Ávila

Ávila is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls that surround the city and for being the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent Spanish mystic and writer.

Ávila is well connected by train from Madrid with the journey taking around 1.5 hours. There are also buses departing from Madrid and other nearby cities.

Some of the top attractions in Ávila include the medieval walls, the Cathedral of Ávila, the Monastery of Santo Tomás, and the Convent of Saint Theresa.

The best time to visit Ávila is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and crowded.

While it's not necessary to hire a guide to visit Ávila, having a guide can greatly enhance your experience by providing historical context and pointing out lesser-known spots.