Spain

Spain highlights

Spain is a country located in Southwestern Europe, with parts of its territory in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and Africa. Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe. The history of Spain dates to contact between the pre-Roman peoples of the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula made with the Greeks and Phoenicians.

Places in Spain we are familiar with

Alcala de Henares - Known for historical center, museum, palace, catholic cathedral

Alhambra - Known for fortress, museum, palace; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Antequera - Known for ancient megalites, fortress, historical center, nature, palace, catholic church, catholic monastery; ancient megalites is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Aracena - Known for castle, cave, museum, catholic church

Aranjuez - Known for garden, historical center, museum, natural and architectural ensemble, palace, park, catholic monastery; palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Toledo - Known for castle, historical center, museum, river, scenic road, viewpoint, walls, catholic cathedral, catholic monastery, catholic church; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Last reviewed: 18 May 2024

Spain description

Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Portugal, Andorra, France, and the UK with Gibraltar, which is a British Overseas Territory. It also shares borders with Morocco, as the two Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla are located within Morocco.

Spain covers an area of 504,782 km2, making it the second largest country in the European Union and slightly larger than twice the size of the United Kingdom or about twice the size of the state of Oregon in the USA. The country is divided into 17 autonomous communities, which are regions where people have their own regional government.

The name of Spain (España) comes from Hispania, the name used by the Romans for the Iberian Peninsula and its provinces during the Roman Empire. The etymological origin of the term Hispania is uncertain, although the Phoenicians referred to the region as Spania (meaning ＂Land of rabbits＂), therefore, the most accepted theory is the Phoenician one.

Spain is separated from the African continent by the Straits of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The narrowest point of the Straits of Gibraltar between the two continents Europe and Africa is 14.3 km/ 8.9 miles wide. The Pyrenees mountain ranges form a natural border with the tiny country of Andorra and with France in the north. Portugal lies to the west of Spain. The three largest cities in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

Spain has a coastline of 8,000 kilometers, with the Mediterranean Sea in the south and east and the Atlantic Ocean in the northwest. The country is also home to several big rivers, including the Tagus, Douro, and Guadalquivir. The terrain is varied, with mountains, hills, and plains. The Pyrenees mountain ranges form a natural border with France and Andorra in the north, while the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountains are located in the northwest. The highest peak is the Teide volcano, which is 3,718 meters above sea level, on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

The climate in Spain varies considerably between the different regions. In the northern mountainous regions, the climate is alpine, and the interior experiences a hot and arid climate, while most of the country appreciates a temperate and mild climate. The climate in the southwestern parts is semi-arid, while the northwestern parts experience an oceanic climate. On the Canary Islands, the climate is subtropical and semi-arid.

Spain has a rich history, with the Iberian Peninsula being inhabited by various cultures, including the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. The country was a major power in the 16th and 17th centuries, with a vast empire that spanned across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. After a period of decline, Spain experienced a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, only to be plagued by civil war and dictatorship. Today, Spain is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with a Head of Government and a Head of State.

Spain offers a variety of cultural attractions, including old towns, fortresses, waterfalls, monasteries, and archeological sites. The capital city, Madrid, is a cosmopolitan city with a well-preserved medieval architecture and renowned restaurants. Barcelona, the second city, is a cultural and educational center with a university town atmosphere. Spain is home to several UNESCO sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the old city of Toledo. The country is also recognized for its cutting-edge businesses, such as technology companies, renewable energy, and design.

Spain has been recognized for its cultural and natural heritage, with several sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country has also been featured in travel guides and publications, such as Lonely Planet and Huffington Post, for its unique blend of ancient and contemporary characteristics, making it an attractive location for both expats and tourists. Spain is known for its desirable climate, rich history and culture, and modern and progressive outlook.

Spain has a total of 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 30 sites on the UNESCO Tentative List.

Spain related tours

Sorry, we have no any pre-designed tour passing trough this place yet. If you would like to visit this place, please contact us.