The regions of Spain are divided based on various independent communities within the country, each offering a unique insight into one aspect of the Spanish rich cultural heritage. Within each region are a number of Spanish provinces, and beyond that are specific cities, destinations, and attractions that offer endless pleasant vacation possibilities.

In the northwestern part of the country, travelers will find the three regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Because of the profuse amount of flowing waterways in the area, Galicia is often known as “the land of 1000 rivers.” Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination in this region and among the most handsome cities in the country.

The region of Asturias is one of the Spanish provinces that comprise an entire region; the three cities found within this region are members of UNESCO as a Patrimony of the Humanity. From mountains to rolling hills and valleys to the coastal areas, Cantabria offers a variety of terrains; one of the most uniquely named peaks is known as the Peak of the Three Seas, featuring three rivers that flow in three different directions and end in three different bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Cantabric Sea.

Spain Map

Traveling east, across northern Spain, Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja are situated at the top most part of the country. Basque Country features several popular travel destinations, including San Sebastian, a historically aristocratic holiday beach resort; Bilbao, where visitors will find a number of popular attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum; and Vitoria Gasteiz, a historical and cultural destination. Navarra Spain and La Rioja both feature beautiful landscapes and cultural significance. Haro is the major wine production center of La Rioja where the annual battle of the wine takes place.

Bordering France in the northeast, Catalonia and Aragon feature a diverse landscape for a variety of activities. Catalonia features a number of major tourist destinations, including its capital, Barcelona, the second-largest city in Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The historically important region of Aragon Spain is particular admired for its remarkable landscapes and many relics of the historically grand Kingdom of Aragon.

Throughout the central regions of Spain, including Castilla La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, and Extremadura, dozens of castles dot the landscape, and the capital and largest city, Madrid, can be found in the region of the same name. Majestic castles featured in Castilla La Mancha are among the most popular attractions in this territory. Particularly important during the medieval era of Spain, Castilla y Leon, the largest region of Spain, features a wealth of remnants of that period, such as cathedrals, monasteries, castles, and fortified settlements.

Valencia and Murcia can be found at the eastern border of Spain with a coastal line along the Mediterranean. Characterized by the coastal lifestyle, historically and currently, Valencia and Murcia feature Spanish provinces and destinations that offer the desired experiences of the sea.

In the south, also bordering the Mediterranean, Andalusia offers more castles and a host of delightful sights and attractions. Visitors will find a wealth of destinations in this territory, including Seville, featuring one of the most famous castles in Spain; Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada range; Malaga, highlighting the sparkling coast; Cordoba, with historical monuments recalling the Moorish history of Spain; the Costa del Sol, formerly a small fishing village now an international popularity; and Ronda, one of the many white-washed villages dotting the Spanish provinces of Andalusia.

In addition to the mainland regions of Spain, there are two sets of islands, the Canary Islands, south of Spain, and Balearic Islands, off the eastern coast, and two independent cities, Ceuta and Melilla, on the African continent. These territories are popular destinations for beach vacations, and they have an array of beach hotels, vacation rentals, and resorts.

Spanning the entire country are numerous destinations and attractions, from the castles and relics in Castilla y Leon to the varied terrain and historical importance of Aragon Spain. Travelers can choose from any variety of Spanish provinces and regions to design their perfect vacation, no matter what their age, interests, or travel budget.