The Roman Aqueduct in Segovia Spain along with nearby houses

Avila or Segovia – Which is the Better Madrid Day Trip

Two of the most popular day trip destinations from Madrid Spain are the towns of Avila and Segovia. Both feature town centers that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each has its own massive Gothic cathedral. Each has its own amazing and unique defining landmark. And each is located about 100 km away from Madrid – in the same general direction. But what if you only have time in your Madrid itinerary to visit one? Which of the two historic towns offers the best Madrid day trip – Avila or Segovia?

Here’s a look at what I found when visiting each of these two contenders. Read on to discover which is my Winner.

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First, The Journey

We use public transportation for most of our day trips. We seldom rent cars now that we are slow travelers.

So, one of my very first considerations when determining the ideal day trip location, is the public transportation connection – both in terms of time and convenience. After all, if there is a lot to see, you don’t want to spend too long getting there and back.

Getting to Avila from Madrid

I think the best way to reach Avila from Madrid is via train. The train ride itself takes 1 hour & 40 minutes, and leaves from Madrid city center (Principe Pio station).

The train to Avila at the platform at Madrid's Principe Pio station

A bus also connects the two cities. And while the journey is 10-15 minutes shorter, you’ll find fewer bus connections in both directions throughout the day. This gives you a little less flexibility as you plan your Avila day trip itinerary. (If the scheduled times work for you though, it’s definitely a reasonable alternative to train.)

Omio.com is a great service for comparing bus & train schedules from Madrid to Avila, including costs. Plus, you can easily purchase your e-tickets with them too (includes a nominal fee.)

Regardless of which method you choose, once you arrive in Avila, the train station and bus station are adjacent to each other, though somewhat outside the city center. You’ll then need to walk 20 minutes (0.8 miles) to reach the Old Town’s main entrance.

Getting to Segovia from Madrid

I think the easiest way to reach Segovia from Madrid is via bus. Even though a high speed train connects the two cities in just 30 minutes, you also need to consider the time traveling to the Chamartin Train Station in Madrid. It’s in the north part of the city. And then, Segovia’s high speed train station is located 4 miles away from its Old Town. So once you arrive, you’ll need to take a city bus or taxi to the center.

On the other hand, the bus leaves from central Madrid and arrives at the centrally located Segovia bus station. From there, it’s only a 7 minute walk to the Roman Aqueduct. While the bus ride itself takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, I think the overall journey is much less complicated, takes about the same amount of overall time, and is quite a bit cheaper too. And unlike the bus connection to Avila, the Segovia bus runs frequently.

An Avanaza bus parked at Segovia Spain's bus terminal

The Verdict

So…Avila or Segovia? Which is easiest to reach via public transportation?

The Winner is Segovia. Simply because it takes less overall time to reach the main sites from Madrid city center. And on a day trip, time matters!

Two Important Travel Tips

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The Defining Landmark

Each of these two towns have a unique and defining historic landmark – the site for which the town is most well-known. Let’s look at those next.

The Walls of Avila

Avila is most famous for its Town Walls. These walls completely enclose the original old town and are considered the best-preserved medieval fortification in all of Spain. Construction of the walls started in the 11th century and continued for 300 years.

The Walls of Avila Spain surrounding the Old Town and the Avila Cathedral

And they are very impressive indeed! 8255 feet of wall. Still completely intact. With 88 different towers spaced along its length.

One of the definite highlights of a day trip from Madrid to Avila is walking atop these walls. About half their length is open to the public. There is an admission fee for walking the top. You’ll pay at one of three different access points. The current price is 8 Euros. Here’s the town’s website to check for updated pricing.

The walkway atop the Walls of Avila in Spain

From atop the Walls, you’ll have great views down into Old Town and out to the surrounding countryside. You can also climb to the top of most towers for even better views.

But I think the Walls are even more impressive from the outside. Both when you enter old town Avila through one of several massive gates…

An entry gate into old town Avila through the Walls of Avila

…and when you walk along these historic walls from the ground level.

A pathway along the Walls of Avila in Spain

Segovia’s Aqueduct and Castle

Segovia actually has two defining landmarks – its Roman Aqueduct and its Castle

The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia was constructed in the 1st century AD. It carried water into Segovia from the mountains 11 miles away. It’s one of the world’s best-preserved ancient aqueducts. And it’s extra remarkable because it was built without mortar.

The Roman Aqueduct in Segovia Spain from near the top

It’s an amazing site, and I really had a hard time pulling myself away from it – both when we arrived and as we left town.

The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia and colorful local houses

It’s an easy place to search for great photos. Especially while chasing shadows…

The Roman Aqueduct in Segovia and it's shadow

Segovia’s other unique landmark is its medieval Castle – officially known as the Alacazar of Segovia. Twenty-two different Spanish Kings have lived in this castle over the centuries. It sits dramatically on a rocky ledge on the very edge of Segovia Old Town. And it’s one of several European castles that inspired the design of Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle.

Approaching the Alcazar of Segovia

My photo doesn’t show the classic Castle view. You have to walk down the hill on the other side to really see the Castle in its full glory. And we didn’t have time to do that. But if you check out the Alzacar’s website – you’ll see photos of this classic view, and video of the castle too.

Tours inside the castle are also very popular if you have time in your itinerary. We didn’t.

The Verdict

So…Avila or Segovia? Which has the best defining Landmark?

The Winner is Segovia. While the Walls of Avila are undeniable awesome, I truly loved the Aqueduct most. Plus with the Alcazar, Segovia has two spectacular landmarks.

A Cathedral Showdown

You’ll find some pretty amazing cathedrals throughout Spain. And two of the very best are in Avila and Segovia.

Avila Cathedral

The Avila Cathedral was the first Gothic Cathedral built in Spain and construction was started in the 12th century.

Looking up at the exterior of the Avila Cathedral in Spain

It’s also unique for two other reasons.

First of all, it’s not only just a Cathedral. It’s considered a Cathedral-Fortress. The back of the Cathedral is actually incorporated into those famous town walls.

The Walls of Avila as they approach the Avila Cathedral

And the second unique characteristic of the Avila Cathedral is the stone that was used to construct the nave and side chapels. It’s called Bloodstone…

Bloodstone pillars in the Avila Cathedral in Spain

It’s a type of granite with a high iron oxide content. So it looks like the surface is stained with splotches of blood. Walking through this bloodstoned Cathedral offers quite the striking visual. I’ve never seen anything like it on the inside of any Cathedral anywhere…and we’ve toured a lot of Cathedrals!

Looking up inside the Avila Cathedral in Spain
Inside the Avila Cathedral in Spain

You will pay an admission fee to enter the Avila Cathedral. The current cost is 8 Euros. Here’s the website for hours and pricing updates.

Segovia Cathedral

Whereas the Avila Cathedral was the first, the Segovia Cathedral was the last Gothic Cathedral built in Spain (and one of the last in Europe.) Construction on this Cathedral started in the 1500s. And like most giant Gothic Cathedrals, it took a few hundred years to complete it.

The exterior of this Cathedral is very striking and it sits directly on Segovia’s central town plaza.

The Segovia Cathedral in Spain sitting next to Plaza Mayor

I personally loved walking around the Segovia Cathedral and down along the surrounding narrow side streets while taking in the ornate spires and gargoyles up close.

Looking up at gargoyles from the back of the Segovia Cathedral

Once inside, you’ll find a typical Gothic interior. An interior that naturally directs your attention upward. High arches, high ceilings, beautiful stained glass…

Looking up inside the Segovia Cathedral

The cost to enter the Segovia Cathedral is currently only 4 Euros. Here’s its website for hours and pricing updates

The Verdict

So…Avila or Segovia? Which has best Gothic Cathedral?

The Winner is Avila. The Bloodstone is just so unique. In fact, it might be one of my favorite Cathedrals in all our travels.

Taking It To The Streets

I just mentioned wandering the side streets around the Segovia Cathedral. I always think a highlight of visiting European medieval towns are the scenic narrow streets and back alleys. So at least in my mind, this has to be a consideration in choosing which of these two towns to visit.

The Streets of Avila Old Town

I actually was a little disappointed with my Avila Old Town wandering. In fact, I took very few pictures. I was a little surprised that quite a few of the buildings inside the town wall seemed relatively modern.

I ultimately discovered that some of the most scenic streets were actually away from the Cathedral and main town square – towards the opposite end of town where it was quieter and less touristy.

(If you want to learn about another very scenic medieval town entirely surrounded by a historic wall, then check out my post about A Day Trip to Óbidos Portugal)

The Streets of Segovia Old Town

On the other hand, Segovia Old Town streets were scenic just about everywhere. Especially through its former Jewish Quarter, behind the Cathedral.

A street in the Jewish quarter of Segovia Spain

Also, I should mention here that parts of Segovia’s Old Town are surrounded by a historic fortified wall. Though it’s not nearly as impressive as the Walls of Avila, you can get some great views of Segovia Old Town from on top. This view is looking back to the Cathedral tower….

A view of Segovia Spain's town walls and Cathedral tower

The Verdict

So…Avila or Segovia? Which has the most scenic Old Town?

The Winner is Segovia. Not even close.

Beef vs Pork

Finally, frequent readers know that a typical local lunch is an essential part of any day trip I take. And wouldn’t you know it – both Avila and Segovia have a signature dish! So let’s eat!

Chuletón de Ávila

Avila’s Chuletón is a giant ribeye steak, cut from a specific breed of cattle called the Avileña-Black Iberian. It’s traditionally served rare and grilled with only salt for seasoning.

Walk through Avila and you’ll pass restaurant after restaurant advertising its Chuletón. And while walking the Walls of Avila, you can’t help but notice the mouth-watering smell of grilled steak wafting up from the town below.

We ate our Chuletón at a restaurant called Los Candiles. I chose it because it’s the #1 rated Avila restaurant on Tripadvisor, and so I figured they would know how to serve up a great Chuletón. And look at this thing….

Chuleton from Los Candiles in Avila Spain

The Chuletóns at Los Candiles are indeed huge – ranging anywhere from 28-35oz!!

So how was it, you ask? Honestly, just OK. It had great flavor, but it was chewier than expected. From what I now understand, this is typical for the cut.

(If you are wondering about the best steak we’ve eaten in our travels…..it was in Buenos Aires Argentina. The steaks there still haunt us!)

Segovia’s Cochinillo

Segovia’s signature dish is Roasted Suckling Pig – called Cochinillo in Spanish. It’s a common dish throughout Spain and Portugal (I ate it sandwich-style in Lisbon), but especially beloved in Segovia. And as with Chuletón in Avila, you will see it on many an outdoor menu board as you walk through town.

Cochinillo (roasted suckling pig) from El Redebal in Segovia Spain

We tried our Cochinillo at a Segovia restaurant called El Redebal (#5 on Tripadvisor), which features outdoor seating in a very small and isolated town square – a great setting! As with the Chuletón though, I thought it was just OK. The meat was tender, but the fatty layer underneath the crispy skin made it just a little too greasy for my liking. It also wasn’t quite as flavorful as I hoped.

The Verdict

So… Avila or Segovia? Which town has the best signature dish?

This one is a Draw. I thought both dishes were just OK.

Avila or Segovia? – The Final Tally

So if we add up the scorecard for each round, here’s what we get:

3-1-1 in favor of Segovia!

But while Segovia is the clear winner here, I would strongly encourage you to visit both Avila and Segovia if you have enough days in your Madrid itinerary. As you’ve certainly seen, the Landmark Sites alone are reason enough to visit both.

Unfortunately, Avila and Segovia aren’t easily connected to each other by public transportation. So hitting them both in a day would be quite difficult…in case you were wondering. (Though if you are driving yourself, you can easily make a stop at each – they are only 41 miles apart.)

You could also consider taking an organized day tour from Madrid (like this one on Viator) which gives you a taste of both towns via private transport.

But, regardless of how you decide to do it and which you decide to see, I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed with either Avila or Segovia.

If you would like to read more advice about traveling in and around Madrid, then be sure to check out these posts:

How Many Days in Madrid are Enough?

A Great Day Trip From Madrid to Chinchon Spain

A Quest to Find the Best Churros in Madrid

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