The 17 regions of Spain have distinct characteristics, climate patterns, and, in some cases, a different language.
Officially known as the autonomous communities of Spain, these 17 regions were established in 1978 under the Spanish Constitution. Each comunidad autónoma is self-governed and has a degree of autonomy in how it is managed.
The degree of autonomy depends on the nature of the region and what they contribute to Spain overall. For example, the wealthy autonomous communities of Madrid, Catalonia, and the Basque Country have greater fiscal autonomy.
While all 17 communities of Spain have their own parliament and administrative structure, the country remains unified under a central government.
Complete Guide to the 17 Regions of Spain
In no particular order, here is a snapshot of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain.
1. Andalusia (Andalucía)
- Capital: Seville
- Provinces: Almería, Granada, Málaga, Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla, Cádiz, and Huelva
- Known for: Flamenco, Moorish architecture, and the Costa del Sol beaches
- Must-try dish: Gazpacho – a tomato-based vegetable soup served cold
Claiming the entire south coast and a decent chunk of dramatic mountainous terrain, Andalucía is the second-largest of the autonomous communities of Spain.
This region has an incredible coastline and culture-rich cities with Moorish landmarks including the Royal Alcázar of Seville and the Alhambra of Granada. Flamenco is thought to originate in Andalucía and the region also specializes in sherry production.
The Costa del Sol attracts summer vacationers although this sunny string of beaches may be visited in any month.
Further reading: Best Things to Do in Andalucía
There are so many amazing beaches to explore in Spain, many of which are located in Andalucia, however, the Costa Brava in Catalonia is special, too.
2. Catalonia (Catalunya)
- Capital: Barcelona
- Provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lérida, Tarragona
- Known for: Catalan Modernist architecture, cava, football, and the Costa Brava
- Must-try dish: Esqueixada de bacallà – salted cod, tomato, onion, bell pepper, and olives served as a starter
Many travelers rank Catalonia as the best of the 17 regions of Spain. Barcelona is rich in architecture, nightlife, and fun things to do ranging from amusement parks to food tours.
This northeast region has a “wild” Mediterranean coastline linked by hiking trails and cycling routes. Sailing, kayaking, and even scuba diving can be enjoyed in summer. Inland Catalonia incorporates parts of the Pyrenees ranges and the Empordà DO wine region.
Although Castilian Spanish is widely spoken, the Catalan language is dominant in signage and menus.
Further reading: Catalonia Travel Guides
3. Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana)
- Capital: Valencia
- Provinces: Alicante, Castellón de la Plana, and Valencia
- Known for: Paella, the Costa Blanca, and the Costa del Azahar
- Must-try dish: Paella valenciana – served with rabbit and snails, not seafood!
Sitting south of Catalonia and north of Andalucia, the Valencian Community marries the best of these two regions. It has beautiful Mediterranean beaches and small inland towns as well as caves.
This is one of the best communities of Spain to visit in summer for great weather and escaping the worst of the crowds. While popular, this region’s quieter beaches don’t see quite the same volume as its neighbors.
Valencia, the capital, offers a captivating blend of historic and futuristic architecture. The region also hosts two of the most intriguing festivals in Spain: Las Fallas de Valencia and La Tomatina.
Further reading: Valencia Travel Guides
4. Murcia (Región de Murcia)
- Capital: Murcia
- Provinces: Murcia
- Known for: Baroque architecture, agriculture, and flowers
- Must-try dish: Olla Gitana – the heavily seasoned “gypsy stew” is available as a meat or vegetarian dish
The small community of Murcia squeezes in between Valencia and Andalucia, laying claim to the Costa Cálida. The “Warm Coast” refers to the scorching temperatures that impact this arid, desert-like autonomous region of Spain.
The capital is a buzzing university city which sees relatively few tourists, despite its remarkable cathedral and clutch of museums.
Murcia is ultimately an agricultural region responsible for exporting fruits, vegetables, and flowers to European countries.
Further reading: Murcia Travel Guides
5. Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid)
- Capital: Madrid
- Provinces: Madrid
- Known for: Art museums, tapas bars, music, and royal heritage
- Must-try dish: Cocido Madrileño – a hearty stew found at most local restaurants around the city
Madrid refers to one of the autonomous regions of Spain, its sole province, and its capital. This is a small community which essentially concentrates on the capital and its commuter zones.
Madrid is a wonderfully green city with lush parks and wide boulevards. The central neighborhoods are walkable and balance a mix of high end and budget eateries alongside art galleries and theaters.
Further reading: Madrid Travel Guides
6. Aragon (Aragón)
- Capital: Zaragoza
- Provinces: Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel
- Known for: Mudejar architecture, witches, and the Pyrenees mountains
- Must-try dish: Longaniza – this aromatic sausage is made using lean pork, oregano, garlic, and black pepper
Aragon is one of the lesser-visited autonomous communities of Spain. The capital, Zaragoza, is a charming city full of Roman ruins and one of the most beautiful cathedrals on the continent.
Other places of interest include Cariñena, known for its eponymous grape, and Trasmoz. This “cursed” town was excommunicated by the Catholic Church.
Outdoor explorers can head to the otherworldly Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the Pyrenees.
Further reading: Aragon Travel Guides
7. Asturias (Principado de Asturias)
- Capital: Oviedo
- Provinces: Asturias
- Known for: Green mountainous scenery, cider, and a rugged coastline
- Must-try dish: Fabada asturiana – a bean and chorizo stew perfect for the chillier climate
Located on the northwest Atlantic coast, Asturias is famed for being one of the few 17 regions of Spain that resisted Moorish rule. In fact, the Reconquista started after the Asturians defeated the Moors in the Battle of Covadonga in 722 AD.
Asturias is a green region of fishing villages, pristine beaches, and medieval cities. The Picos de Europa National Park passes through Asturias and the region is famed for its cider and cheese production.
Further reading: Best Beach Towns in Spain
The food around Spain is exquisite, particularly pintxos in Basque Country, tapas in Catalonia and Madrid, and Paella in Valencia!
8. Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares)
- Capital: Palma (Mallorca)
- Provinces: Baleares
- Known for: Mediterranean island experiences, nightlife, water activities, and beaches
- Must-try dish: Caldereta de langosta – lobster stew is a Menorcan speciality
The Balearic Islands, one of two autonomous communities of Spain that are archipelagos, is where to go for an indulgent Mediterranean getaway.
Ibiza is known for its superclubs although the island has plenty to offer honeymooners and wellness-minded travelers. Venture north for a calmer experience or check out an adults-only hotel or yoga retreat.
Mallorca is popular with families although the untamed west coast delights outdoor adventurers and the hinterland preserves agricultural and winemaking heritage.
Menorca is the quietest of the main trio with stretches of untouched coastline and historic towns.
Further reading: Balearic Islands Travel Guides
9. Basque Country (País Vasco)
- Capital: Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Provinces: Álava, Guipúzcoa, and Vizcaya
- Known for: Pintxos culture, San Sebastián’s food scene, Bilbao’s architecture, and surfing
- Must-try dish: All the pintxos; the Gilda is the original pinxto
As one of the autonomous communities of Spain on the Atlantic coast, the Basque Country avoided the limelight for decades.
There’s been a shift in recent years with the addition of the Guggenheim to Bilbao and the ever-blossoming food scene in San Sebastián. This spans Michelin-starred restaurants and casual taverns and pintxos bars.
The Basque Country coast is also a major draw for surfers. In addition to Spanish Basque Country, you can consider a day trip to French Basque Country (Pays Basque) and see how the landscape and culture compares.
Further reading: Basque Country Travel Guides
Some of the people of the Basque Country are vocal about their culture and desired freedom to be their own country.
10. Galicia
- Capital: Santiago de Compostela
- Provinces: La Coruña, Lugo, Orense, and Pontevedra
- Known for: Hiking the Camino de Santiago, seafood, and Atlantic coastline
- Must-try dish: Caldo gallego – a nourishing soup packed with meats and greens
To some, Galicia is soggy and gloomy. Others find its misty seascapes romantic and compelling. Celts settled in Spain’s most northwestern region and the heritage lingers in the cities and villages.
Santiago de Compostela’s majestic cathedral marks the end of the Camino Way pilgrimage routes from where travelers can venture out to find secret Atlantic coves.
Galicia’s foodie legacy is unsung. Besides the Galician broth, the region is famed for its octopus, mussels, and cheeses. Try and track down the regional cocktail, queimada, which is one of the most unique traditional drinks in Spain.
11. La Rioja
- Capital: Logroño
- Provinces: La Rioja
- Known for: Rioja wines and gorgeous vineyard landscapes
- Must-try dish: Anything with pork, lamb, or beef – it all depends on the wine you’re drinking
La Rioja, the smallest of the 17 regions of Spain, produces the country’s greatest export: Rioja wine. Most of the tourism in La Rioja revolves around wine tastings and touring vineyards.
However, even if you’re not a fan of vino, the scenery in this rural pocket is phenomenal and you can sign up for such outdoorsy activities as cycling, horse trekking, and hot air balloon rides.
If time is of the essence, La Rioja is a do-able day trip from Bilbao and San Sebastián.
Further reading: Guide to the La Rioja Wine Region
12. Cantabria
- Capital: Santander
- Provinces: Cantabria
- Known for: Prehistoric cave complexes, the Picos de Europa National Park, and a wild coastline
- Must-try dish: Rabas – this classic Cantabrian tapa sees lightly-battered squid served oceanside with a pinch of lemon and salt
Cantabria nips in between Asturias and Basque Country of one of the autonomous communities of Spain with an Atlantic coastline. This is the final cog in what’s known as “Green Spain” and also contains the eastern stretches of the Picos de Europa National Park.
Beyond Santader and windswept surfing beaches, the Cave of Altamira is an unmissable sight. This World Heritage Site preserves 14,000-year-old rock paintings and is considered the Sistine Chapel of the Palaeolithic Age.
Cantabrian cuisine is a medley of seafood and cheese alongside warming winter soups and stews.
Further reading: Cantabria Travel Guides
Girona, located in the Catalonia region of Spain, is a beautiful city well worth visiting!
13. Castilla-La Mancha
- Capital: Toledo
- Provinces: Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara, and Toledo
- Known for: Don Quixote, windmills, and the imperial city of Toledo
- Must-try dish: Tojunto – a meat, usually rabbit, stew where all ingredients are prepared in a clay pot
Castilla-La Mancha is one of the autonomous regions of Spain rich in historic monuments and long swathes of sparsely populated countryside.
Although the author Miguel de Cervantes hailed from Madrid, his fictional Don Quixote carried out his chivalrous deeds in Castilla-La Mancha.
The hilltop city of Toledo is an open-air museum of medieval history showing the influences from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It’s easy to visit Toledo on a day trip from Madrid.
Further reading: Toledo Tourist Wristband
14. Castilla and León (Castilla y León)
- Capital: Valladolid
- Provinces: Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid, and Zamora
- Known for: Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, the Ribera del Duero wine region, and the historic towns of Salamanca and Segovia
- Must-try dish: Lechazo – roasted suckling lamb subject to strict regulations in order to qualify
Bordering Madrid along with Castille-La Mancha, Castilla and León is the largest of the 17 regions of Spain. This huge area is brimming with castles, churches, and fortifications tracing the country’s past.
Many of the main cities are within easy access of Madrid. Burgos, Salamanda, and León tout some of Spain’s most grandiose cathedrals. Segovia stuns with its Roman aqueduct and fairytale-like turreted Alcázar.
Further reading: Day Trips from Madrid
There are regions of Spain that are lush and green, which means lots of rain!
15. Extremadura
- Capital: Mérida
- Provinces: Badajoz and Cáceres
- Known for: Roman ruins and the picturesque town of Cáceres
- Must-try dish: Dehesa de Extremadura (cured ham made from pure-bred Ibérico pigs)
Landlocked Extremadura is one of the most overlooked regions of Spain. The capital of this large, western region preserves some of Spain’s most impressive Roman ruins.
Extremadura made headlines recently with the announcement that digital nomads can pocket €15,000 if they choose this overlooked region. If you’re a remote worker and are considering a move to Spain, it’s worth researching Extremadura and paying a visit.
Further reading: Extremadura Digital Nomad Incentive
- Capital: Pamplona
- Provinces: Navarra
- Known for: San Fermín Festival and the Pyrenean foothills
- Must-try dish: Truchas a la Navarra – regionally caught trout seasoned with lemon and salt and lightly cooked in olive oil and flour
Navarra is a small region in the north of Spain dotted with fortresses and monasteries. The Camino de Santiago passes through Navarra and many religious sites are connected with the pilgrimage route’s history.
However, Navarra is best known for the controversial San Fermín Festival. The Running of the Bills occurs every July in Pamplona and lasts around a week.
Further reading: Famous Festivals in Spain
Be sure to enjoy the locally made cheeses, sausages, and wines of each region of Spain that you visit!
17. Canary Islands (Islas Canarias)
- Capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Provinces: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Known for: Volcanic landscapes, winter sun, and a subtropical climate
- Must-try dish: Ropa Vieja – translating to “old clothes” this is a traditional stew using leftover meat, vegetables, and potatoes
Geographically closer to Africa than Europe, the Canary Islands is one of the best vacation destinations in Spain for winter sun.
The seven main islands – Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro – share volcanic landscapes and beaches where swimming is possible all year.
Tenerife is a top-destination for stargazing while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are surfing havens. The lesser-visited islands of La Gomera and El Hierro offer a more authentic perspective on the culture of the Canaries.
Further reading: Warmest Places in Spain in Winter