Best Things To Do in Avila, Spain: Day Trip from Madrid
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Explore the best things to do in Avila, Spain on a day trip from Madrid. Discover top attractions, dining, and travel tips for a memorable visit to historic Avila.
Is Avila, Spain Worth Visiting?
Avila is absolutely worth the trip if you're looking for one of the best day tours from Madrid Spain with medieval architecture and zero stress. The massive stone walls and quiet streets make it feel like a completely different world compared to Madrid.
Avila is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 12th-century walls that stretch for 2.5 kilometers, complete with 88 semi-circular towers and nine gates. Avila’s historic significance, combined with its architectural beauty, makes it an excellent day trip destination from Madrid. It is absolutely worth visiting, especially when combined with nearby Segovia.
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Best Restaurants in Avila, Spain
Restaurants in Avila lean traditional—think roast suckling pig and steak cooked over open flames—with plenty of casual places near the city gates. If you’re doing a one day trip to Avila from Madrid, plan your lunch around local favorites like Mesón del Rastro and Soul Kitchen.
Avila is home to a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes. Eating great Spanish cuisine is one of the best things to do in Avila, Spain. Here are a few restaurant recommendations:
Mesón del Rastro
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This restaurant is known for its traditional Castilian cuisine, including the famous “chuletón de Ávila” (a large T-bone steak).
Restaurante Siglodoce
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Located near the cathedral, this restaurant is located in a 12th-century building. Serving large portions of traditional Spanish food, Restaurante Siglodoce is a favorite of visitors and locals.
Soul Kitchen
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
For a more relaxed dining experience, this restaurant offers Spanish-style tapas, a variety of burger options, and steak. They also offer wine, beer, and cocktails.
How Far is Avila from Madrid (Madrid to Avila)?
Wondering how far is Avila from Madrid? It’s about 60 Miles (100 kilometers) and takes roughly 1.5 hours by car or an easy hour and fifteen minutes by direct train.
A Madrid to Avila day trip is simple to plan and fits perfectly into any Spain itinerary without needing to stay overnight.
Avila is approximately 110 kilometers northwest of Madrid. Traveling from Madrid to Avila is convenient and can be done by train, bus, or car:
Train: Renfe operates regular trains from Madrid's Chamartin station to Avila. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
Bus: Buses run frequently from Madrid’s Estación Sur to Avila, with a travel time of about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Car: Driving from Madrid to Avila takes about 1.5 hours via the A-6 and AP-51 highways. Cars can easily be rented locally.
Best Things To Do in Avila, Spain
If you're wondering what to do in Avila Spain, start with a walk along the city walls and then check out the cathedral, convents, and local pastry shops. These are some of the top things to do in Avila, and most of them are within a short walk of each other.
Explore the City Walls
Walk along the top of Avila’s medieval walls for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. The walls are among the best-preserved in Europe. Exploring the walls and finding places to climb up the historic structures is one of the best things to do in Avila, Spain.
Visit the Cathedral of Avila
The Cathedral of Avila, integrated into the city walls, is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It houses impressive artworks and historical artifacts.
Convent of Saint Teresa
This convent, built over the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Avila, offers insight into the life and legacy of one of Spain’s most revered saints.
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Basilica of San Vicente
The Basilica of San Vicente is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It’s renowned for its detailed stone carvings and historical significance.
Four Posts (Los Cuatro Postes)
For the best view of Avila and its walls, head to the Four Posts. This small monument offers a perfect photo opportunity. Visiting, especially at sunset, is one of the best things to do in Avila, Spain
Hotels in Avila, Spain
If you decide to stay overnight instead of just doing a one day trip from Madrid, hotels in Avila Spain include boutique options inside historic buildings. You’ll find good value near the wall entrances with easy walking access to everything.
While Avila can be explored in a day, staying overnight allows for a more relaxed visit. Some recommended hotels include:
Parador de Avila
Map: Google Maps
See Prices: Booking.com (affiliate link)
Housed in a 16th-century palace that is part of the historic city walls. this hotel offers a perfect mix of luxurious accommodation and historical charm.
Palacio de los Velada
Map: Google Maps
See Prices: Booking.com (affiliate link)
Located near the cathedral, this hotel combines modern comfort with historical ambiance.
Gran Hotel Palacio de Valderrabanos
Map: Google Maps
See Prices: Booking.com (affiliate link)
This hotel offers comfortable rooms in a prime location, right next to the cathedral.
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Avila, Spain Map
A detailed Avila Spain map will help you plan a walking route from the main train station to the walls and central plaza without missing anything. Whether you’re using Google Maps or picking one up at the tourist office, it’s easy to navigate this small, walled city.
Maps are available at the tourist office near the main entrance of the city walls or can be downloaded online for convenience. Try the following links.
Map: Google Maps
Map: Touismo Madrid [PDF]
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Madrid or Spain!
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Tours of Avila
There are several organized tours of Avila that combine transportation from Madrid with a local guide and optional stops in Segovia or El Escorial. You’ll find these listed under day trip to Avila from Madrid or best day trip Madrid options from most travel companies.
Several guided tours are available to enhance your visit to Avila:
Walking Tours: Local guides offer insightful walking tours that cover the main attractions, including the city walls, cathedral, and historic sites. Check out some options on our partner, Viator.
Historical Tours: Specialized tours focusing on the history and architecture of Avila are available, providing deeper context and stories behind the landmarks.
Gastronomic Tours: For food enthusiasts, gastronomic tours offer a taste of Avila’s culinary delights, featuring local specialties and visits to traditional markets.
Check out some great tour options with our partner, Viator.
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Practical Tips for Visiting Avila
Wear good shoes if you want to walk the wall—it's one of the top things to see in Avila Spain, but it’s uneven and not fully shaded. Trains are usually faster than buses, and it’s best to book a morning departure to make the most of your Madrid to Avila day trip.
Best Time to Visit Avila
The best times to visit Avila are in the Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. Summers can be quite hot, and winters, especially December and January, can be cold.
Currency and Payments
While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in smaller shops or local markets. The Euro is the local currency.
Language
Spanish is the primary language spoken in Avila. While many people in the tourism industry speak some English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.
Getting Around Avila
Avila is mostly walkable, and public transportation isn't necessary once you're inside the walled city. Getting around Avila is straightforward, especially if you grab a map at the train station or visitor center right away.
Walking
Avila is a compact city with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Walking is the best way to explore the historic center and fully appreciate its charm.
Public Transport
Local buses can take you to some of the more distant attractions, but they are not frequently needed for the main sites.
Car Rentals
If you are planning to explore the surrounding areas or other nearby cities like Segovia, consider renting a car. low-priced parking is available in several locations around the city.
One Day Trip in Avila Itinerary
A one day trip from Madrid to Avila starts best with an early train, followed by a loop around the walls, lunch in the plaza, and a visit to the cathedral. This quick but packed itinerary checks off the major things to do in Avila Spain without feeling rushed.
Morning
Arrive in Avila and start with a walk along the city walls.
Visit the Cathedral of Avila.
Midday
Enjoy lunch at El Rastro or Siglo Doce, sampling local dishes.
Afternoon
Explore the Convent of Saint Teresa.
Visit the Basilica of San Vicente.
Head to the Four Posts for panoramic views of the city.
Evening
If staying overnight, relax at one of the local hotels like Parador de Avila.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying out more of Avila's cuisine.
