When I first heard about Ávila as a day trip option from Madrid, I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it. It seemed like just another historic town in Spain, and I wondered what made it truly stand out.
I decided to go for it, and so glad I did – that day trip to Avila from Madrid was worthwhile!
In this article, I’ll share what makes Ávila so unique: a city wrapped in medieval walls, filled with charming streets, and a deep sense of history at every turn. I’ll cover everything you need to plan a perfect day trip—from the best way to get there, to must-see sights, and even a few off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Let me help you make the most of your time in this enchanting town.
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Is an Avila Day Trip from Madrid Worth It?
Is Avila worth visiting – absolutely it is! Ávila Spain is one of those rare places where history feels alive.
As soon as I stepped inside the city’s UNESCO World Heritage walls, I knew I was in for something special.
These perfectly preserved medieval walls date back to the 11th century and are some of the most complete and impressive in Europe.
Walking through Ávila feels like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and the quaint atmosphere that’s hard to find in Spain’s larger cities like Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid.
It’s not just the architecture that I found interesting—but its history too. The local guide I was with told me that Ávila was founded in the 5th century by the Romans and later fortified by the Moors.
Avila is famous for being the birthplace of St. Teresa of Ávila. I hadn’t heard of St. Teresa of Ávila before and my guide told me she was a 16th-century Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and one of the Catholic Church’s most influential spiritual reformers. She was known for her deep devotion and reform efforts and as a result, was declared a Doctor of the Church, making her one of the few women to hold this title.
What to Expect to See on Your Madrid to Avila Day Trip
Ávila’s Medieval Walls (Las Murallas)
The very impressive 2.5-kilometre walls, built in the 11th century, are the most complete and well-preserved medieval fortifications in Spain. You can walk along the battlements for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Of all the things to do in Avila Spain, this is the reason why most visitors want to come here.
Tip: Enter at the Puerta del Alcázar gate for the best views and photo opportunities. It will cost you 5 euros to enter and walk along the wall. Also, behind the Puerta del Alcázar gate is Plaza Adolfo Suárez, a pretty square with a water fountain.
The other entrance (although the guide didn’t recommend it) is Casa de las Carnicerías you can use the same ticket if you choose to do both.
Cathedral of Ávila
The Cathedral of Ávila, begun in the 12th century, is the first Gothic cathedral built in Spain, doubling as a fortress. Its granite façade and intricately designed chapels are a must-see as these top Avila Spain attractions.
Tip: Don’t miss the tomb of the architect and the beautifully preserved frescoes inside.
Plaza Mayor de Ávila (Plaza del Mercado Chico)
The heart of Avila is this charming square lined with arcades, restaurants, and shops. The town hall stands in the middle of the portico-lined perimeter.
Yemas de Santa Teresa
The local guide took me to the Santa Teresa Shop near Plaza Mayor to try the must-try “yemas de Santa Teresa,” a local sweet made from egg yolks and sugar. Handmade on-site and beautifully packaged, they make a perfect treat to take home. I sampled several varieties, but my favourite was the marzipan-like cookies. You’ll find these specialties in shops all over Ávila.
Convent of St. Teresa (Convento de Santa Teresa)
Built over the birthplace of St. Teresa of Ávila, this 17th-century convent is a significant pilgrimage site. It houses a small museum dedicated to her life and work.
Palace of the Deanes (Palacio de los Deanes)
A Renaissance palace now housing the Museum of Ávila, where you can discover artifacts and exhibits related to the city’s history and daily life over the centuries.
Tip: My tour guide didn’t take me inside, but I believe it’s a free museum. If you’re exploring without a guide, it could be a great starting point for your tour of the town.
Basílica de San Vicente
This church is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. The local guide told me that this basilica was built over the site where St. Vincent and his sisters were martyred in the 4th century.
Tip: Check out the crypt inside, although my guide didn’t take us inside.
Church of San Pedro the Apostle
This Romanesque church, dating back to the 12th century sits on the picturesque square called Plaza del Mercado Grande. Just like Plaza del Mercado Chico it too has a long arcade of archways.
Monastery of Santo Tomás
This 15th-century monastery, known for its beautiful cloisters, has a museum where you can learn about the history of the Catholic Monarchs. It also has a 500-year-old Parroquia de Santo Tomás (church) attached to the monastery.
Los Cuatro Postes (Viewpoint of the Four Poles)
Just outside the city walls, this stone monument offers one of the best panoramic views of Ávila. The four columns mark a spot tied to a local legend about St. Teresa. Unfortunately, we drove by it with our guide but did not stop. It would have made for some great photos!
How to Get from Madrid to Avila
How Far is Avila from Madrid
Avila to Madrid is about 110 km northwest in the region of Castile and León making it close enough for an easy day trip.
Madrid – Avila Train
- Trains depart from Madrid’s Chamartín Station and arrive at Ávila in about 1 hour and 20 minutes
- You can buy tickets at the station or online through Rail Europe’s official website
- The train station is a little less than 2km from the city centre
Madrid to Avila by Bus
- Buses depart from Madrid’s Estación Sur (South Station) or Moncloa Station
- The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
- The bus station is near the train station making it just under 2 km from the old town
By Group Tour
I chose to visit Ávila Spain by joining a small group tour, which allowed me to see both Ávila and Segovia in one day—something not possible by bus or train. With just seven people, the tour was stress-free, thanks to a helpful local guide, and offered plenty of free time to explore both towns on our own.
I found that both GetYourGuide and Viator offer day trips from Madrid to Segovia and Ávila, and some even include Toledo, though I wouldn’t recommend visiting three cities in one day as it feels too rushed.
I highly recommend taking the group tour with either Get Your Guide for Viator. This is the one I took:
Final Thoughts
Avila is small enough to see within half a day, and recommend adding it to your Madrid itinerary as you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see this UNESCO site.
I invite you to check out my Spain travel guide page where I have grouped all my articles by destination. If you are still looking for more inspiration for things to do in Madrid, that is the place to start first.
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