Geography Of Spain: Landscapes And Climate

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Spain, a country located in southwestern Europe, offers fascinating geographical diversity that makes it a popular destination for travelers worldwide. From its sunny Mediterranean coasts to its majestic mountains, through its vast central plains, Spain is a true kaleidoscope of landscapes and cultures.

Geographical Location

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal to the west. It is bordered to the north by France and the tiny principality of Andorra, with which it shares the Pyrenees mountain range as a natural border. To the east and south, the country is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, while to the west, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Spanish territory covers an area of 505,990 km², making it the fourth largest country in Europe and the second largest in the European Union. This vast expanse includes not only the mainland but also the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Main Regions

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own cultural and geographical identity. Among the most notable regions are:

• Catalonia: Located in the northeast, it is known for its capital Barcelona and its Mediterranean coasts.
• Andalusia: In the south, it is home to historic cities like Seville and Granada, as well as the Costa del Sol.
• Castile: In the center, it includes Madrid and vast plateaus.
• Basque Country: In the north, it is renowned for its unique culture and green landscapes.
• Galicia: In the far northwest, it is known for its wild coasts and Celtic heritage.

Main Cities

Spain has many important cities, each with its own character and appeal:

• Madrid: The capital and largest city in the country, with approximately 3.3 million inhabitants. Political, economic, and cultural center of Spain.
• Barcelona: Second largest city in the country, with 1.6 million inhabitants. Famous for its modernist architecture and vibrant cultural life.
• Valencia: Third largest city in Spain, known for its City of Arts and Sciences and traditional paella.
• Seville: Capital of Andalusia, renowned for its Moorish architecture and flamenco.
• Bilbao: Largest city in the Basque Country, famous for its Guggenheim Museum and gastronomy.

Topography and Landscapes

Spanish topography is characterized by great diversity:

The Meseta: This vast central plateau occupies nearly half of Spanish territory. It is crossed by several mountain ranges, including the Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Morena.

The Pyrenees: This mountain range forms a natural barrier between Spain and France, with peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude.

The Mediterranean coast: It stretches over more than 1,600 km, offering a succession of fine sand beaches and rocky coves.

The Atlantic coast: Wilder and more rugged, it is characterized by its rias (fjords) in Galicia and its long beaches in the southwest.

Climate

Spain enjoys a Mediterranean climate across much of its territory, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. However, you can also find:

– An oceanic climate in the north and northwest, with more frequent rainfall. – A continental climate in the interior, with cold winters and very hot summers. – A subtropical climate in the Canary Islands, with mild temperatures year-round.

Neighboring Countries

Spain shares land borders with:

– France to the northeast (623 km border) – Andorra to the northeast (63.7 km border) – Portugal to the west (1,214 km border) – The British territory of Gibraltar to the south (1.2 km border)

Additionally, Spain has two enclaves in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, which share a border with Morocco.

Conclusion

Spain’s geography is a major asset for this country, offering a diversity of landscapes, climates, and experiences that make it a top destination for travelers. From the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees, through the vast plains of the Meseta and historic cities like Madrid and Barcelona, Spain truly has something to offer everyone.

This geographical richness has also shaped the country’s history and culture, creating a mosaic of traditions, languages, and regional cuisines that make Spain one of the most diverse and fascinating nations in Europe.