Physical Map of Spain

In this Physical Map of Spain, the Iberian Peninsula is depicted with its clearly distinctive landscapes:


Northern lush, wet, Spain,
Dry Mediterranean areas,
Fertile River Valleys.

Sierras: Jagged Edged Mountains
Cordilleras: Chain of Mountains
Meseta: A vast interior plateau
Montes: Mountains
Río: River
Pico: Peak

This Physical Map of Spain page places a special interest in the Geography of Spain, the principal rivers and mountain-ranges. Spanish rivers are an important source of power for generating electricity; their valleys are prime agricultural regions.

Physical Map Spain Specific Features

This detailed Physical Map Spain displays surrounding Spanish Seas: the Alboran, Balearic, Mar Menor

and Mediterranean Seas, the Atlantic Ocean, Gulfs, Bays and Spanish Islands. The two National parks of Andalucia are featured: Parque Doñana, Sierra Nevada, along with the extraordinary marine/terrestrial volcanic Cabo de Gata, Nijar Natural Park, in Almeria Spain.

Physical Map of Spain

This Spain Physical map is Copyright © 18th May 2009 -2011 andalucia-andalusia.com.
All Rights Reserved.

Physical Map of Spain: Principal Rivers of Spain

  • Ebro River, rises in the Fontinbre, Cantabria, flows eastward and decants into the Mediterranean Sea in Tarragona
  • Duero River, rises in the Duruelo de la Sierra, Soria, flows westward through Portugal, acting as a frontier between Spain and Portugal for 112kms and finally decants in the Atlantic Ocean
  • The Guadiana River, rises in Lagunas de Ruidera, Castilla la Mancha, it flows east -> west in Spain and then southhwards when in Portugal, also acting, as a frontier barrier in two sections of its journey and decants in the Gulf of Cadiz
  • The Tagus River, rises in the Fuente de Garcia, Albarracin montains is 960 kms long and is the longest river in Spain. Flowing westwards through the Meseta Central
  • Guadalquivir River, rises in the Cañada de las Fuentes, Cazorla (Jaen) is the most important Andalucian river; the Guadalquivir is the 2nd longest Spanish river 657 kms, it decants in Sanlucar de Barrameda, Cadiz. This river was historically important because of its navegability. Roman Spain and the Moors sailed up as far as Historic Cordoba, but due to excessive silting-up, the river is now only navegable, as fas as Sevilla. The fertile Guadalquivir valley is of extreme importance to agriculture today, as it was for al-Andalus Water Secrets
  • The Miño River, is the longest Galician river, 340kms. It rises in Pedregal de Irimia, near Lugo

Neighbouring Countries to Spain

France, Andorra and Portugal are neighbouring countries. 85% of the Iberian Peninsula terrain is Spanish. Spain is the third largest country in Europe. 1st largest country is Russia, 2nd France and then Spain.

The Meseta Central

Two fifths of Spain is traversed by the Meseta Central, situated, in the heart of Spain. Meseta heights range between 460 to 1,220 metres above sea-level. Meseta terrain is dry and mostly flat. The Meseta Sierras have deep valleys and canyons. The height of Spain's interior, stems from the the Alpine Orogeny compression.

Physical Map of Spain
Accompanying Meseta Mountain Ranges

Cordillera Central
Sierra de Guadarrama - isolating the Duero Basin
Sierra de Gredos - isolating the Tajo Basin

The Meseta Central is flanked by the
Cordillera Cantabrica
Sistema Iberico
Sierra Morena

Meseta-climate is dry and prairie-like. Practically, devoid of trees with exception of cork and Holm Oaks.

The Ebro Valley

In the North East of Spain one finds the low-lying Ebro River valley.

Natural Boundaries

The Pyrenees - form part of the geological Alpine system - act as a natural boundary with France, framing the Ebro valley along with the Cordillera Costero-Catalana and thus cutting the Ebro valley from the sea.

Interesting Peak Facts

  • The Pyrenees are Spain's greatest mountain range, some peaks rise above 3.050 metres above sea-level. The Pico de Aneto being the highest peak of the Pyrenees
  • The Mulhacen, in Sierra Nevada, Andalucia peaks at 3478 mtrs - this peak is where Muley Hacen was buried and thus denominated after him. Emir Muley Hacen, was father of Boabdil, the last Emir of Moorish Spain
  • The highest peak in Spain is found on the Pico del Teide in Tenerife 3718 mtrs, Canary Islands

Andalucia

Andalucia Spain's Geography, is graced with the fertile Guadalquivir Valley and the Sierra Nevada. This low-lying fertile valley is flanked by the Sierra Morena, the Cordillera Penenbetica and the Cordillera Subbetica. The Guadalquivir River decants in the Gulf of Cadiz. Geologically, the Cordillera Baetica form part of the Gibraltar Arc, tipping as the most western point, of the Alpine Orogeny.

Physical Map of Spain: Ceuta and Melilla

As you can see, Ceuta and Melilla are two small Spanish enclaves situated on the Rif mountain chain, on the North Morrocan coastline. The Rif mountain chain also forms part of the Alpine Orogeny,

Why is this detailed Map of Spain, in Spanish?

When you travel through this country, only Spanish names are featured.

We have purposely kept Spanish names for this Physical Map of Spain.


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