It is difficult to find a more diverse country in Europe than Spain. It has gone a long and interesting way of formation as a single state, but even today its provinces retain their individuality. Cities, regions of Spain can be so dissimilar to each other by climate, character and even language that it is difficult to believe that it is one country. Next, we will talk about the regions of Spain, their climate and attractions.
Geography of the country
Spain is the second largest country in Europe; it also ranks second in average altitude and the number of mountainous areas. The state spreads over most of the Iberian Peninsula; its shores are washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The large extent of the state leads to the fact that the regions of Spain are significantly different from each other climatic and natural conditions. The relief of the country is due to several mountain systems: stretching from west to east by the Pyrenees, Central Cordillera, which divides the country into northern and southern parts, as well as the Cantabrian and Iberian mountains.
Most of the country is located on the high plateau of Mesete. Only its southern region is in the lowlands. The difference in the flora and fauna is also determined by the uneven distribution of water resources. If in the north and north-west there are no problems with fresh water, then the central and Mediterranean parts often experience an acute shortage of life-giving moisture.
Government of Spain
The Kingdom of Spain is a constitutional monarchy. In 1978, the current Constitution was adopted, which vested the King with supreme power. All regions of Spain are subordinate to the monarch and the prime minister, who is nominated by the party that won the popular elections.
The country is divided into 17 autonomous regions, which include 50 provinces. Each region has its own charter and leadership, which shares power with the center of the country. From time to time, ideas about complete autonomy from the center arise in different regions, but the state has so far been able to contain these trends.
Climate of Spain
Due to the significant size of the state and the special relief, the climate of Spain varies greatly by region. So, high in the mountains there is a moderate mountain climate, and on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea - a temperate marine, Mediterranean. However, in general, the country is in a warm zone - there are up to 260 sunny days here per year, and the temperature almost does not drop to minus values, excluding mountain peaks.
The greatest difference between the summer and winter season is observed in the central and northern provinces. Here it can be up to 20 degrees, and in coastal areas this difference is not even 10 degrees.
Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe. Its climatic conditions are perfect for farming and for living. Spain, whose wine regions occupy a significant territory, grows more than 300 grape varieties. Each province produces its own, unique wines.
Andalusia
The southernmost district of the country is Andalusia. Most of all there are tourists, because in this place an interesting culture, excellent cuisine and excellent beaches are combined. It is here that the country of rich culture, food and wine is fully recognized.
The main attraction of the region is the Alhambra. But a lot of interesting things can be seen in ancient cities: Seville, Cordoba, Malaga. For a long time, this part of the country belonged to the Moors, and the influence of their culture is still felt here.
The best beaches in the region are Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. In addition, this region is famous for its many colorful holidays, including bullfights and wine festivals. Andalusia owes its fame equally to the unique sights, sherry and jamon.
Catalonia
If you list the best regions of Spain, the list of which will vary for different people, then Catalonia will certainly take the first lines of the rating. This area in the north-east of the country has a vibrant personality and originality.
The main attractions of the region are Gaudi architecture, paintings by Picasso and S. Dali, as well as a variety of beaches. But in addition, Catalonia is famous for its cuisine, ancient cities, for example, Tarragona or Girona, which are more reminiscent of Ancient Rome than of Spain of the Moors. Even the Catalan language is closer to French than to Spanish. The entire coast of the Mediterranean Sea is an almost continuous beach that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Valencia
Describing the regions of Spain, it is impossible to ignore Valencia, which is located in the south-east of the country. Since ancient times, this part of the country has been inhabited by different peoples who have left their mark on its culture.
Today the region is famous for its beach resorts on the Costa Blanca. Here you can find fashionable hotels, numerous entertainment for tourists and comfortable places to relax. The region is also famous for its wines and cuisine, which offers many seafood dishes.
Castile La Mancha
We know this region as the place of life of the famous Don Quixote. Here and today you can see at least 10 mills that hidalgo fought with. The main cultural attractions are concentrated in the capital of the region - Toledo, as well as in the ancient city of Cuenca.
This is a region with a huge number of ancient brutal fortresses that tourists love to visit. Castile-La Mancha is part of the famous wine regions of Spain, it is here that more than half of the country's wine is produced, and most of the drinks are exported.
Galicia
In the north-west of the country is Galicia, which, like all the northern regions of Spain, has a unique character and history. This region is particularly attractive for its amazing nature. Tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The main attraction of the region is the capital of Santiago de Compostela with its unique Cathedral and medieval architecture. Also, tourists with great interest visit such beautiful cities as Lugo, La Coruña, Vigo.
The cuisine of the region was formed under the influence of the rich Atlantic Ocean, here you can always taste the best sea delicacies. Galicia is also famous for its white grapes and unique wines from it, which are perfect for aristocratic local cuisine.
Interesting Facts
Spain is a country of amazing history. Over the centuries, a lot of interesting things happened here. The state did not officially participate in any of the world wars, but it survived the largest civil war, which claimed the lives of more than half a million people.
The population density in the country is 91,000 people / km². In addition, more than 60 million tourists visit Spain annually, according to this indicator it takes 2nd place in Europe.
And the Madrid Prado Museum is one of the three largest museums in the world, along with the Louvre and the Hermitage.