Spain, Parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe.
Description
Spain is a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe that occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and also includes several island groups in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. The country shares its land borders with Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, and Gibraltar to the south.
History
The Catholic kingdoms of Castile and Aragon merged in 1479 through the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand, establishing the foundation for a modern state. The following centuries produced a global colonial power, which lost most of its overseas holdings during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Culture
Bullfighting still shapes discussion in some regions, while flamenco dancing remains a living art form in Andalusia, visible in many small bars and theaters. The siesta, a midday break, still closes shops in rural areas and smaller towns for several hours in the early afternoon.
Practical
A high-speed rail network connects the largest cities with trains reaching up to 310 kilometers per hour (193 miles per hour) on certain routes, reducing long journeys considerably. Bus lines and regional trains complement the system, offering connections to smaller places across all parts of the country.
Did you know?
The two autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla sit on Africa's northern coast and have formed Europe's only land borders with the African continent since the 15th century. Both cities preserve a mix of European and North African influences in their architecture and daily life.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Spain).
This collection brings together around 30 travel destinations that sit outside the usual tourist routes. You will find cities, natural regions, and historical sites where tourism still operates on a human scale. What these places share: you can travel here without encountering the overcrowding that...
Spain's coastlines present a wide variety of beaches, from the white sand shores of the Balearic Islands to the rocky coves of Cantabria along the Atlantic. This collection includes beaches such as Playa de Rodas in the Cíes Islands, the urban beach of La Concha in San Sebastián, and the secluded...
Andalusia holds a notable collection of historic gardens that reflect different periods of Spanish history. These sites combine Moorish, Christian, and modern design traditions and demonstrate the evolution of garden art on the Iberian Peninsula. From the terraced layouts of the Nasrid era to the...
Spain's water parks offer water slides, wave pools, and thrill rides throughout the country. From Tenerife's Thai-themed Siam Park to Madrid's Warner Beach, these venues combine water attractions with distinct themes. Parks include specialized areas for children, high-speed slides for...
Spain ranks among the leading golf destinations in Europe with more than 400 courses spread across different climate zones and landscapes. The southern coast features the Costa del Sol facilities, including Real Club Valderrama in Cádiz and Finca Cortesín in Málaga. The area around Marbella and San...
Spain has more than 8,000 kilometers of coastlines home to hundreds of beaches with diverse characteristics. The Mediterranean, Atlantic, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands feature contrasting marine scenery: coves sheltered between cliffs, extensive sandy areas, urban beaches, and protected...
Spain has many natural swimming pools located throughout the country. You can find river pools nestled in green valleys, pools surrounded by mountains and forests, and formations of volcanic rock along the coast. The water is clear and inviting, perfect for cooling off during the hot months. From...
Sagrada Familia
637.9 km
Alhambra
263.1 km
Camp Nou
633 km
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
159.3 km
Cannon
543.6 km
Cave of Altacosa
454.9 km
Valley of Cuelgamuros
157.5 km
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
161.2 km
Park Güell
636.6 km
Guggenheim Museum
466.9 km
Metropolitano Stadium
162.7 km
Teide
1642.1 km
Museo del Prado
155.7 km
Royal Palace of Madrid
154.8 km
Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle
503.1 km
La Pedrera
636.6 km
Temple of Debod
155.2 km
Casa Batlló
636.7 km
Seville Cathedral
238.4 km
Puerta de Alcalá
156.4 km
Aqueduct of Segovia
190.7 km
Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
152.4 km
Main Square
155 km
Reales Alcázares
238.4 km
Parc de la Ciutadella
638.4 km
Giralda
238.3 km
Plaza de España
239 km
Burgos Cathedral
348.9 km
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