Ávila

What to see:

There are plenty of reasons to go to Ávila. For example, the city is stunning (especially when it snows in winter), the cathedral transports you to ancient times and the old wall that still stands enclosing the city is simply amazing.

It also claims to be the Spanish city with the most amount of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita. Plus it’s the birthplace of Spain’s national saint, Santa Teresa de Ávila.

But to be honest, I would go here for the following: judías del barco (beans from Avila), chuletón de ternera (large beef steak) and yemas de Santa Teresa (traditional sweets made with egg yolks).

How to get there:

• By train (Renfe)

Depart from: Chamartín train station
Schedule:
Departure (Madrid – Ávila (RENFE))
Return (Ávila – Madrid (RENFE))
Duration: approx. 1 hour 20 min
Price: 12€ (round trip approx. 24€).

• By bus

Depart from: Estación Sur. Méndez Álvaro
Schedule:
Departure (Madrid – Avila (Larrea))
Return (Avila – Madrid (Larrea))
Duration: approx. 1 hour 20 min
Price: 8,90€ (fares + round trip ticket approx. 20€)

Where to find it on a map: