City in Spain, the administrative center of the province. Regions of Spain

• "Leon" (French Léon, the rental name in North America is The Professional) is a film by French director Luc Besson about a professional killer named Leon, who met his neighbor Matilda as a result of the tragic death of her family.
• City in western Nicaragua administrative center Department of Leon
• Kingdom in Spain
• City in Spain and City in Mexico
• City in Spain, capital of the autonomous region of Castile-Leon
• City in Spain
• The name of this city in Spain comes from the Latin "legion"
• Administrative center of Spain
• The role of Jean Reno and the city in Spain
• K / f with Jean Reno or a city in Spain

ALICANTE

• Resort in Spain
• Province in Spain
• Port in Spain
• City in Spain
• City-port-resort in Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea, the administrative center of the province of Alicante
• Albacete (Spanish: Albacete) is a city in southeastern Spain, the administrative center of the province of Albacete.
• Province in Spain
• City in Spain, in the region of Murcia, the administrative center of the province of Albacete
• Aragon (arag. and Spanish. Aragón, cat. Aragó) - Spanish autonomous community. It is located in the north of Spain and borders on France and the autonomous communities of Castile - La Mancha, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, Rioja, Navarre and Valencia.
• Region in Spain
• River in Spain, a tributary of the Ebro
• Historic region in Spain
• Autonomous region in the northeast of Spain, in the bass. the Ebro River, the administrative center is Zaragoza, divided into the provinces of Zaragoza, Teruel, Huesca
• Historical province in Spain
• Autonomous region in Spain
• Autonomy of Spain
• Badajoz (Spanish Badajoz, dial. Badajó, estr. Baajós) is a city in Spain, the autonomous community of Extremadura, the center of the province of the same name.
• Spain, province, administrative center - Badajoz
• Province in Spain
• City in Spain, in the autonomous region of Extremadura, the administrative center of the province of Badajoz
• City in Spain
• Barcelona (cat. Barcelona, ​​Spanish Barcelona) is a city in Spain, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the province of Barcelona.
• Port city in the northeast of Spain, the administrative center of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the province of Barcelona
• Port in Spain
• Port city in northern Venezuela, capital of the state of Anzoategui
• Main sea ​​port Spain
• This city in Spain was founded by the Carthaginian commander Hamilcar Barca and was named after him.
• Second largest city in Spain

Spain has a complex administrative division. But if you want to get to know this country better, study the map. For example, the country has as many as 50 provinces that are part of 17 autonomous regions. Spain's region names also include two autonomous cities in Africa. These are Ceuta and Melilla.

Ceuta- a small semi-enclave of Spain on the northern coast of Morocco, directly opposite Gibraltar. The enclave is separated from Morocco by the Ceuta Wall, border structures built in 2001.

Melilla-autonomous spanish city and a port on the Mediterranean coast of Africa.

There are also sovereign territories of Spain, represented by mostly uninhabited and not very interesting islands for tourists, such as the islands of Perejil and Alboran and the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera peninsula on the Moroccan coast.

Pay attention to the cities of the regions of Spain indicated below. Each autonomous region is divided into a province, usually the main cities of the provinces coincide with them in name.

Almost the entire north of the country has a coastline along the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean. The northern regions of Spain are represented by autonomous regions:

Galicia where you can visit historical cities, the capital - Santiago de Compostela and the largest city - Vigo.

Asturias with the most interesting cities Oviedo and Gijon.

Cantabria- this is San Vicente de la Barquera, Santillana del Mar and many others.

Basque Country, whose capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz, and the largest city is Bilbao.

Navarre- this, of course, Estella, Olite and Pamplona, ​​known for its games with bulls.

Catalonia, which can be called the pearl necklace of the country, because it contains such significant cities as Tarragona, Lleida, Terrace, Sabadell and many others.

The central regions of Spain include:

Castile and Leon, where it is worth visiting the ancient Zamora, Leon, Palencia and other cities.

Rioja with its wine-producing town of Haro and the capital of Logroño.

Castile-La Mancha With magnificent city Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Extremadura, whose historical centers, Merida, Badajoz and Cáceres, attract the attention of tourists from all over the world.

All southern regions Spain have access to the Mediterranean Sea or the North Atlantic Ocean. TO southern regions Spain belong.

Andalusia

Spanish Autonomous Community, consisting of eight provinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Malaga and Seville. Andalusia is located at the southwestern tip of Europe. Population 7 850 million people.

• Seville - a city in southern Spain with a population of 700,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. The municipality is part of the Greater Seville region.
• Malaga - city ​​in southern Spain, in Andalusia. The administrative center of the province of Malaga, the population is 568,212 people. There are beaches, numerous hotels and boarding houses. Transport hub of the Costa del Sol.
• Cordova - a city in Andalusia, on the slope of a spur of the Sierra Morena, on the right bank of the Guadalquivir, in a fertile, very hot area; capital of the province of Cordoba. The city was founded during the reign of Rome. Today Cordova - modern city medium size, with a population of 321 thousand people.
• Almeria - city ​​in southeastern Spain. Population 190,013 people.
• Cadiz - a city in southwestern Spain, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The municipality is part of the Bahia de Cadiz district. The population of Cadiz is 133,000.
• Granada - city ​​and municipality in Spain, capital of the province of Granada, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The municipality is part of the Vega de Granada district. It occupies an area of ​​88.02 km². The population of Granada is 234,325.
• Huelva - city ​​and municipality in Spain, center of the province of Huelva, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The municipality is part of the Greater Huelva district. It occupies an area of ​​149 km². Population 149,310 people.
• Jaen - the administrative center of the province of Jaen of the same name, as part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The municipality is part of the Greater Jaén district. It occupies an area of ​​424.30 km². Population 116,790 people.

Spanish Autonomous Community. It is located in the north of Spain and borders on France and the autonomous communities of Castile - La Mancha, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, Rioja, Navarre and Valencia. Population 1,269,027 people.

• Zaragoza - a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of the autonomous region of Aragon, the province of Zaragoza and the district of the same name. Located in the middle reaches of the Ebro River, about 200 meters above sea level. Zaragoza has a population of 679,624 and is the fifth largest city in Spain.
• Huesca - a city in Spain, the autonomous community of Aragon, the center of the province of the same name. Population 52,347.
• Teruel - a city in Spain, the autonomous community of Aragon, the administrative center of the province of the same name. Famous for the collection of medieval Mudéjar monuments that are listed world heritage. Population 35,288.

Autonomous community and province in northern Spain. Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. It borders in the west with Galicia, in the east with Cantabria, in the south with Castile-Leon. Population 1,085,289 people.

• Oviedo - a city in Spain, the administrative center of the autonomous community of Asturias. The municipality is part of the district (comarca) of Oviedo. major trading and industrial city. Population 224,005 people.
• Gijón - coastal industrial city and municipality in Asturias, Spain. Port, one of the largest in northern Spain. The population of Gijón is about 280,000 inhabitants.

Archipelago in Spain in the west mediterranean sea, Near east coast Iberian Peninsula. The four most major islands: Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza (better known as Ibiza) and Formentera. The archipelago is an autonomous community and province of Spain with Palma as its capital. Population 1,106,049 people.

• Palm - the main city and port of the Spanish Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands. It is located in the Bay of Palma on the island of Mallorca, 20 km wide and 25 km long. Large tourist centre. Population 407,648 people.

Autonomous Community in northern Spain. The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is part of the same historical region, whose territory also extends to the Autonomous Community of Navarre and North Country Basques in the south of France. Population 2,155,546.

• Vitoria - city ​​in northern Spain administrative capital province of Alava and the autonomous community of the Basque Country. The second largest city in the Basque Country after Bilbao. Vitoria has 235,661 registered inhabitants.
• Bilbao - a city in northern Spain, the administrative center of the province of Biscay. The municipality is part of the Gran Bilbao district. With a population of over 353,000, Bilbao is the largest city in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.
• San Sebastian - a city in Spain, in the Basque Country, the administrative center of the province of Gipuzkoa. The municipality is part of the district (comarca) of San Sebastian. Population 182.9 thousand inhabitants.

Autonomous community in eastern Spain. The region is divided into three provinces: Alicante, Castellón and Valencia. It has a Mediterranean coastline 518 km long and covers an area of ​​23,255 km² with a population of about 5 million.

• Valencia - a city in Spain, the center of the autonomous community of Valencia and the province of the same name. The third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It is located at the confluence of the partially drained Turia River into the Mediterranean Sea. Population 810,064 people.
• Alicante - a city in Spain, the autonomous community of Valencia, the center of the province of the same name. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Population
  334,757 people
• Elche - city ​​and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Alicante in the autonomous community of Valencia. The municipality is part of the Bajo-Vinalopo district. It occupies an area of ​​326.07 km². The population is 230822 people.
• Castellón de la Plana - city ​​and municipality in Spain, in the autonomous community of Valencia, capital of the province of Castellón. The municipality is part of the Plana Alta district. Population 172.1 thousand inhabitants.
• Torrevieja - city ​​and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Alicante in the autonomous community of Valencia. The municipality is part of the Vega Baja del Segura district. It occupies an area of ​​71.44 km². The population of the city is 100,000 people.

Historical region and autonomous community in northwestern Spain. Population 2,778,913 people.

• Santiago de Compostela - capital of the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia. The municipality is part of the Santiago region. Population 94,824.
• vigo - an important port and industrial city in the northwest of Spain. Located in the province of Pontevedra, belonging to the autonomous region of Galicia. Population 299,088 people.
• La Coruna - a large city in the north-west of Spain, resort and port. The administrative center of the province of the same name as part of the autonomous community of Galicia. Population 246,056 people.
• Ourense - a large industrial city and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Ourense in the autonomous community of Galicia. The municipality is part of the Ourense district. It occupies an area of ​​85.2 km². Population 107,742 people.

Archipelago of seven islands volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa (Morocco and Western Sahara). The islands belong to Spain and are one of the autonomous communities of this country. Population 2,118,344.

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife - the capital of the province of the same name in Spain, the island of Tenerife, and one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands. Population 221,567.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - a city in Spain, the administrative center of the province of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria as part of the Canary Islands archipelago, 210 km from the northwestern coast of Africa. One of the two capitals of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. Population 383,308.
• San Cristobal de la Laguna - city ​​and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife as part of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. Population 152,222.

Autonomous community and province of the same name in northern Spain. It borders in the east with the Basque Country (province of Biscay), in the south with Castile and León (provinces of Leon, Palencia, Burgos), in the west with Asturias. Population 593,121 people.

• santander - a city in Spain, the administrative center of the autonomous community of Cantabria. The municipality is part of the Santander district. Population 179.9 thousand inhabitants.

Autonomous community in the center of Spain. Population 1.977 million people.

• Toledo - a city in central Spain, the capital of the province of Toledo and the autonomous community of Castile - La Mancha. It is located southwest of Madrid on the Tagus River and is the seat of an archbishopric. Population 78 618 inhabitants.
• Albacete - a city in the southeast of Spain, the administrative center of the province of Albacete. Population 159.5 thousand

Autonomous community (autonomous region) in northwestern Spain. Population 2,511 million people.

• Valladolid - a city in the north-west of Spain, one of the main historical and cultural centers of the country. The administrative center of the province of the same name as part of the autonomous community of Castile and León. Population 315,522.
• Burgos - former capital of Castile, now a city and municipality in Spain. Included in the province of Burgos, as part of the Alfos de Burgos region (comarca) and the autonomous community of Castile and León. Population 178,574.
• Leon - a city in Spain, the administrative center of the province of the same name. The population is 137 thousand inhabitants. Included in the route "Ways of St. James".
• Salamanca - a city in western Spain, part of the autonomous community of Castile and León. The center of the province of the same name. The population of the city is 160 thousand people.

Historical region and autonomous community in Spain, in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula between the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees. 7,512,381 people live in Catalonia.

• Barcelona - the second most populated city in Spain, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the province of the same name. One of the most important tourist destinations in European routes. The population of Barcelona is 1,615,908.
• Lleida - city ​​and municipality in Spain, the capital of the province of Lleida in the autonomous community of Catalonia. The municipality is part of the Segria district. It occupies an area of ​​211.7 km². The population of the city is 139,834 people.
• Tarragona - city ​​and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Tarragona in the autonomous region of Catalonia. The municipality is part of the Tarragones region. It occupies an area of ​​61.91 km². Population 140,184 people.

The capital and largest city of Spain, as well as the administrative center of the province and autonomous community of the same name. The municipality is part of the Area Metropolitan area. The largest economic, political and cultural center of the country. The population of the city is 3.273 million inhabitants.

A city in the southeast of Spain, the administrative center of the autonomous community of Murcia and the province of the same name. The population of Murcia is 441,354 people.

Formerly a kingdom, now a province and an autonomous region in northern Spain, at the southern foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. Area 10,391 km². Population 601 874 inhabitants.

• Pamplona - capital of the autonomous region of Navarre in northern Spain, one of ancient cities countries. Located at the foot of the Western Pyrenees, on the river Argue. Population 198,491 people.

Autonomous community and province in northern Spain. Population 321,780 people.

• Logroño - the administrative center of the autonomous community of Rioja. The municipality is part of the district (comarca) of Logroño. The capital of the wine-producing La Rioja, a major stop on the route of pilgrims on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Population 152,107 people.

Autonomous community in southwestern Spain. Population 1,097,744.

• Merida - a city in Spain, on the Guadiana River, the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura. Population 55.7 thousand inhabitants.
• Badajoz - a city in Spain, the autonomous community of Extremadura, the center of the province of the same name. The municipality is part of the Badajoz region. Situated on the border. The largest city Extremadura. The population is 143 thousand people.

In Europe, you will not find a country more interesting and diverse than Spain. It owes its diversity to the peculiarities geographical location: in the very south of Europe in the immediate vicinity of the African continent. Spain occupies 85% of the area of ​​the Iberian Peninsula. Having a large extent, the territory of Spain is divided into several climatic zones: the mild temperate north, subject to the warm influence of the Atlantic; southeast with a pronounced Mediterranean rather dry climate; sharply continental central plateau part; uniquely smooth warm and comfortable on canary islands. Spain is the most warm country European continent, with the maximum number sunny days in a year. This is largely due to the mountainous terrain of the peninsula: the central plateau of the Mesete is bounded on all sides by the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, Cantabrians, and Iberians. The only low-lying valley in the south of the country is the Andalusian.

The country has an ancient rich story, the beginning of which is attributed to the Paleolithic. The formation of cultural, ethnic and religious traditions was decisively influenced by the long conquests known as the Roman, Visigothic, and Arab periods.

The Spanish government is a constitutional monarchy. Administratively, the country is divided into 50 provinces, territorially united in 17 very different autonomous communities (+ two separate autonomous cities), which have their own parliament, legislative, linguistic features. State language the Castilian dialect of Spanish is recognized, in many regions local dialects are recognized as official. Let's take a look at the features of each region of Spain separately.

The Central Autonomous Community and the province, the center of which is the city of Madrid, at the same time the capital of Spain. The population of the region, despite its small area, exceeds 6 million. The region is located on the Central Castilian Plateau, in the northwest - the Guadarrama ranges, in the southeast - the Tagus River.

The climate in this region is Mediterranean with continental features: hot summer season and cold winters, often with sub-zero temperatures. The best seasons are spring and autumn.

2. Andalusia

Andalusia is the southernmost and most beloved by tourists region of Spain, includes 8 provinces: Seville, Cordoba, Huelva, Cadiz, Almeria, Malaga, Jaen. The administrative center is Seville (see what to see in Seville). Official language- Andalusian dialect. Andalusia is the second largest and the first largest autonomy in Spain.

The relief in this region is very diverse: the highest mountains of the Pyrenees, the only lowland in Spain - the Andalusian Valley, many rivers, the beaches of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Tabernas desert. From the south Andalusia washes strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea, from the west the Atlantic Ocean. The climate here is Mediterranean, sunny, hot and mostly dry.

Attracts tourists 300-kilometer strip of the best Spanish beaches Costa del Sol in Malaga, Sierre Nevada ski resort, a number of protected natural parks. Sights of the historical and cultural heritage Andalusia are concentrated in cities: Seville, Malaga (Picasso Museum), Cadiz, Granada. Proximity to Africa and long-term conquests by Arabs and Romans played an exceptional role in shaping the image and traditions of this Spanish region: the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia, the medieval Golden Towers and minarets of Seville, the Moorish fortress in Granada, the Mesquite mosque, the palaces of Cordoba.

The southwest of Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco, a dance that combines gypsy, Spanish and Moorish origins. Bullfighting is most common in Andalusia.

3. Aragon

Aragon is an autonomous region in the northeast region of Spain, includes 3 provinces: Zaragoza, Huesca and Tcruel. It borders on France in the north. This is one of the most beautiful regions, isolated by the ranges of the Pyrenees, Catalan, Iberian and Cantabrian mountains. Relief: snowy mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, deep canyons, mountain lakes and rivers, green valleys and plateaus.

The climate varies from temperate continental in the highlands to Mediterranean in the Erbo Valley.

The region is in demand as an object active rest: mountaineering, kayaking, skiing, cycling tourism, rafting. The main natural attractions of Aragon: Ordesa National Park, a paleontological park in Teruel.

Tourist centers are the cities of Zaragoza, Teruel and Huesca. Zaragoza is famous balneological resorts, Moorish Aljaferia Palace, Cathedrals, Mudéjar architectural monuments. In the city of Huesca, it is worth visiting the dilapidated castle of Montearagon, gothic cathedral, the temple of the Romanesque period of San Pedro el Viejo, in Truel - temples and other masterpieces of the muhader style.

Aragon became an independent state in the 11th century, including Catalonia, Valencia, and then Castile. Hence the linguistic diversity: the official Castilian dialect, Catalan, Aragonese. The region is known for bullfighting festivals and colorful fairs.

4. Asturias

Northern Autonomous Community of Spain, Principality of Asturias, whose capital is Oviedo. Has its own Asturian language. Asturias played a state-forming role in the history of the country.

The relief of Asturias is made up of the Contabrian mountains, picturesque cliffs and bays of the coast of the Bay of Biscay, forming an extended northern border areas. In the bays of Costa Verde there are more than 150 beaches and many grottoes. Most high peaks are located in the eastern part. Mountain slopes covered with meadows, oak, beech and yew forests form national park Peaks of Europe. There are 3 more national parks, dozens of reserves and natural monuments. The region is popular with lovers of ecotourism, mountaineering and skiing.

The climate of Asturias is humid and warm on the coast and more variable, with cold winters in the mountains.

On the territory of Asturias, sites of ancient people were found. This is one of the richest regions of Spain with historical monuments. The main ones are: the palace of Santa Maria del Naranco, the church of San Miguel de Lillo, the fountain of La Foncalada of the 9th century, the cathedral of San Salvador, the museum of archeology in Oviedo, the church of the Virgin Mary in Llanos, caves with rock paintings.

5. Balearic Islands

Autonomy includes an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea between Iberian peninsula and Africa. Most big islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. The population speaks Catalan and Spanish. The capital of the archipelago is the city of Palma de Mallorca.

The islands are varied in relief: Mallorca is mountainous with a large plain in the center; Menorca is flat, with pine forests relief in the south; forested Formentera and Ibiza.

The climate in the region is warm, very sunny, Mediterranean.

The island of Menorca has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, where rare species of orchids grow, unique butterflies, amphibians and birds are found.

The archipelago was inhabited about 6 thousand years ago. In the XIII century. The Balearic Islands were annexed to Aragon, in the 18th century they became part of the Spanish kingdom.

The most important industry is resort tourism, which has gained popularity due to the peculiarities of the climate, which allows year-round recreation. The most famous resorts in Europe are located in Ibiza and Mallorca.

Monuments of history and architecture: La Seu Cathedral and the Marivent Royal Palace in Palma de Mallorca, Bellver Castle, La Lonja, Museum of Modern Art, temples of different periods and caves.

6. Basque Country

It is the most distinctive with wide autonomy region of Spain in the northeast of the country. Has a unique Basque language. The autonomous region unites the provinces: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava. The capital is Vitoria.

The complex terrain includes the sandy coast of the Bay of Biscay, indented by cliffs and bays, and two chains of the Basque Mountains, dividing the territory into parts: the flat Alava, the mountainous Biscay and Gipuzkoa.

The valleys of the northern part of the region and Ayala (Alava) are referred to as "Green Spain" humid and moderately warm. The central part is characterized by a dry continental Mediterranean climate.

In the Basque Country, such types of tourism are very popular: hiking eco-tourism, rural, mountain, resort on the beaches of San Sebastian, cycling. The region has 8 reserves, especially famous: Urikola, Urdabay Mouth, Laguna Laguardia.

The culture and history of this region is closely connected with France. Historians speak of 30 thousand years of history settlements of this ancient land, and the Basques are direct descendants of prehistoric tribes.

The main attractions in the Basque Country: the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, the Old and New Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Peter St. Michael, the Basilica of San Prudencio, the Dominican monastery, the Basque Museum, fine arts. Thematic museums are unique: gastronomic, playing cards, sacred art, oceanography.

The eastern region of Spain is a narrow coastal strip of the Mediterranean Sea. It unites the provinces of Valencia, Alicente and Castellon, the capital is the city of Valencia (read more about). The language is Spanish and Valencian. The inland area is mountainous, especially high in Valencia and Castellón. On the coast there is a swampy valley with fertile soils in places, dunes turned into gardens.

Valencia is located in 3 climatic zones: coastal with a Mediterranean climate; in the adjacent uplands the climate is continental; on the plain to the south - Mediterranean semi-desert.

The landscape and climate have contributed to the formation of unique ecosystems on which protected areas: marine reserve desert island Columbretes, Albufera Nature Reserve and the Sierra Calderona Mountains.

Valencia is world famous famous beaches: Costa Blanca, Costa Azahar, Costa Valencia. The region is rich in attractions, the main of which are the Serranos and Kuart towers, the bullfighting museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Ethnological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Cathedral, City of Arts and Sciences, Silk Exchange, Museum of Ceramics, Santa Barbara Castle, San Fernando Castle.

8. Galicia

Galicia is the most northwestern region of Spain, called the edge of the world by the ancient Romans. Through it passed the Way of St. Iago - the path of pilgrims. The west of Galicia is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the north - Bay of Biscay. Galicia includes 4 provinces: Lugo, Orengue, La Coruña, Pontevedra and several islands. Santiago de Compostela is the center of the region. Galician and Spanish are the official languages.

The relief of the region is diverse: rugged coastline with capes, estuaries and fjords, many rivers, low mountains, forests. island territories included in the National Park Atlantic Islands Galicia. Sandy beaches form resort area Costa del Morisco.

The area is divided into climatic zones: remote from the coast with a Mediterranean climate, areas with a mild continental and coast with a subtropical climate. Palm trees, orchids, imported eucalyptus grow in the subtropics. The region has 6 national parks and a number of protected areas.

Ancient Celtic settlements date back to the 3rd-5th centuries. The Castro culture left a mark in the form of fortress towers. Galicia became a separate state during Roman rule. All historical epochs are reflected in architecture, culture and traditions. Here you can see the remains of ancient fortresses, buildings of the ancient Roman and Romanesque eras, Christian and Muslim churches. The main attractions in the region: the Cathedral in the capital, the fortress in Lugo, the Roman lighthouse and bridge, the historical centers of the capital and Ponteveder.

9. Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the most remote autonomous community in Spain. The archipelago, which is part of Micronesia, consists of 13 islands 100 km from the coast of Morocco. Includes 2 provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. Their two capitals alternate in the rights of the administrative center.

Volcanic origin is the reason for the unique topography, climate, tropical flora and fauna of the islands, some species of which are endemic. This made it possible to create a large number of national parks and protected areas on the islands.

The climate in the Canaries is tropical, humid, with minimal temperature fluctuations, allowing year-round recreation.

Canary Islands - Worldwide famous resort Atlantic. The line of beaches developed infrastructure is more than 1.5 thousand km. Resort tourism is a priority branch of the region. Tenerife offers a comfortable and fairly active holiday, Gran Canaria is more secluded and calm, Fuerteventura is a surfer's paradise, La Gomera is a National Park with relic vegetation, Lanzarote is biosphere reserve volcanic activity.

In addition to the beauties of nature, the islands have preserved a number of historical and cultural attractions.

10. Cantabria

A small northern Autonomy of Spain, bordered by the Bay of Biscay. The capital of Cantabria is the city of Santander, the language is Spanish.

Cantabria is part of the "Green Spain". The mountain range of the Cantabrian Mountains passes through the territory of Canabria, occupying most of it. The relief of the region is mountainous, high (more than 400 m), covered with picturesque gorges that divide it into separate geographical areas: coastal La Marina with a humid oceanic climate; the main mountainous La Montagna with an alpine colder climate; the Campo zone and the southern valleys, where the climate is close to the Mediterranean.

Beaches among the rocks coastline with capes and estuaries, green valleys, foothill forests, full-flowing rivers create a unique landscape. There are 6 national parks in the region, the most famous National Park Peaks of Europe, Liencres Dunes Reserve, Sakha-Besaya hunting grounds. Popular activities in the region include snowboarding, skiing, and mountain climbing. Well-maintained coastal resorts offer surfing, sailing, diving.

Cantabria has very ancient history and preserved many archaeological sites: cave drawings in Altamira Cave, Las Monedas Caves, La Pasiega, El Castillo, El Soplao, the world's only Cave Exploration Center. Worth a visit in Santadera Maritime Museum, museum of archeology, fine arts.

11. Castile-La Mancha

The autonomous region of Castile-La Mancha includes 5 provinces: Toledo, Albacete, Guadalajara, Cuenca, Real, Ciudad. The capital of the autonomy is the city of Toledo.

Castilla-La Mancha is located in the center of Spain, occupying the south of Meseta. The main relief is a plain surrounded by mountains on three sides. The climate is characteristic of the Mediterranean, tending to the continental. There is snow in the mountains.

The antiquity of the history of the region explains the presence of primitive sites and rock art. In the Middle Ages, there was a separate state here - Old Castile. There are many fortresses and castles in the region. Thanks to Cervantes, the symbol of La Mancha became windmills. Ten windmills on the hills of Campo de Criptana are a landmark throughout Spain.

Toledo is richest in monuments: the Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, the El Greco Museum, the castles of Consuelo, the Alcazar of Toledo, Oropeso, the Galiana Palace -more places see our article "". Very interesting: the Museum of Abstract Art, "hanging houses" and the Museum of Science in Cuenca, the Palace of the Dukes of Infantado. The area is also famous for its annual ethnic traditions: running with the bulls, bullfighting, the Carnavalcasar festival, and a number of carnivals.

Available in the region and National parks. The most famous: Cabaneros and Tablas de Daimiel, Lagunas de Rudeira.

12. Castile and Leon

Castile and León is the largest autonomy of Spain, uniting the kingdom of León and northern part Old Castile. Includes 9 provinces. The administrative center is Valladolid. The official languages ​​are Spanish, Leonese, Galician. The historical role of Castile and Leon in the liberation Reconquista and the conquest of the New World is well known.

The region is located in the northern part of Meseta. The relief is flat with rare hills, in the south it passes into the Central Cordillera, in the east - into the Iberian mountains. The climate in the region is continental Mediterranean. northern high mountainous areas are influenced by the Atlantic, it is warmer and more humid here.

Tourism is one of the pillars of the region's economy. In the mountains are modern ski resorts. Main attractions: the pilgrimage Way of St. James, the Cathedral of Burgos, Roman aqueducts and gold mines, the wall of Avila, the primitive caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca. No less interesting are the Gothic Leon Cathedral, the University of Salamanca, the royal palace of the Alcazar, the Visigothic church in Zamora, the Templar monastery, a number of castles and architectural ensembles.

13. Catalonia

Autonomy is located in the most northeastern part of Spain, from the south and southeast it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the north - Pyrenees mountains. Catalonia includes the provinces of Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Lleida and Girona. The capital of the region is the second city of Spain - Barcelona. Spanish, Catalan, Occitan are the official languages. The region is distinguished by a pronounced national identity,

The landscapes of Catalonia are diverse: the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, wooded valleys, many lakes, hilly central part, channels and lagoons of the Ebro River, a wide long line sandy beaches. mediterranean climate coast at a distance from it acquires the features of the continental. The mildness of the climate and golden beaches led to the emergence of world resorts: Costa Dorada, Costa Brava, Costa Marisme.

In addition to Barcelona, ​​the most important monuments of Catalonia include: the Dali Theatre-Museum, the Cathedral and the Benedictine Church, the Jewish quarter in Girona, the birthplace of Salvador Dali; the monasteries of Montserrat and Poblet, the archaeological complex of Tarraco, and a number of equally significant sights.

Southeastern autonomy and province of Spain, its capital is the city of Murcia of the same name. The southern border of the region is 170 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches. The territory is divided into almost equal parts: mountains, mountain green valleys, flat plateau, where many protected natural areas are located.

The climate is arid, arid, more humid at a distance from the sea. Murcia - Orchard and the greenhouse of Spain, where citrus fruits, flowers, fruits and vegetables are grown.

Murcia became an independent kingdom during the Arab period, which left great heritage. The main attractions are: the castles of Jumilla, Cartagena, Moratalia, Caravaca de la Cruz, Castillo de Lorca, as well as the Cathedral of St. Mary and the Cathedral, the Museum of Gardens, the Roman amphitheater and colonnade, the town hall, the "fortress of the sun" of Lorca in Catrachen.

Developed in Mkrsiya and resort tourism. The most popular resorts are Costa Calida, Puerto de Massarone, Bolnueevo and Alipas. Murcia has the most large lake Spain - the Mar Minor lagoon, whose mineral-rich water is 5 degrees warmer than sea water, which made it possible to create the famous sanatorium-resort area of ​​La Manga del Mar Menor.

15. Navarra

A small northern autonomous community whose capital is the city of Pamplona. In addition to Spanish, the Basque language is officially recognized. Navarre shares a common border with France, which largely explains the cultural characteristics.

The region is divided into three zones: the northern mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, the middle zone of Terra Estella, the more flat southern steppe zone of Ribeira. The climate in the northern part of the region is humid Atlantic, in the south - Mediterranean, the middle part is characterized by a transitional variant.

Popular outdoor activities include mountain climbing, eco-tourism, fishing and hunting. There are several national parks on the territory (Bardenas Reales, Urbasa Andia, El Senorio de Bertis), famous thermal spa Banos de Fitero.

Navarre has long been an independent European kingdom and has reflected the historical past in historical, cultural and architectural landmarks. Most of they are concentrated in Pamplona: the Cathedral, the churches of St. Lorenzo, St. Nicholas, the palace of Navarra, the castle square, the town hall, the city walls. To the main historical monuments also include: the royal palace, the churches of Michael the Archangel and San Pedro in Estella, the abbey of the Augustinian order, the Monastery of San Salvador in Leira, the pilgrimage route "Way of Santiago".

Navarra is known for its San Fermin holiday, which was described in detail by the native of these places Ernest Hemingway in the novel Fiesta.

16. Rioja (La Rioja)

The smallest autonomy of the north of Spain is the most famous wine region of Spain. Its center is the city of Logroño. From the north it is bounded by the Cantabrian mountains, from the south by the Sierra de la Demanda ranges, between them are the valleys of the Erbo River, best suited for viticulture.

The climate is Mediterranean continental, milder and more humid in Rioja Alta, dry and hot in Rioja Baja.

The beautiful varied landscape attracts tourists to the ski resort of Valdescarai, in the Cantabrian mountains. Mountaineering is popular hiking, paragliding, canoeing, hunting.

The history of the area since Phoenician times is connected with winemaking. Fertile lands have been the subject of numerous wars for many centuries. Evidence of the historical significance of the region are numerous monuments: the Rioja Museum, the Cathedral Church of the Virgin Mary, historical Center in Alfaro, parliament building church of St. James, castle of the 9th century, ruins of Roman buildings, monastery of St. Clara, museum of paleontology, natural history, residence of the bishop, Clavijo castle, monasteries of Suso and Yuso, caves of Ortigosa de Cameros, castle in Huber, museum of winemaking .

A special place is occupied by wine tourism, which includes visits to ancient and modern wineries, vineyards, wine museums and wine festivals.

17. Extremadura

The western region consists of the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, with Mérida as its capital. Estramadura has common border with Portugal. The main part is forested plateau plains, the northeastern part is occupied by the Toledo Mountains, in the south by the Sierra Morena Mountains.

The Mediterranean climate has continental features in highlands. Geographic and climatic conditions contributed to the diversity of flora and fauna. A number of natural parks of national importance have been created here (including the Montfragüe Biosphere Reserve).

The historical richness of Estramadura makes it especially interesting tourist attraction. Merida was the capital of Lusitania, a Roman province. Numerous monuments of a number historical eras preserved throughout the region: the Roman amphitheater and the aqueduct in Merida; monuments ancient kingdom Tartessus: temple of Diana; bridge over the river Guadiana; Roman Triumphal Arch; Roman villa; the palace and the ruins of the Roman baths in Trujillo; rock painting; State Museum Roman art; the castle of Alcazabai and the fortifications of the Arab period; cities built by the Templars; the monasteries of Juste and St. Paul; the Plaza Grande.