Travelogue of Spain – The Town of Ávila ✨

Ávila, one of Spain’s many UNESCO World Heritage gems, is famous for its impeccably preserved ancient walls. 🏰 Though less renowned than Madrid’s three most popular nearby towns and refreshingly low-key (small and peacefully quiet), it’s an ideal escape for a relaxing weekend. Just an hour’s drive from Madrid, we arrived on an unlucky rainy day with a sudden temperature drop. 🌧️ The downpour followed us through Madrid’s outskirts, but as we crossed the mountains into Castile and León, the rain softened—vanishing completely by the time we reached Ávila. Still, gloomy clouds loomed, and the wind bit sharply. Thank goodness for our packed light jackets! 🧥 The crown jewel of Ávila is its mighty medieval walls, fortified with 82 imposing towers. 🛡️ Stretching over 2.5 kilometers, they encircle the old town like steadfast guardians protecting a timeless treasure. Two sections of the walls are open to visitors, offering breathtaking views of the town below. 🏞️ One entrance starts right at the tourist center—grab your ticket, step inside, and you’re walking history! Strolling along the ramparts, we soaked in sweeping vistas of the old and new towns. 📸 Wandering, pausing for photos, and savoring the scene took us about 1-2 hours. After descending, we treated ourselves to yemas (Ávila’s famous egg-yolk sweets) and coffee in the charming main square. ☕🍮 No visit is complete without stopping by the grand cathedral. ⛪ Though European churches no longer mystify me (after countless visits), I’ve grown to love ending trips with quiet moments inside—absorbing the serenity or whispering life musings with friends. Miraculously, the skies cleared post-sightseeing. ☀️ Spain’s weather is pure magic—one minute moody, the next dazzling with unreal blue skies and cotton-cloud perfection. On our way back, we detoured to Cuatro de Postes (yes, it’s literally just four pillars 😆), a humble viewpoint framing Ávila’s walls and rooftops in a picture-perfect panorama. Ávila—absolutely worth the journey! 💫 #HiddenGems #Wanderlust #CulturalEscape #TravelSpain