Belonging to the Spanish archipelago are the Islands of Canary. The Canary archipelago contains a total of seven main islands. It also has a minor island and a few small islets as well. These archipelagos are volcanic in origin and are located in the northern Atlantic Ocean.  Aside from this, these islands are situated beside the African Continent, along the northwest coast, nearby are the political division of Western Sahara and Morocco. Hence, these locations are known to form the Canary Islands’ autonomous community. Furthermore, the Canary hotspot was the one that formed the Canary Islands. The capital city status is apportioned to both the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City and the Santa Cruz de Tenerife city.  

During the year 1982, a law was passed by Spain’s democratic constitutional monarchy which regarded the decision for granting Canary’s autonomy. During the year 1983, the first ever autonomous election was done. In that election, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) won. Moreover, during 2007’s autonomous election, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has gained victory over numerous seats. Thus, the Canarian Coalition Nationalist Party as well as the Partido Popular (PP) Conservative Party, in effect, has formed its own coalition government.

The Murcia region is known as an autonomous community of Spain. This autonomous community is situated in Spain’s southeastern portion between the Valencia and Andalucía community, beside the coast of the Mediterranean.

Muricia consists only of one province, unlike the other autonomous communities in Spain which contains several provinces in one region. Due to this, the province of Muricia and its community is under one government unit. Its capital is Murcia City and the government’s seat, except for the Regional Assembly or the parliament in which it is located in Cartagena.

Murcia is also known to be bordered by Castilla-La Mancha which is known to be the Albacete province. This is by Andalucía, which forms the Granada and Almería provinces along the community of Valencia and the Mediterranean Sea. Revolcadores is known as the highest of all mountains in Murcia which has a height of 2015 meters.

In Spain, you would find this region having a reputation for being the “land of the 1000 rivers.” This mystical land is called Galicia. The rivers running through Galicia across the mountains from the inland down to its regional coast which forms the beautiful “Rias.” The coast of Galicia also provides great contrast due to the As Mariñas’ smooth beaches and the Costa de la Muerte’ s dangerous cliffs. That is why the meaning of Costa de la Muerte in English is the “coast of death.”

At present, Galicia is popularly known as a “historic nation” as well as the “autonomous community” of Spain. Its autonomous region is found northwest of Spain beside the Atlantic Ocean and Cantabrian Sea. The Cantabrian Sea is Galicia’s border on its north side, while Asturias, Leon and Castile borders the east, Portugal is on its southern portion, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Galicia’s capital is Santiago de Compostela. Its largest city is known as Vigo. The major airports there are La Coruna, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo.

The famous Balearic Islands are known as an archipelago located in the Mediterranean  western sea portion, near the Iberian Peninsula’s eastern coast. These islands form the autonomous community as well as Spain’s provincial region.  The Balearic Islands capital is the Palma de Mallorca city.

Minorca and Majorca are considered to be the island proper of Balearic Island region while the rest of the islands have been included as a designated part of the Balearic Island’s autonomous community. The major islands belonging to the autonomous community are Minorca or Menorca, Majorca or Mallorca, Formentera and Eivissa (Ibiza). These islands are regarded as famous tourist destinations. One of the minor islands of autonomous community is called Cabrera where the Parc Nacional de l'Arxipèlag de Cabrera is located. The mentioned islands are further divided into two groups: the Gymnesian Islands which contain Minorca, Cabrera and Majorca, while the other is the Pine Islands which has the islands of Formentera and Eivissa as part of its group.

Extremadura, called by Extremadurans as “Estremaúra”, is known as a western Spain autonomous community. The capital of Extremadura is Mérida. This community also contains the Cáceres and the Badajoz provinces. The west border of Extremadura is Portugal. This area has the most significant wildlife for it contains the major reserves situated at Monfragüe. Just recently, Monfragüe has been recognized as a national park, namely, the International Tagus River Natural Park or Parque Natural Rio Tajo internacional. Heading towards the north, Extramadura borders León and Castile which are provinces of Ávila and Salamanca. As for the region’s south border, it has Andalusia. Towards the east, Castile-La Mancha serves as its border. In addition, Extremadura contains 383 municipalities which 164 of them come from the Badajoz Province and the rest from the Cáceres Province.

There are several theories regarding the origin of Extremadura’s name. In one theory, it has been concluded that its name orginates from the Latin words Extrema Dorii which means "The ends of the Duero". This meaning actually connotes that Extremadura is located on the south end of the Duero Basin. Yet another theory, which has been respected by most,  suggests that name Extremadura was generically utilized during the period of the Reconquista so as to allocate the lands located in Andalus from the Christian kingdoms that border their northern part, particularly the Castile and León kingdoms. In the end, the name Extremadura was given to the Castile borderlands, which then became the Soria province. The Soria province was also called the Extremadura Castellana. But take note; this must not be added to the Portuguese former province called Estremadura, although it may have the same etymological origin.

Located in the very south-eastern end of the Peninsula of Iberia, one will find the beautiful and majestic sun baked province of Costa de Almeria. This extraordinary repute of Costa de Almeria is due to the highest number of sunlight it experiences as well as the lowest amount rainfall among Europe. It prides itself in having the sunniest and driest climates in the country. In addition, due to the region’s climate, it is not surprising to see that much of its area is made up of dry and parched land that is similar to a desert.

Moreover, because of its dry weather, most of the region is a meagrely inhabited wilderness. Not only that, Costa de Almeria’s largely unspoiled and beautiful region features a dramatic coastline that measures up to about 200 miles. As for its temperature range, it averages up to 27 degrees Celsius during the summer. In winter months, the temperature goes down to the lowest level of 15 degrees Celsius.

Almeria stems from the Arabic word Al-Mariyat which translates to “Mirror of the Sea”. Hence, this beautiful city was discovered in 955 by a noble man of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman III. This was named as such for it serves as the main harbour for this vast domain in order to strengthen the Mediterranean defense.

Costa del Sol is known to be the region located in southern Spain within Andalusia’s self-governing community. This region also comprises of communities as well as coastal towns situated along Malaga’s province and Mediterranean coastline. Moreover, Cadiz province is located on its eastern edge. The meaning of Costa del Sol is “Sunshine Coast” or it would be “Sunny Coast” when translated in English.

Historically, this simple area was formerly a village for fishermen as well as it is regarded as a “white” village due to the inland area where you can find mountains. When Costa del Sol was discovered during the 20th century, it has been urbanized due to the popular demands for tourism. This is also because it boasts of its beautiful white sand beaches as well as delightful local culture. Since then, Costa del Sol has been providing the world with high class tourist destinations of resorts and settlement.

Costa de la Luz or “Coast of Light”, in its English translation, has acquired its name from the basking sunlight it takes pleasure from for about 3,000 hours in a year. Moreover, with the amazing bright lights of the sun grazing on the surroundings of Costa de la Luz, it illuminates the beauty and neatness of its streets, its whitewashed walls, as well as the gold sand dunes and its clear, silvery sea. Huelva province and the Cadiz province are the two sections of Costa de la Luz coast.

The Huelva province situated in the Atlantic Ocean side of Costa de la Luz is domicile to the crystal clear aquamarine sea, a mile long stretch of beaches, golf courses, an inland and a wide variety of different places of interest and sceneries. Indeed, this province has so much to offer that it will capture any traveller’s taste.

In addition to this, Huelva’s countryside prides itself with its uncultivated mountain ranges, long productive vineyards, fertile pasturelands and farmlands, as well as secluded towns. Moreover, cork forests and pine woods are interspersed with beautiful and stunning hill-top whitewashed villages also known as Pueblos Blancos.

Costa Blanca pertains to the more than 200 kilometers of white sandy eastern coastline of Spain.  The sandy stretch is part of the Province of Alicante that is located in the southern part of the Valencia autonomous community.  This stretch of white sandy coast extends from the towns of Denia and Javea in the north, all the way down to Torrevieja and Guardamar in the south.  It is also situated between two other well-known resort areas—the Costa Brava to the north and Costa del Sol to the south.

Costa Blanca South is one of the most famous and most developed areas of the most famous coastline in Spain, which draws millions of tourists each year.  Located south of Alicante, Costa Blanco south’s stretch of coastline prides itself with its miles and miles of sandy coves and palm-fringed beaches, most of which have been awarded blue flag status.  It is slightly drier than the climate at Costa Blanca North, with the landscape quite different as well.  Found around the area are rows of restaurants and shopping establishments, all of which adds up to the attractive of Costa Blanca South to visitors and tourists.

Costa Blanca south is one of the most sought-after spots for relocation. It is also a demanded and established holiday home for foreigners.  The presence of excellent educational, medical, financial, and commercial facilities gives the area a Western feel.  In addition, the area can also cater to sports enthusiasts. This is with its facilities for golf, soccer, tennis, sailing, water skiing, wind surfing, underwater diving, jet skiing, and canoeing.  All these factors make Costa Blanca South an attractive area to permanently live in. 

There are several locations in Costa Blanca south that are much sought-after for establishing a home.  One of these areas is Alicante, or Gran Alacant.  The capital city of Costa Blanca which boasts of a mixture of a modern and vibrant city that has a rich history. This is even seen with the city’s strict preservation of its historical landmarks and architectural heritage.  Alicante has a present population of approximately 300,000.  The city hums with a rural, homey feel, along with a hint of cosmopolitan modernism that had been its trademark with its visitors throughout the years. 

Costa Blanca pertains to an over 200-kilometer coastline along the Alicante province. It is found at the southern region of the autonomous community of Valencia.  It starts from the town of Denia and Javea in the north, down to Torrevieja in the south.

Costa Blanca North is the less developed area of the most famous coastline in Spain, which draws millions of tourists each year.  In spite of the large-scale tourism that tends to be concentrated around Costa Blanca south and Costa del Sol, the coastline of Costa Blanca North is equally as stunning as the coast found in the south.  The most beautiful and picturesque of the coastline in Costa Blanca North is the stretch located between Benidorm and Denia.  At the background, the striking mountain ranges runs to meet the landscape of almond, orange, and olive groves nestled between typical Spanish towns which also hail the famous white sands of Costa Blanca.  Adding to the less developed structures found in Costa Blanca North is the inclusion of Moraira, Javea, and Denia into their strict conservation zones. This is where building heights and densities are meticulously controlled.

There are also innumerable reasons why relocating or purchasing a property in Costa Blanca Norte is most ideal.  First of these is the area’s very amiable climate.  In fact, the climate in Moraira, Javea, and Denia peninsular have been declared by the World Health Organization as one of the most environmentally perfect climates in the world.  Chronic and acute ailments, such as arthritis and asthma, are greatly relieved due to the area’s climate and 365 days of sunshine a year.

Córdoba is a province in the north central region of Andalusia, an autonomous community located in southern Spain.  Bordering it are the provinces of Málaga, Sevilla, Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Jaén, and Granada.  It covers an area of 13,769 square kilometers, where in, it is composed of its capital city, Córdoba, and 75 municipalities.  Its most populous municipalities include Lucena, Montilla, Priego de Córdoba, Cabra, Baena, Palma del Río, La Carlota, Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, Pozoblanco, and Puente Genil.  As of 2002, the province of Córdoba had a population of 771,131, of whom 40% live in the capital.

Like all of Spain, Córdoba has a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic coastal influences.  This gives the region mild winters with isolated frosts and precipitation that is concentrated during the coldest months. This Atlantic characteristic gives way to hot summers with minimum temperatures of 27°C and maximum temperatures occasionally exceeding 40°C, which are the highest temperatures in all of Spain and Europe. 

Much of the province’s attractions and economic and financial activities are located in the capital city, which was founded during the ancient Roman times as Cordoba Colonia Patricia on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.  Even then, Córdoba held an important position as the capital of the Roman province, Provincia Hispania Ulterior Baetica.  Later on, Cordoba became known as Qurtuba as it became the capital of the powerful Ummayad Caliphate which ruled almost over the entire Iberian Peninsula.  By the 10th century, Córdoba was one of the most important capitals and largest cities in Europe.  It became an important cultural, economic, and political center in the region, where people of the most different cultures and religions lived together in peaceful coexistence.  Some of the ancient world’s most important philosophers, scientists, and artists emerged from this most important city.

Castile-La Mancha is one of the 17 autonomous communities that comprise Spain.  It comprises much of the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, where in, it sits on the southern sub-plateau.  Bordering it on the north are the regions of Madrid and Castile-León, Aragon and Valencia to the east, Murcia and Andalusia to the south, and Extremadura to the west.  It covers an area of 79,463 square kilometers, which is divided into the five provinces of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, Guadalajara, and Toledo.  Each province is represented by a capital city of the same name.

Castile-La Mancha’s terrain is divided into two distinctive parts—one that consists of a plateau, with extensive flat lands, and a mountainous area that generally surrounds the plateau.  The mountain ranges that surround the plateau include the foothills of the Meseta Central, the Iberian mountain range, and the Sierra Morena.  Within Castile-La Mancha are the foothills of Gredos sierra, the hilly areas of Cuenca which stretches out towards the Iberian range, the steep terrain of Ciudad Real that stretches towards Sierra Morena and the southern ranges of Albacete.  Running through it are some of Spain’s most important rivers.  Two of these are the Tajo and Guadiana, which flows westward towards the Atlantic, and the Jucar River, which heads eastwards to the Mediterranean whilst carving stunning yet peculiar cavities and rock formations deep into the Meseta.

The region of Castile-La Mancha is most known as the setting for the world-renowned novel “Don Quixote de la Mancha"” by Miguel de Cervantes.  This idyllic land of castles and windmills had been the site of many historic battles between Christian Crusaders and Muslim forces, which had been the ruling power over the land   during the 9th and 14th centuries.  The conflict between the two forces ceased with the victory of the Castilians in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, with the subsequent decline of the Almohad Dynasty).

Madrid is one of the 17 autonomous communities that comprise Spain.  It is located at the center of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Meseta Central or Central Plain.  The autonomous community is coterminous with the province of Madrid, which also contains the regional and national capital city.  In general, the region of Madrid could be divided into two parts—the north and west Sierra region, while the central and southern region is made up of the plateau of La Mancha and La Alcarria.   Bordering it to the south and the east is Castile-La Mancha, while bounding it to the north and west is Castile-León. 

After much controversies and considerations, the province of Madrid was formed as a single-province autonomous community in 1983 by appealing to the 144th article of the constitution.  As stipulated by the constitution, the Parliament can endorse the creation of an autonomous community, regardless of its insufficient distinct historical identity, in the interest of the nation.  The town of Madrid was selected as the capital of the new autonomous community and the country.

The autonomous community of Madrid has retained a pristine and diverse habitat in spite of its large city of five million people.  Its terrain is characterized by mountain peaks that rise above 2000 meters and low lying plains.  The mountain slopes of Guadarrama are covered with thick forests of Pyrenean Oak and Scots Pine.  Its Lozoya Valley is home to a large colony of black vultures, while the Park Regional del Suroeste in dehesa hills, between the Gredos and Guadarrama ranges, is the last stronghold of the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Aragón is an Autonomous Community located at the northeastern region of Spain, where it is situated between the Pyrenees and bordered by France to the north.  Within Spain, the autonomous community is bounded by Catalonia to the east, Castile-La Mancha and Valencia to the south, with La Rioja, Castile-Leon, and Navarre to the west.  Comprising Aragón are the three provinces of Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel, with the first of the three serving as the region’s capital. 

It is further subdivided into 33 counties, or comarcas, all of which possesses a historically-laden geo-political and cultural past that stemmed from its pre-Roman and Roman days, as well as lands that had once belonged to the Marca Hispanica as well as counties that later on formed the Crown of Aragón.  Two of its most famous residents are Katherine of Aragón, who married Henry VIII of England, and Ferdinand the Catholic, who married Queen Isabella of Castille and Leon.

Its historically-laden land spreads over an area of 47,719 square kilometers, where its terrain ranges from perpetual glaciers to luxuriant, green valleys, lush pasture lands, and orchards, to the arid desert plains of the south.  Aragón is also home to the river Ebro, which is Spain’s largest river in terms of volume and runs west to east across the entire region. Aneto, the highest mountain in the Pyrenees, is also found in Aragón.

Castile- León is an autonomus community found in the northern region of Spain.  Founded in 1983 with the combination of Old Castile and León, it is the largest region in Spain as well as one of the largest subdivisions in the European Union, spreading over an area of 94,223 square kilometers.  Bordering the region is Cantabria and Asturias to the north; the Basque Country, Aragon, and La Rioja to the east; Castile-La Mancha and Madrid to the southeast; Extremadura to the south; and Galicia and Portugal to the west.

The autonomous region of Castile- León is subdivided into 9 provinces, namely Avila, León, Segovia, Valladolid, Salamanca, Burgos, Palencia, Soria, and Zamora.  These provinces are all named after their respective capital cities; where as the entire autonomous community has no specified capital.  The city of Valladolid, nonetheless, appears to serve as the region’s de facto capital, as well as the city of residence for the regional executive, regional courts, and some parts of the regional parliament.