My wife and I will be in Madrid for a few days in June, and are interested in taking a not-too-far day trip. We have been to Madrid before as well as Segovia, and have heard good things about Toledo and Avila, but we probably cannot fit in both. Toledo seems like more of a tourist destination than Avila, and seems more convenient. However, Avila is also promising and perhaps a bit more non-standard. If anyone has strong feelings, we could use a nudge in either direction. If it helps, it is not likely that we will be back to Spain in the near or even medium term, so if you think something is not-to-be-missed, that sort of opinion is helpful.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Another vote for Toledo. While Avila is magnificent, there's more to see and do in Toledo.
Posted by
back in the Americas
723 posts
I have visited both and liked both but if I could only choose one I would go to Toledo. I took my teenage kids to Toledo two summers ago as a daytrip from Madrid. It was an easy train ride back and forth (but a fairly long, uphill, hot walk in June) from the train station into the city - but I'm sure you can catch a city bus or a taxi if you prefer. The walk may have just seemed long because it was so very hot. A one day trip didn't seem to be enough time to see everything we wanted to see - in retrospect, I wish we had stayed overnight there. It is lots of fun just wandering the winding medievil streets and seeing the shops and sites. You are right, lots of tourists there. I hear that at night the crowds subside - most tourists return to Madrid. For some very pretty scenic views of the whole city and river gorge take the little tourist train (if you do not have your own transportation). There are lots of damascene shops in town with beautiful jewelry and plates. We went into one and the owner took us into the back to show us how he made his craft. On a daytrip you have to plan your time well because there is just so much to see and do there.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I'll be in Madrid in November and selected Toledo over Avila. Both are on UNESCO's World Heritage list, but Toledo has alot more to offer for a daytrip (El Greco art, Moorish architecture, history, and just the city itself). It's easy to get to via AVE high-speed rail. If I were going to Salamanca, I would definitely stop in Avila for a visit on the way, but Salamanca didn't make it into my itinerary. Beyond the wall, which would certainly be worth a look, I'm not sure that I would pick Avila over Toledo. Perhaps someone else who has already been to both will weigh in.
Posted by
Halifax
110 posts
I'm gonna go against the grain here. I loved Avila. Its quite small, an easy peasy day trip. It is a little less conventional than Toledo..and I'm guessing a little less crowded than Toledo esp in June.
I also loved the train ride to Avila, across the high plains of Castille, with the mountains on the horizon.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2084 posts
I have been to both Toledo and Avila and would certainly choose Toledo if I were to return and had to pick one. We spent 3 weeks driving in Spain and toured many places, but Seville and Toledo stand out in the memories department above all others.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
I also agree with the majority here. We visited both last fall, and if I had to pick one, it would be Toledo, no contest really. Avila has a nice wall. Other than that...? I think Toledo has a lot more to see, feel and experience. We were not bothered by crowds in the evenings, either.
Posted by
Paris, France
81 posts
Also having been to both... Toledo is more diverse but it reminds me of Disneyland, while and Avila is simply fascinating like it must have been centuries ago, and... hmmm... it's still the same...
So I guess it depends on the experience you're looking for.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Toledo like Disneyland! At least the buildings in Toledo are authentic! ;) One thing that disappointed me about Avila was that once you got away from the older section in the west and west central area, it was all new housing! If you take a walk around the walls, you'll see some great views looking out (as you do at Toledo)....but looking in, you'll mainly see apartments built over the last 20 or 30 years.
Posted by
Everett, WA
17 posts
If you're really interested in Santa Teresa de Jesus, I'd go to Avila. Otherwise, I'd choose Toledo as there is much more to see and do.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I have been to Toledo and I have been to Avila. I would recommend Toledo without a doubt. Avila is a one day at the most visit. Toledo is one day or one week. I just returned from Madrid/Toledo in March. The Santa Cruz Museum in Toledo with its El Greco Exhibit is a MUST! And it is free!! New museum incorporates the old church and is an architectural masterpiece. Recommend La Posada de Manolo Hostal next to the cathederal as a place to stay. Also, be sure to see the Church of the Jesuits and climb the towers for a magnificent view. The Cathederal is a magnificent structure and contains a fabulous art collection in the sacristry. Only a 25 minute train ride from Atocha Train Station in Madrid. Write me for more information if you wish.