Area: 94,223 kms²
Population: 2.46 million
Capital: Valladolid
The Autonomous Region of Castilla y León is the largest in the entire European
Union, and has nine provinces: León, Zamora, Salamanca, Avila, Segovia,
Palencia, Burgos, Soria and Valladolid. Castilla y León is a communications hub
due to its location at the geographic heart of the Iberian Peninsula, so it is
criss-crossed by many of Spain’s principal highways and rail lines. The
region’s geography largely determines its climate, due to its high average
altitude and mountainous rim, giving it a continental climate, having cold
winters and hot summers. Castilla y León has many natural resources (including
one of the Iberian Peninsula’s largest rivers, the Duero) and a wide variety of
cultures, with a vast historical heritage (highlights include the cathedrals of
Burgos and León, the medieval walls of Avila and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct),
fine cuisine (with many typical regional dishes), excellent wines (especially
those from Toro and Ribera de Duero) and a wide-ranging network of hotels,
including many rural guesthouses. Moreover, Castilla y León has three
cities that have achieved the distinction of being included on the World
Heritage List: Salamanca, Avila, and Segovia.
For more information:
Castilla y León tourism website