Spain has 17 autonomous communities (plus two autonomous cities), each with its own distinct flag and coat of arms that reflect its history, culture, and identity. Many communities use bicolor or tricolor designs, often incorporating symbols like castles, lions, chains, or crosses—elements tied to their historical rulers, medieval kingdoms, or unique regional traditions.
Located in southern Spain, Andalusia is the country’s most populous autonomous community. Its flag features three horizontal stripes: green, white, and green. Centered on the middle stripe is the region’s coat of arms, which includes the figure of Hercules between two columns, referencing the legendary origin of the region.
Historically, Andalusia was shaped by a blend of Roman, Visigoth, Islamic, and Christian influences. Its diverse cultural heritage is reflected in iconic cities like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba—famous for flamenco, Moorish architecture, and vibrant festivals. The green and white stripes symbolize hope, peace, and unity, core values embraced in Andalusian culture.
Aragon is situated in northeastern Spain, bordered by France to the north. The flag is based on the historic “Senyera,” featuring four red horizontal stripes on a golden field—a symbol of the Crown of Aragon. In modern usage, the Aragonese flag typically includes the coat of arms in the upper-left corner, displaying various emblems that represent the region’s medieval kingdoms and provinces.
Zaragoza, Aragon’s capital, is renowned for the Basílica del Pilar and its position on the Ebro River. The region boasts stunning landscapes, from the Pyrenees mountains to the desert of Monegros. The red and gold stripes highlight the ancient legacy of the Crown of Aragon, underscoring Aragon’s role in medieval Iberian history.
Asturias is located on the northern coast of Spain along the Bay of Biscay. Its flag is a simple blue field with a golden “Cruz de la Victoria” (Victory Cross), a symbol that dates back to the 8th-century Battle of Covadonga, pivotal in the Reconquista.
Known for its rugged coastline, green mountains, and Celtic heritage, Asturias has a distinct cultural identity marked by bagpipe music, hearty cuisine (such as fabada and cider), and historical sites tied to the early Christian Kingdom of Asturias. The Victory Cross represents perseverance and faith—hallmarks of the Asturian spirit.
The Balearic Islands lie in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Their flag adapts the traditional “Senyera” (four red stripes on a yellow field) with a purple canton that displays a castle, symbolizing the former Kingdom of Majorca.
The main islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—are globally famed for their beaches, nightlife, and cultural festivals. The flag’s blend of Catalan (Senyera) heritage and local castle emblem highlights both their historical ties to the Crown of Aragon and their unique insular identity.
Situated in northern Spain along the Bay of Biscay, the Basque Country is recognized for its distinct language (Euskara) and deep-rooted traditions. Its flag, the “Ikurriña,” consists of a red field overlain with a green diagonal cross and a white cross. Designed in the late 19th century, it represents Basque identity and unity.
The Basque Country is industrially robust, with a strong maritime and gastronomic culture, evident in pintxos (small tapas) and fishing traditions. Cities like Bilbao (with the famous Guggenheim Museum), San Sebastián, and Vitoria-Gasteiz highlight a region that’s modern yet steeped in centuries-old customs.
Located off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands form Spain’s southernmost autonomous community. Their flag is divided into three vertical stripes—white, blue, and yellow—and often includes the coat of arms featuring two dogs (a reference to the Latin term “Canariae Insulae,” meaning “Islands of the Dogs”).
Major islands include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, each known for volcanic landscapes, beaches, and year-round mild climate. Tourism is a key economic driver, and the islands’ unique flora and fauna reflect their Atlantic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Cantabria is a small region on Spain’s northern coast. Its flag is a bicolor of white over red, usually depicted with the regional coat of arms, which includes maritime motifs such as a ship and references to the region’s naval past.
Cantabria’s mountainous interior and rugged coastline define its economy and culture—fishing villages along the shore and green valleys further inland. The capital, Santander, is a port city known for its bay and maritime heritage, exemplifying the strong connection Cantabrians have with the sea.
As one of the largest autonomous communities in Spain by area, Castile and León occupies a large portion of the country’s northwestern interior. Its flag is quartered with alternating symbols: a golden castle (Castile) and a purple lion (León). These emblems represent two medieval kingdoms that played a pivotal role in the unification of Spain.
The region’s landscapes span from the mountainous north to expansive plains, and it hosts important historic cities like Valladolid (the capital), Burgos, and Salamanca—each rich with Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The castle and lion stand as reminders of the region’s storied medieval legacy.
Castilla–La Mancha, situated in central Spain, features a flag divided vertically: the left half is crimson red with a golden castle, and the right half is white. The castle again nods to the Kingdom of Castile, while the white field represents the expansive plains that define much of the region.
Home to the legendary setting of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, this community is known for its windmills, vineyards, and Manchego cheese. The capital is Toledo, a city with a rich multicultural history reflecting Christian, Jewish, and Islamic influences.
Catalonia is located in northeastern Spain, bordering France and the Mediterranean Sea. Its flag, the “Senyera,” bears four red stripes on a gold background. Stemming from the coat of arms of the Crown of Aragon, it is one of Europe’s oldest heraldic symbols.
Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, is an international hub of art, architecture (notably the works of Antoni Gaudí), finance, and tourism. The region’s strong cultural identity is evident in its Catalan language, festivals, and a proud tradition of human towers (castells).
Extremadura is in western Spain, near the border with Portugal. Its flag features three horizontal stripes: green, white, and black, often with the coat of arms in the center, symbolizing the medieval kingdoms that shaped the region.
Known for its rolling plains, the Tagus and Guadiana rivers, and well-preserved Roman and Moorish architecture, Extremadura’s history is closely connected to the Age of Discovery—many conquistadors, including Francisco Pizarro, were born here. The green and black coloring underscores the community’s agricultural roots and historical struggles.
Galicia sits in northwestern Spain, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Its flag is white with a diagonal blue stripe running from the top hoist to the bottom fly. The coat of arms (often placed on the stripe) displays a chalice, reflecting Galicia’s strong Roman Catholic tradition, especially the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.
Galician culture has Celtic ties seen in its music (gaitas, or bagpipes) and rich mythology. The region’s lush, rainy climate shapes a coastal economy built on fishing and seafood, while inland areas boast pastoral landscapes and historic villages.
La Rioja is a small region in north-central Spain, globally famous for its wine production. The flag consists of four horizontal stripes—red, white, green, and yellow—with the coat of arms typically centered. The coat of arms reflects historical alliances and features St. James, significant due to the Camino de Santiago passing through the region.
Vineyards stretch across the Ebro River valley, producing celebrated red wines under the “Rioja” designation. The regional capital, Logroño, is noted for its culinary scene, with tapas bars lining its medieval streets.
Madrid, located in the central plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, is both a province and an autonomous community. The flag is a deep red field with seven white five-pointed stars, representing the stars in the constellation Ursa Major visible over the region.
As Spain’s capital, Madrid is a political, cultural, and economic hub, hosting royal palaces, world-class museums (El Prado, Reina Sofía), and a spirited nightlife. The seven stars—symbolizing the region’s position at the heart of the country—highlight Madrid’s central role in national affairs.
Murcia is located in southeastern Spain along the Mediterranean coast. Its flag is a red field with four castles in the upper-left corner (symbolizing the former Crown of Castile) and seven royal crowns in the lower-right corner, referencing historical grants of autonomy and privilege.
Famed for its agriculture (the “Huerta de Europa”), Murcia has a rich tradition of orchard cultivation, producing fruits and vegetables for domestic and export markets. The capital city, also named Murcia, is known for its baroque cathedral and lively festivals.
Navarre, in north-central Spain, borders the Basque Country and France. Its flag is red with the region’s coat of arms at the center—golden chains arranged around an emerald, symbolizing the historical Kingdom of Navarre. According to legend, these chains were taken as a trophy by King Sancho VII in the 13th-century Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.
Pamplona (Iruña), the capital, is famous for the Running of the Bulls (San Fermín festival). The region spans from the Pyrenees mountains to fertile river valleys, blending Basque and Spanish cultural influences.
Positioned along the eastern Mediterranean coast, the Valencian Community’s flag is the “Reial Senyera,” which features the four red stripes on a gold background (like the Catalan Senyera), plus a distinctive vertical blue band at the hoist decorated with gold motifs. This design traces back to medieval royal privileges granted to Valencia.
Valencia, the capital and third-largest city in Spain, is known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, its annual Falles festival, and paella—one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. Other key destinations include Alicante and Castellón, each contributing to the region’s economic and cultural vitality.
Spain also has two autonomous cities on the north coast of Africa: Ceuta and Melilla. Each has its own flag and unique historical evolution, reflecting centuries of strategic and cultural significance at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.
Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid has around 3.3 million residents in its urban area. Known for landmark institutions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and bustling Gran Vía, Madrid is a center of political power, finance, and cultural life. Its lively plazas, tapas bars, and diverse nightlife make it a magnet for visitors from around the world.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, boasts nearly 1.6 million inhabitants. Celebrated for its Modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí (such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell), it’s also a major hub for technology startups, sports (FC Barcelona), and Mediterranean tourism.
With close to 800,000 residents, Valencia is the heart of the Valencian Community. Renowned for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, the city’s port, and the Turia Gardens, Valencia combines its maritime heritage with modern innovation. Paella, one of Spain’s most famous dishes, originated here.
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is home to around 700,000 people. It’s famous for its flamenco heritage, the monumental Seville Cathedral (housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus), the Alcázar palace, and vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril and Semana Santa.
Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, has nearly 700,000 inhabitants. Located along the Ebro River, it is known for the Basílica del Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. Its strategic position between Madrid and Barcelona fosters a growing economy, cultural life, and logistics sector.
Located on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Málaga has roughly 580,000 residents. It’s a major tourist destination, known for its Mediterranean beaches, the Alcazaba fortress, and its status as the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso. The city blends historical charm with a lively modern port.
The city of Murcia, capital of the Region of Murcia, has around 450,000 inhabitants. Famous for its baroque cathedral and lush agricultural surroundings, it exemplifies the region’s “garden of Europe” nickname. Its university and local festivals add to its cultural appeal.
Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands, with a population of about 400,000. Known for its grand Gothic cathedral (La Seu) by the sea, Palma thrives on tourism, maritime activities, and a rich cultural calendar. The city serves as a gateway to the rest of the archipelago.
Situated in the Canary Islands, Las Palmas has approximately 380,000 residents and is a major Atlantic port city. It boasts a subtropical climate, historic neighborhoods like Vegueta, and cultural diversity reflecting its international connections.
Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, has around 350,000 inhabitants. Revitalized by the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the city is a center for finance, industry, and Basque culture. Its transformation from an industrial hub to a cultural powerhouse is admired worldwide.
Flags serve as powerful emblems of history, tradition, and civic pride. In Spain’s decentralized system, each autonomous community’s flag tells the story of how diverse regional identities coexist under a modern national framework. Meanwhile, Spain’s largest cities each embody a distinctive character—shaped by centuries of commerce, cultural exchange, and historical events ranging from the Reconquista to the modern European Union era.
Whether exploring the Moorish heritage of Granada in Andalusia, walking the medieval streets of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, or admiring the contemporary skyline of Madrid, you’ll find these locales united under the banner of Spain, yet proudly showcasing their unique local symbols and traditions.
