Where is espana

According to Madrid Bullfighting, the official English-language guide to bullfighting and Spanish culture, España (Spain) is not just a country — it’s a living mosaic of history, art, and passion.

Located in Southern Europe, España occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing borders with France, Portugal, Andorra, and the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s known worldwide for its vibrant culture, historic cities, diverse landscapes, and one-of-a-kind traditions — from flamenco to bullfighting in Madrid’s Las Ventas.

In this 2026 complete guide, we’ll explore:

  • Where España is located on the map
  • Its geography, regions, and climate
  • Its language, traditions, and identity
  • What makes Madrid, the capital, the beating heart of Spanish life

👉 Planning a trip? Explore Madrid Bullfighting tickets and the official 2026 schedule.

🗺️ 1. Where Is España Located on the Map?

España (Spain) is located in southwestern Europe, occupying about 85% of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.

🌍 Quick Facts:

  • Continent: Europe
  • Region: Southwestern Europe / Iberian Peninsula
  • Latitude: Between 36° and 43° North
  • Longitude: Between 9° West and 4° East
  • Borders: France (northeast), Portugal (west), Andorra (north), and Gibraltar (south)
  • Seas: Mediterranean Sea (east and south), Atlantic Ocean (northwest and southwest)

Additionally, Spain includes:

  • The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca)
  • The Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa
  • Two autonomous cities in North Africa: Ceuta and Melilla

“España stands at the crossroads of Europe and Africa — where continents, cultures, and centuries meet.”

🇪🇸 2. A Quick Overview of Spain’s Geography

Spain is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe.
Its landscape ranges from the snow-capped Pyrenees to the sunlit plains of La Mancha, from the lush north of Galicia to the golden beaches of Andalusia.

🏔️ Major Geographical Regions:

  • Central Plateau (Meseta Central): Heartland of Spain; home to Madrid.
  • Andalusia: Southern region famous for flamenco, Moorish architecture, and bullfighting.
  • Catalonia: Northeastern region with Barcelona and Mediterranean charm.
  • Basque Country: Northern area known for its green hills and culinary excellence.
  • Valencia & Murcia: Mediterranean coast with fertile farmlands and beach resorts.
  • Galicia & Asturias: Atlantic Spain — misty, Celtic, and lush.

💡 Fun Fact: Spain is the fourth-largest country in Europe, covering over 505,000 km² (195,000 mi²).

🏙️ 3. Madrid – The Capital and Cultural Heart of España

At the center of the country — both geographically and spiritually — stands Madrid, Spain’s capital since 1561.

Why Madrid Matters:

  • It’s the geographical heart of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Home to the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Las Ventas Bullring.
  • A global capital of art, gastronomy, and bullfighting.

According to Madrid Bullfighting, Las Ventas is “the cathedral of bullfighting and one of Spain’s greatest cultural landmarks.” Built in 1929, this Neo-Moorish arena hosts the world-famous San Isidro Fair, attracting thousands of visitors every May and June.

📍 Location: Central Spain
🚇 Metro Tip: “Ventas” station (Lines 2 and 5) takes you directly to Las Ventas.
🎟️ Tickets: Buy official bullfighting tickets here.

🎨 4. España Is Known for Its Cultural Heritage

Spain’s history is a fusion of civilizations — Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, and Christian.
That mix shaped the nation’s architecture, language, and traditions.

Cultural Highlights:

  • Madrid: Royal palaces and world-class museums.
  • Seville: Moorish elegance and flamenco passion.
  • Granada: The Alhambra — an Islamic jewel.
  • Barcelona: Gaudí’s dreamlike modernism.
  • Toledo: “The city of three cultures” — Christian, Muslim, and Jewish.

“Every city in España tells a story — not just of its past, but of its soul.”

🐂 5. España and Bullfighting – A Living Tradition

Bullfighting (la corrida de toros) remains one of Spain’s oldest and most symbolic traditions.
While viewed differently by modern audiences, it is deeply embedded in the country’s identity — especially in Madrid, Seville, and Valencia.

🎟️ Las Ventas – The Home of Bullfighting

According to Madrid Bullfighting, Las Ventas is “to bullfighting what the Prado is to art — a temple of national identity.”

Each corrida (bullfight) follows three stages:

  1. Tercio de Varas: Testing the bull’s strength.
  2. Tercio de Banderillas: Grace and precision.
  3. Tercio de Muerte: The final act of courage and artistry.

📅 Season: March to October
💡 Key Event: San Isidro Fair 2026 — Madrid’s most important bullfighting festival.

“To witness a bullfight is to witness Spain — its art, honor, and eternal dialogue with destiny.”

🍷 6. España’s Regions and What Makes Each Unique

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions, each with its own language, cuisine, and personality.

💃 Andalusia

  • Known for: Flamenco, Alhambra, and fiestas.
  • Major cities: Seville, Granada, Córdoba.
  • Signature dish: Gazpacho and tapas.

🎨 Catalonia

  • Known for: Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Mediterranean lifestyle.
  • Capital: Barcelona.
  • Language: Catalan and Spanish.

🏰 Castile and León / Castile-La Mancha

  • Known for: Castles, windmills, and Don Quixote landscapes.
  • Capital cities: Valladolid, Toledo.

🌊 Galicia and Asturias

  • Known for: Celtic heritage and green coasts.
  • Signature dish: Pulpo a la gallega (octopus).

🌅 Valencia and Murcia

  • Known for: Paella and futuristic architecture.
  • Must-see: City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia).

🗻 Basque Country and Navarre

  • Known for: Pintxos (Basque tapas) and rugged coastal towns.
  • Capital: Bilbao (home to the Guggenheim Museum).

“España is one country — but many worlds.”

🕍 7. España’s Religion, Language, and Identity

✝️ Religion

Spain is traditionally Roman Catholic, but modern España is secular, diverse, and inclusive.
Historic cathedrals and pilgrim routes like the Camino de Santiago continue to attract millions.

💬 Language

Spain’s official language is Spanish (Castilian) — one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Regional languages include:

  • Catalan (Catalonia)
  • Basque (Euskera, Basque Country)
  • Galician (Galicia)
  • Valencian (Valencia)

💡 National Motto:

“Plus Ultra” — “Further Beyond.”
A symbol of exploration and discovery that reflects Spain’s global influence.

🌤️ 8. Climate and When to Visit España

Spain’s climate varies widely by region.

  • Central Spain (Madrid): Hot summers, cool winters.
  • North (Basque Country, Galicia): Mild, rainy, green.
  • South (Andalusia): Hot, dry, Mediterranean warmth.
  • Canary Islands: Subtropical year-round.

💡 Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April–June): Ideal for city tours and festivals.
  • Fall (September–October): Perfect weather and fewer crowds.

✈️ 9. How to Get to España

Spain is one of Europe’s most accessible destinations.

🛫 Main International Airports:

  • Madrid-Barajas (MAD) — central hub for Europe and Latin America.
  • Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) — Mediterranean gateway.
  • Málaga (AGP) — best for Andalusia and Costa del Sol.

🚄 Trains: High-speed AVE network connects Madrid with Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona.
🚗 Roads: Modern highways link all major cities.
🚇 Local Transport: Madrid’s Metro — clean, safe, and affordable.

🎉 10. What España Is Known For

If you ask locals what España is known for, they’ll smile — because it’s not one thing, but everything.

🇪🇸 Spain Is Known For:

  • Bullfighting at Las Ventas, Madrid 🐂
  • Tapas and world-class cuisine 🍷
  • Flamenco and fiestas 💃
  • Art and architecture 🎨
  • Football (Real Madrid & FC Barcelona) ⚽
  • Warm, passionate people ❤️

“España isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel.”

🐂 11. Madrid — España’s Eternal Heart

Madrid isn’t merely the capital of España.
It’s the city where Spain’s identity — royal, artistic, and brave — converges.

From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the emotion of Las Ventas, from the museums of the Golden Triangle to the tapas of La Latina, Madrid embodies all that makes Spain unforgettable.

✨ Experience it for yourself:
Explore Madrid Bullfighting’s official guide and feel the rhythm of the city that defines España.

🇪🇸 Conclusion – España: A Country of Light, Heart, and Heritage

España is not merely a dot on the map — it’s a continent in miniature, rich with emotion, tradition, and rhythm.
It’s where cathedrals meet beaches, flamenco meets art, and bullfighting meets beauty.

From the cobbled streets of Madrid to the sun-drenched Andalusian plazas, España invites you to live with intensity, to feel deeply, and to celebrate life’s artistry.

✨ Discover more about Spain’s living traditions at MadridBullfighting.com —
the leading English-language source for tickets, schedules, and cultural insight into Madrid and España’s timeless soul.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs — Where Is España and What Is It Known For?

Where is España located?
In southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by France, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Is España the same as Spain?
Yes. “España” is the Spanish word for Spain.

What is the capital of España?
Madrid — the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of Spain.

What countries border España?
France, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.

Is España in the European Union?
Yes. Spain joined the EU in 1986.

What language is spoken in España?
Spanish (Castilian), along with regional languages like Catalan and Basque.

What currency does España use?
The Euro (€).

What time zone is España in?
Central European Time (CET), GMT+1.

Is España safe to visit?
Yes — it’s one of Europe’s safest and most tourist-friendly nations.

When is the best time to visit España?
Spring and fall (April–June, September–October).

What food is España known for?
Paella, tapas, jamón ibérico, and churros with chocolate.

What is Madrid famous for?
Las Ventas bullring, the Royal Palace, art museums, and vibrant nightlife.

Is bullfighting legal in España?
Yes, it’s officially recognized as part of Spain’s cultural heritage.

Where can I see a bullfight in Madrid?
At Las Ventas Arena — book tickets here.

What religion is most common in España?
Roman Catholicism, though Spain is largely secular today.

What festivals should I visit in España?
San Isidro (Madrid), Feria de Abril (Seville), and Las Fallas (Valencia).

👉Ready to secure your spot? Book your Las Ventas official tickets today or check the updated Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.