Ávila

Encircled by remarkably well-preserved medieval walls, this town is the birthplace of Saint Teresa. Walking the ramparts offers panoramic views over the Castilian countryside.

Things to do

• Walk the medieval walls — Climb onto the 2.5-kilometer, 9th-century ramparts for a walkway with 88 towers and sweeping views over the Sierra de Gredos.
• Visit Basílica de San Vicente — Admire this Romanesque masterpiece just outside the walls, said to mark the martyrdom site of Saints Vincent, Sabina and Cristeta.
• Tour Convento de Santa Teresa — Explore the baroque convent built directly over the room where Saint Teresa of Ávila was born, now housing relics and a small museum.
• See the Catedral-Fortaleza — Step inside the granite cathedral whose apse is literally built into the city wall, making it one of Spain's first Gothic churches.
• Photograph from Los Cuatro Postes — Head to this small stone monument west of town for the classic postcard view of the entire walled skyline reflected at sunset.
• Explore Monasterio de Santo Tomás — Wander the three cloisters of this Dominican monastery, once a summer residence of the Catholic Monarchs, and see Torquemada's tomb.
• Browse Museo de Ávila — Housed in the Renaissance Casa de los Deanes, this museum covers local archaeology and traditional Castilian life.

Food to try

• Yemas de Santa Teresa — Sample these dense, sweet candies made from egg yolk and sugar, a centuries-old recipe sold in shops near the cathedral.
• Chuletón de Ávila — Try the region's famous thick-cut beef steak from Ávila's prized cattle, grilled simply over coals.
• Judías del Barco de Ávila — Order this hearty white bean stew, made with beans grown in the nearby Barco de Ávila valley.
• Patatas revolconas — Warm up with mashed potatoes fried with paprika and pork belly, a rustic Castilian comfort dish.
• Cochinillo asado — Seek out roast suckling pig, a classic Castilian specialty served crisp-skinned in traditional restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Book wall tickets ahead — The Murallas walkway has limited access points and can sell out on weekends, so reserve online in advance.
• Dress respectfully in churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the cathedral, convents, and monasteries, many of which are active religious sites.
• Expect a midday lull — Many small shops close for a few hours after lunch, reopening in the late afternoon in traditional Castilian fashion.
• Time your visit for Semana Santa — Holy Week processions through the old town are especially solemn and atmospheric here, drawing visitors from across Spain.