Ávila, the walled city! Discover it from a 4-star hotel

Discover the charm of Ávila

There’s nothing quite like ending the day with a stroll along Ávila’s city walls, then returning to a hotel surrounded by trees and nature, where all you can hear is the peace and quiet. Hotel Ávila Golf is just 3 km from the historic centre and offers car park, making it easy to come and go from the city.

In the morning, breakfast will set you up for a day exploring the city. And when the weather heats up, the outdoor swimming pool and gardens are the perfect place to unwind.

As evening falls, enjoy Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine at the hotel restaurant, then relax in a fully equipped room.

Guests praise the friendly staff, peaceful surroundings and spacious rooms.

Book your holiday and enjoy Ávila, with the peace of the countryside just a stone’s throw away.

Ávila sits high on the Castilian plateau, just over an hour from Madrid, and it's the kind of place that makes a lasting first impression. Its medieval walls wrap completely around the old town, golden in the afternoon light, with dozens of towers and gates that look almost untouched by time.

It's a calm, compact city that suits couples looking for a romantic break, families who love a good castle-like setting and anyone curious about history. Add hearty Castilian cooking and the legacy of Saint Teresa, and you have a perfect short break in the heart of Spain.

Make sure you visit:

Start with the Walls of Ávila, one of the best-preserved medieval walls in Europe. Several stretches of the walkway along the top are open to visitors, giving you lovely views over rooftops and the surrounding countryside. Inside the walls, the Cathedral is considered one of Spain's earliest Gothic cathedrals, and its apse is built right into the fortifications.

Nearby, the Convent of Saint Teresa stands on the site where she was born, while just outside the walls you'll find the Basilica of San Vicente, a Romanesque gem, and the Royal Monastery of Santo Tomás. Finish the day at Los Cuatro Postes, a small viewpoint across the river with the best panoramic view of the walled city, especially at sunset.

Family-friendly activities:

Walking along the top of the walls feels like an adventure for children, who can spot towers, gates and the city below. Afterwards, wander through the old town and the Plaza del Mercado Chico, where the streets are easy to explore at a gentle pace.

If you visit in early September, don't miss the Jornadas Medievales, when the old town fills with markets, music and costumes and the whole city seems to travel back in time. A short drive or walk out to Los Cuatro Postes is also a fun way to see the walls from a completely different angle.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Ávila is famous for its meat, so make sure you order the chuletón de Ávila, a generous grilled T-bone steak from local Avileña beef. At Las Cancelas, a family-run restaurant by the walls with a Repsol Guide Solete, it's the star of a menu full of traditional dishes.

For something lighter, head to the bars around Calle San Segundo for tapas and a glass of local wine. Try the judías del Barco (white beans from El Barco de Ávila) and patatas revolconas, a paprika potato mash with crispy pork. For dessert, the sweet yemas de Santa Teresa are the city's classic treat.

Make the most of your visit:

Ávila is a great base for exploring central Spain, with UNESCO cities and mountain landscapes all within easy reach. These are our favourite day trips:

• Segovia (1 hour): a Roman aqueduct and a fairy-tale castle.
• Salamanca (1 hour 15 minutes): a lively university city with a stunning main square.
• San Lorenzo de El Escorial (50 minutes): a monumental royal monastery at the foot of the mountains.
• Sierra de Gredos (1 hour): granite peaks, glacial lakes and great walking trails.