In the rolling hills a little over an hours drive northwest of Madrid you will find the capital of the province of Ávila. The city of Ávila is best know for its medieval city walls, with some 87 semicircular towers and 9 gates leading into the historic quarter.

The medieval walls of Ávila

The 2-1/2 km long perimeter wall dating from the 11th to the 14th century, built by Mudejar builders who used local granite, is considered the best-preserved city walls in Spain. Part of the medieval walls were built upon an existing 5th-century foundation (Roman). Palaces built on the interior of the wall formed a second line of defence against revolts and enemy attacks during the medieval period. The walls were used again for defence purposes duing the French occupation (1809-1812) and the Carlist wars (1836-1840), and declared a National Monument on 24 March 1884.

Dining in Ávila

There are several good dining options in Ávila. Restaurante Caleña is located in the hotel La Casa del Presidente, within the walls of Ávila and was also awarded 1 Repsol sun in 2025. Menu only. Restaurante Barro has 1 Michelin star and 1 Repsol sun, but again, menus only.

Restaurante El Almacén, where you go for the view day or night, although the food is also decent, it was awarded 1 Repsol sun this year. Gloria Bendita is a popular bar & grill featuring a terrace with views of the walls. Doña Concha 1912, traditional cuisine, also offers a terrace with views of the wall.

And then there’s Restaurante Vereda, no views, but where you go for the food.