EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM
Latest ETIAS News

What are some examples of autonomous regions in Spain?

Etias Visa Waiver
ETIAS Europe

Which are the autonomous communities of Spain?

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain’s largest autonomous community by population, is home to approximately 8.4 million people. This is 17.84% of Spain’s total population. It covers 33,694 sq. miles and has a population density at 250 people per square mile. This autonomous community is second in Spain. The autonomous community’s administrative capital is Seville, Andalusia’s largest city. Spanish is also recognized as Andalusia’s official language.

Aragon

Aragon, an autonomous community in Spain is a little bit off the beaten path. It has been hardly visited by tourists. It consists of three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Tereul.
Huesca, the north province, borders France’s frontiers and is located in the Pyrenees Mountains range. Spain borders Catalonia and Valencia to the east and Castillo, Leon, La Rioja, and Navarro the west. Just over 1.25 million people are Aragonese, half of which live in Zaragoza, the capital. Aragon is a fascinating and unforgettable tourist destination. It has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a deeply rooted culture. But what makes it so appealing? Its natural beauty and diversity.
It is a land that has been untouched and is brimming over with natural beauty. There are lush valleys covered in flowers, waterfalls, and backdrops of snow-capped mountains. This ‘forgotten or magic land’ is actually located in the North.
The capital of Aragon, Zaragoza (or Saragossa, in English), is Spain’s fifth-largest city. It’s located on the Ebro, Spain’s largest river. Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich history, which spans more than 2,000 years. Many architectural remnants have been meticulously preserved. The Roman Empire’s influence on the city is evident in the Forum, Thermal Baths, and River Port.

Asturias

Asturias is a region of northwest Spain, separated from the Castilian Plateau via the Cantabrian Mountains. It’s a land full of contrasts. The area was once a mining and industrial powerhouse. Today, a third is protected from the elements. Just over one million people call Asturias home. Half of them live along the region’s midline. Oviedo is the capital and boasts exquisitely preserved pre-Romanesque architecture. Gijon and Aviles are the two harbor towns.
Somiedo is one of the seven UNESCO-biosphere reserves in Asturias. It’s far from the sunny Spain that most people imagine. The cradle for rural tourism in Spain is Western Asturias. Conservation efforts have led to an increase in bears. Castros are common and stone houses with slate roofs can be found. Muniellos, one of the oldest oak forests in Spain, is the most beautiful. The deciduous trees also put on quite a show in autumn.

Basque Country

Basque Country isn’t the same as the rest of Spain. he Basques, an ancient and free-spirited country, lie between two countries on the Atlantic Coast. It stretches about 100 miles from Bilbao (Spain) north to Bayonne (France). The Basque Country is known for its beautiful beaches and modern architecture…and its hardworking, industrious people.
The fabled region, located on the north Atlantic coast near France’s border, is proudly situated. It has its own language, culinary traditions, and a unique geographic and cultural landscape.
Basque people are thought to be descendants from the first European human colonists. Basque culture has many unique traditions, such as Euskara, which is the Basque language. It is older than the Romans, and has no connection to other languages in Europe.
Travelers will be able to hear Euskara being spoken in Basque Country. They can also see the language printed all over the country, from newspapers and menus to train schedules. Most words are printed in Spanish, which is a much simpler language to understand.

Cantabria

Cantabria, one of Spain’s autonomous areas. It is located in what is known as Green Spain and lies north of the country along the Bay of Biscay. It’s not as well-known as other areas of Spain, but it’s located between Asturias and the Basque Country to its east, Castilla y Leon in the south, and Asturias to its west.
This green-clad area near Asturias can be walked from north to south in less than an hour. But don’t. Cantabria has everything for modern travelers. You can enjoy the beautiful coastline with its soft cliffs and colorful fishing ports. Summer seaside days are possible, weather permitting. The inland mountains, which are sliced up into deep, multibranched valleys linked only by steep passes, are sprinkled with sleepy village and offer a feast of the eyes, regardless of whether you walk the trails or drive the country roads.
Santander, a vibrant capital city, offers a slice urban life with its bodegas and beaches. Santillana del Mar’s medieval and Modernista trappings are a draw to Comillas and Santillana del Mar. Altamira, El Castillo, and Covalanas caves are some of the most important prehistoric artifacts in the world. Cantabria’s rugged ranges culminate with the abrupt mountain walls that form the Picos de Europa to the west.

Catalonia

Catalonia, Spain’s second-most populous autonomous community, has more than 7.5 million residents living within its borders. Catalonia, which covers 12,397 sq miles, is another large autonomous community. This places it at sixth. Catalonia has a population density of 610 people per square mile, making it one of the most populous Spanish regions. Barcelona, home to 1.6 million people, is the capital and administrative center of Catalonia. Catalonia’s history dates back to the 10th Century. It was created as an independent community on September 9, 1932. The status was then revised on August 9, 2006. Catalan, Spanish, and Occitan, are Catalonia’s official languages.

Canary Islands

These islands are well-known for being Europe’s sunshine center. They offer mild temperatures and outstanding natural attractions. Five of the seven islands were declared Biosphere Reserves, while four national parks are located on the archipelago. The beaches of the archipelago are some of its most popular attractions. They are ideal for sunbathing or water sports like windsurfing or scuba diving. You’ll also find incredible landscapes that are perfect for hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and even caving.

Community of Madrid

The Community of Madrid, an autonomous community located in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, is called the Community of Madrid. The Community of Madrid is situated on an area of 3,100.4 sq miles. It is therefore one of the smallest autonomous communities in Spain. The community’s small size is compensated by its population. The Community of Madrid has a population of approximately 6.5 million people. This makes it the third largest autonomous community in Spain, accounting for 13.75% of Spain’s total population. Madrid, the administrative capital of the Community of Madrid, is the largest city.

Community of Valencia

The Valencian Community, also called Comunitat Valenciana in Spanish, or Valencian Country in Valencian, is an autonomous region of Spain located on the southern and central Iberian Peninsula.
Many people associate the region with beautiful beaches, unspoiled waters, and beautiful weather. The region is known for its delicious food, vibrant festivals, traditional Spanish cities, and surprising cultural scene. It offers a taste of Spain with a Valencian twist. The region’s diverse geography means there are many natural wonders that will surprise anyone who visits it further inland.
Three provinces make up the region, each with a common history that was part of the historical Crown of Aragon. They share a common culture with Aragon and Catalonia. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful and varied landscape and culture. Millions of people visit it each year from Spain and other parts of Europe.

Galicia

Galicia feels more like Ireland than Spain at times, given its ancient Celtic heritage. Santiago de Compostela, its capital, is the last stop on the Way of Saint James. This alone makes it worth visiting the region of Green Spain. Its beautiful landscapes with green wooded valleys and stunning beaches will delight you. You’ll find spectacular cliffs all along its coastline, which is bathed in the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea.
It is possible to visit the charming villages on both the coast and inland as well as cities like Santiago de Compostela and Ferrol. Its many monuments like the Tower of Hercules and Lugo’s city wall will amaze you. What could be better to drink than Ribeiro or Albarino, two of the most well-known wines in the country (each with their own Wine Routes) or the “queimada”, a popular alcoholic spirit that is set on fire in an earthenware vessel according to the traditional ritual?

Castille and Leon

Castile and Leon is an autonomous region of Spain. It takes its name from the many medieval castles they are home to. Castile and Leon was formed from the union of two ancient kingdoms: Old Castile, (Provinces in Avila, Burgos Segovia Soria Palencia, Palencia, Palencia, Palencia, Palencia, Palencia, and Palencia) and the Kingdom Of Leon (Provinces in Leon, Zamora, and Salamanca), both of which were split and reunited many times during the Middle Ages. Castile and Leon are actually bigger than some European countries like Belgium, and the Netherlands
The region has eight World Heritage Sites, making it the most visited in the world. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well the natural and scenic beauty of its mountain ranges.
The mainstays of cultural tourism are Castile and Leon’s World Heritage cities, Avila, Salamanca, and Segovia.
It has a flat central region, but is very mountainous at its borders. It is surrounded by several mountain ranges, which separate it from Spain. The most notable mountains are the Picos De Europa in Leon and Palencia. They also include Gredos In Avila, Guadarrama and Guadarrama. There are two national parks: Picos de Europa, Guadarrama, and seven natural parks in the provinces Palencia, Salamanca and Segovia. There are many hiking trails in all of these parks. here are many ski resorts in Spain, including La Covatilla, San Isidro, Leon and La Pinilla, Segovia.

Castille-La Mancha

This land is famous for its arts, crafts, unique monuments, and being the location for the adventures of Don Quixote, a literary hero from La Mancha.
visit to this region in inland Spain must include a visit at least to Cuenca, with its Hanging Houses and Toledo, with its cathedral and Alcazar Fortress. You will enjoy the four Archaeological Parks which are some of the most ancient examples of rock art in Spain and events like the International Classical Theatre Festival, Almagro.

Extremadura

Extremadura is a land full of contrasts. It boasts UNESCO heritage site, stunning landscapes and natural beauty, as well as a strong gastronomy influence. It is located near the border to Portugal, nestled between Castile La Mancha and Huelva, and borders with Portugal. It has a unique combination of influences from all its neighbors, as you can see.
Extremadura is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, tourists who are interested in discovering a part of Spain that has been largely unexplored, and those who want to explore the cultural and historical Spain.
Badajoz Airport is Extremadura’s only airport. However, it is not accessible from Spain so visitors need to fly to Madrid-Barajas Airport. From there, hire a car or take a coach. If you are traveling to the south, you could fly to Seville, Lisbon, or cross the border to Spain. This flight is a good choice for those who are more adventurous and flexible travelers, and it also gives you the opportunity to travel to other parts of Spain and Portugal.

La Rioja

La Rioja is located in northern Spain, near the border of Basque Country and the coast resort town of San Sebastian. It is a popular destination for tourists who wish to escape the crowds and enjoy the Spanish culture and beautiful agricultural regions. Rioja is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, historical sites, cultural attractions and recreational activities. But, most importantly, the wine is famous for its distinctive, earthy flavors.

Navarre

Navarre is a region that consists of one province also known as Navarre. It is located in northern Spain and borders three other Spanish regions, La Rioja, La Basque Country, and Aragon. Navarre is home to just over 600,000. Approximately 200,000 people live in Pamplona, the capital of the region. There are no other major urban areas, except for the capital.
Navarre is an area of exceptional beauty. It covers only 10,000 square kilometers. However, there are stark contrasts between the Pyrenees to the north and the plains at the Ebro valley to the south. The terrain and climate are perfect for hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities, including adventure sports.
The San Fermin festival, held in early July, is well-known in Pamplona (the region’s capital). The bulls are brought to the bullring at great speed, despite the dangers. This attracts thousands of people from all walks of the city. The bullfights can be enjoyed at bars and pubs all week. However, the costs of accommodation and tickets are not for the faint-hearted.

We hope you found this information on Spain’s autonomous communities useful and we wish you a pleasant trip!