REFUGIO De PERNACIO

Eight-century-old stone walls frame this small refugio on Calle Atrio de San Segundo, steps from Ávila's Roman-era cathedral quarter and within the UNESCO-listed medieval walls that encircle the old city.

Refugio de Pernacio draws walkers on the Camino de Santiago's Vía de la Plata route, offering stripped-back accommodation suited to pilgrims rather than leisure tourists. The address places guests metres from the Puerta de San Vicente gate, one of the wall's nine original Roman access points.

Ávila sits 1,130 metres above sea level — Spain's highest provincial capital — making summer nights noticeably cool. The cathedral apse forms part of the defensive wall itself, visible from the street outside.