Every part of Spain has a unique story to tell. It’s no wonder it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
Map of Spain
Key geography facts
1. Spain has everything from snow-capped mountains like the Pyrenees in the north to sun-soaked beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. The country’s interior is a high, dry plateau called the Meseta Central, surrounded by hills and mountain ranges.
2. Major rivers like the Tagus, Ebro, Douro, Guadiana and Guadalquivir flow through Spain, creating fertile farmland, especially in regions like the Andalusian plains and the Ebro Basin. These rivers are vital for agriculture, making Spain one of Europe’s top producers of olives, wine, and citrus fruits.
3. The northwestern coast, including regions like Galicia, is so lush and green due to frequent rain that it’s called “Green Spain.” This area is full of valleys, mountains, and forests and has a rugged coastline with many inlets and coves.
4. Spain isn’t just the mainland—it also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. These islands are popular tourist destinations with beautiful beaches and striking landscapes.
5. Spain has a diverse climate. The interior plateau has hot, dry summers and cold winters, while the eastern and southern coasts have a milder Mediterranean climate influenced by warm sirocco winds from Africa.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Spain
Spain regions
Spain has 17 autonomous communities that exercise their right to self-government.
- Andalusia
- Aragon
- Asturias
- Balearic Islands
- Basque Country
- Canary Islands
- Cantabria
- Castile and León
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Catalonia
- Extremadura
- Galicia
- La Rioja
- Madrid
- Murcia
- Navarre
- Valencia
Spain has two autonomous cities:
- Ceuta
- Melilla
Map of Spain in Europe
Spain is bordered by Portugal, France, Andorra, Gibraltar and Morocco.
Spain major cities
Madrid – The capital and largest city of Spain, known for its cultural and political significance.
Barcelona – A major cultural hub, famous for its architecture by Antoni Gaudí and vibrant arts scene.
Valencia – Known for its City of Arts and Sciences and beautiful beaches.
Seville – Renowned for its rich history, Flamenco culture, and stunning landmarks like the Alcázar.
Zaragoza – A historic city famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
Málaga – A key city on the Costa del Sol, known for its beaches and historical sites.
Murcia – Known for its baroque architecture and warm climate.
Palma de Mallorca – The capital of the Balearic Islands, located on the island of Majorca (Mallorca), known for its Gothic cathedral.
Bilbao – Famous for the Guggenheim Museum and its role as a cultural center in the Basque Country.
Alicante – A popular coastal city with a historic old town and beautiful beaches.
Other major Spanish cities: Córdoba, Granada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santander.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
Ivy Hollys is a freelance content writer for integrity-based information platforms.
Her focus is primarily on using her skill to provide accurate information to everyone. With a background in natural resource conservation, she writes helpful content for platforms with similar interest.
Her experience in writing spans across various platforms including news and lifestyle blogs in her home country and abroad.