Ávila is defined by its medieval walls, the most complete set of city walls surviving in Spain, encircling the old town in golden granite with dozens of towers. It is also the birthplace of Santa Teresa de Ávila, and the convents and churches connected to her life give the town a distinct, austere religious character rather than a purely scenic one. Because the walls, the basilica, and the Convento de Santa Teresa are all close together, this is a manageable half-to-full day trip.
| Distance | 100 km (62 miles) from Salamanca |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour by car or 1h 15min by bus |
| Getting there | Bus (most direct) or car |
| Address | Ávila City Walls, Avenida de Madrid s/n, 05001 Ávila |
How to get there
- Mode
- Bus
- Details
- Alsa from Salamanca bus station to Ávila; 5–6 buses/day; 1h 10min
- Cost
- €8–€10 (~$8.70–$11)
- Mode
- Car
- Details
- N-501 from Salamanca; 1h
- Cost
- €8–€12 fuel (~$8.70–$13)
- Mode
- Train
- Details
- Renfe from Salamanca to Ávila; 1h; connections via Medina del Campo
- Cost
- €7–€12 (~$7.60–$13)
Location
Ávila City Walls, Avenida de Madrid s/n, 05001 Ávila
40.6563, -4.6976 View on map
Highlights
- Murallas de Ávila - the medieval city walls, with a walkable section along the ramparts giving views over the old town and surrounding plateau
- Basilica de San Vicente - a Romanesque church just outside the walls, built on the site where the town's patron saints were martyred
- Convento de Santa Teresa - built over the saint's birthplace, with a small museum relating to her life
- Yemas de Santa Teresa - the town's traditional sweet made from egg yolk and sugar, sold in shops near the cathedral