of Avila

Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April)

Ávila’s Holy Week is a solemn yet spectacular experience, with centuries-old brotherhoods carrying floats of Christ and the Virgin through torchlit streets. The medieval walls and cathedrals create a dramatic backdrop that makes the processions unforgettable.

Medieval market (September)

For a few days, Ávila’s old town transforms into a living medieval fair. Expect knights, jugglers, falconers, and artisans filling the streets, while the smell of roasting meats and music of lutes carries you back in time.

Fiestas de Santa Teresa (October)

Celebrating the city’s patron saint, Santa Teresa of Ávila, this festival blends religious devotion with lively street events. Pilgrimages, concerts, parades, and fireworks light up the city in her honor.

Fiestas de San Segundo (May 2nd)

Dedicated to Ávila’s patron saint, San Segundo, the festival includes a colorful mix of religious ceremonies, local music, dancing, and vibrant markets. It’s a beloved day for both locals and visitors.

Festival de Música de Ávila (July)

Ávila’s summer classical music festival brings concerts to historic venues like convents, palaces, and churches. The intimate settings paired with world-class performances make it a cultural highlight of the season.

Must-try food in Avila

Grilled flat iron steak with rosemary on open flame.

Chuletón de Ávila

A massive T-bone steak, grilled simply to let the rich flavor of local beef shine. It’s hearty, rustic, and best enjoyed with red wine.

Judías del Barco

Creamy white beans from Barco de Ávila slow-cooked with chorizo and pork. A comforting dish that’s as warming as the Castilian sun in winter.

Yemas de Santa Teresa

Ávila’s signature sweet: rich egg-yolk confections dusted with sugar. Bite-sized, golden, and dangerously addictive.

Hornazo

A savory pastry stuffed with chorizo, lomo, and hard-boiled egg. Traditionally eaten at Easter, but delicious any time of year.

Patatas Revolconas

Mashed potatoes whipped with paprika and garlic, topped with crispy pork cracklings. A humble peasant dish that’s pure comfort food.

Torreznos

Crispy, golden pork belly strips fried to perfection. Crunchy on the outside, juicy inside; perfect with a cold beer.

An itinerary that covers Avila in one day

1/8

Stop 1: Walls of Avila

Start at the Walls of Ávila. Enter through one of the gates and climb up to the ramparts while the city is still quiet. The morning light over the Castilian plains is unbeatable, and you’ll get your bearings right away.

Stop 2: Avila Cathedral

Head to Ávila Cathedral. Just steps from the walls, this half-fortress, half-cathedral is the city’s crown jewel. Take time to admire the stained glass and fortress-like stonework.

Stop 3: Convent of St. Teresa

Explore the Convent of St. Teresa. Learn about Ávila’s most famous saint, wander through peaceful courtyards, and—if you have a sweet tooth—pick up some yemas de Santa Teresa from the nearby convent shops.

Stop 4: Old Town

Wander the Old Town. Meander through cobbled streets and pause at Plaza del Mercado Chico, the lively main square lined with cafés. It’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee and people-watch.

Lunch

Feast on Ávila’s signature dishes. Order a chuletón de Ávila (giant T-bone steak) or judías del Barco (hearty bean stew) at a traditional tavern inside the old walls. Leave room for dessert, you can’t skip the local yemas!

Stop 5: Explore the streets

Duck into Romanesque churches, small museums, and artisan shops tucked into side streets. This is where Ávila’s quieter charm shines.

Stop 6: Cuatro Postes Viewpoint

Head to the Cuatro Postes Viewpoint. Just outside the walls, it’s the classic photo stop: Ávila’s entire walled city glowing in golden-hour light.

Dinner

End with tapas and wine. Back in the old town, settle into a tavern for torreznos (crispy pork belly), patatas revolconas (paprika potatoes), and a glass of Ribera del Duero red before your return journey.

Visitor tips

Wear comfy shoes: The old town is walkable but full of cobblestones and uphill stretches. Your feet will thank you.
Arrive early: If visiting on a day trip from Madrid, start early to enjoy the walls and cathedral before tour groups arrive.
Don’t skip the walls: Walking even one section of Ávila’s medieval walls is the best way to grasp the city’s scale and beauty.
Try the local flavors: Order a chuletón or judías del Barco for a true taste of Castile—and grab a box of yemas de Santa Teresa to take home.
Stay after dark: If you can, overnight in Ávila. The illuminated walls at night are nothing short of magical.
Mind the seasons: Winters can be chilly at this altitude, so layer up. Spring and early autumn bring the most pleasant weather.

Frequently asked questions about what to do in Ávila

What souvenirs is Ávila known for?

Hand-painted ceramics, local embroidery, religious icons, and of course, boxes of yemas de Santa Teresa, the city’s sweet specialty.

Can Ávila be done as a day trip from Madrid?

Definitely! Trains take about 90 minutes, buses about 1hour and 45minutes. Many visitors come on day tours, as it takes away the stress of planning transfers and an itinerary.

What festivals should I experience in Ávila?

Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its solemn processions, and the summer Medieval Market, when the old town transforms into a living history fair.

Is Ávila worth visiting if I’ve already seen Segovia or Toledo?

Absolutely. Ávila’s medieval walls and strong religious heritage set it apart. Where Segovia dazzles with its aqueduct and Toledo blends cultures, Ávila shines with its fortress-city vibe and serene convents.