It is difficult to find a more diverse country in Europe than Spain. It has come 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 in climate, character and even language that it is hard to believe that this 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 terms of average altitude and the number of mountainous areas. The state is spread 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 differ significantly from each other in climatic and natural conditions. The relief of the countrydue to several mountain systems: the Pyrenees stretching from west to east, the Cordillera Central, 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 Mesete. Only its southern region is on the lowlands. The difference in flora and fauna is also determined by the uneven distribution of water resources. If there are no problems with fresh water in the north and northwest, then the central and Mediterranean parts often experience an acute shortage of life-giving moisture.
Spanish Government
The Kingdom of Spain is a constitutional monarchy. In 1978, the current Constitution was adopted, which gave the King supreme power. All regions of Spain are subject to the monarch and the prime minister, who is nominated for office 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 managed to restrain these trends.
Spain climate
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 temperate mountain climate, and on the Mediterranean coast - a temperate climate.sea, mediterranean. However, in general, the country is in a warm zone - there are up to 260 sunny days a year, and the temperature almost never drops to minus values, excluding mountain peaks.
The largest difference between the summer and winter seasons 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 agriculture and life. Spain, the wine regions of which occupy a significant territory, grows more than 300 varieties of grapes. Each province produces its own unique wines.
Andalusia
The southernmost district of the country is Andalusia. This is the place where most tourists come, because this place combines an interesting culture, excellent cuisine and excellent beaches. It is here that the country of rich culture, food and wine is fully known.
The main attraction of the region is the Alhambra. But a lot of interesting things can be seen in the 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 the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz. In addition, this region is famous for its many colorful holidays, including bullfights and wine festivals. Andalusia owes its fame in equal measure to unique sights, sherry and jamon.
Catalonia
If you list the best regions of Spain, the list of which will be different for different people, then Catalonia will certainly take the first lines of the rating. This area in the northeast of the country has a strong personality and originality.
The main attractions of the region are the architecture of Gaudi, the painting of Picasso and S. Dali, as well as a variety of beaches. But in addition, Catalonia is famous for its cuisine, ancient cities, such as Tarragona or Girona, which are more reminiscent of Ancient Rome than the Spain of the Moors. Even the Catalan language is closer to French than to Spanish. The entire Mediterranean coast is almost a 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. This part of the country has been inhabited since ancient times by various peoples who have left their mark on its culture.
Today the region is famous for its Costa Blanca beach resorts. Here you can find luxurious hotels, numerous entertainments for tourists and comfortable places for recreation. The region is also famous for its wines and cuisine, which features many seafood dishes.
Castile-La Mancha
This region is known to us as the place where the famous Don Quixote lived. Here and today you can see at least 10 mills with which the hidalgo fought. The main cultural attractions are concentrated in the capitalregion - 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 one 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 lies Galicia, which, like all the northern regions of Spain, has a unique character and history. This region is especially 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 seafood delicacies. Also, Galicia is famous for its white grapes and unique wines from it, which are perfect for the aristocratic local cuisine.
Interesting facts
Spain is a land of amazing history. A lot of interesting things have happened here over the centuries. The state did not officially take part in any of the world wars, but it survived the largest civil war that claimed the lives of more than half a million people.
The population density in the country is 91,000 people/km². In addition, Spainannually visited by more than 60 million tourists, according to this indicator, it ranks 2nd in Europe.
And the Prado Museum in Madrid is one of the three largest museums in the world along with the Louvre and the Hermitage.
