Ávila

Ávila is a city in Spain. Understand Get in By car It is 120km from Madrid via N6. By train You can also take a cheap train from Madrid-Chamartin station. Prices have skyrocketed in recent times so now what was once a €13.50 return ticket [2010] from Madrid is now €22.80 [Oct 2012]. Get around A medieval city in a medieval way, the mesta route N110 road (Soria, Burgo de Osma, Ayllón, Segovia, Villacastin, Ávila, Piedrahíta, Barco, Plasencia, Cáceres) close to the mountains border of the Central System. The border for 3 centuries during the moorish invasion make the region very special. There is a tourist 'train' (articulated bus) but walking is sufficient for most sights. See Wonderful city walls of the Romanic period. It is perfect and it is from the 11th century Incredible churches, do not miss the romanic shape of Saint Vincent, the sarcophagus in Saint Thomas, the cahedral is a majestic castle-cathedral part of the city walls. The Walls are stunning. Sadly the area within seems more touristic than residential although this has benefits as there is now less traffic and the streets are cleaner. The cathedral is actually built into the city wall in. They have a €4 entry price but for some unspecified reason they wont let you take photos. As of Oct 2012 the magnificent gothic portico is under scaffolding for at least 12 months. Do Buy Eat The meat is delicious, the Ávila beef is a must in Spain, try the steak "chuleton". Avila yolks, known as "yemas de Santa Teresa", are the most famous sweet. Drink At night Vallespin St. is the best choice for young travellers. During the day you can take tapas with beer (caña) in the square "el grande" behind the cathedral. Sleep The Parador is the best way to enjoy a medieval experience in the ancient Ávila. A bit expensive the Bush family use to sleep there. Get out Do not miss the mountains of Gredos, incredible trekking tours; the best way to get there is the village Hoyos del Espino 50k from Avila, 150k from Madrid. Visit also the historical cities of Piedrahita, Barco de Ávila and Arevalo. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!