Geography: Rivers

Ebro River

Tagus River

Spain, a country with a diverse landscape that includes rugged mountains, rolling plains, and extensive coastlines, is traversed by several major rivers that have played a vital role in its history, culture, and development. The Ebro, Duero, and Guadalquivir are among the most significant, each flowing through unique regions and contributing to the country's rich ecological diversity. These rivers provide crucial water resources for agriculture, nurturing the lands that produce Spain's renowned olives, grapes, and other crops. They are also important for hydroelectric power, water supply, and as natural corridors for transportation and trade. Beyond their economic and ecological roles, Spanish rivers are steeped in cultural significance, featuring in literature, art, and folklore, and are often the sites of historic cities and settlements. Additionally, they offer recreational opportunities, attracting locals and tourists for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks. The table below presents an overview of the major rivers in Spain, detailing their lengths, sources, and outflows.

River Name	Length*	Source	Outflow
Ebro River	910 km (565 mi)	Fontibre Springs, Cantabria	Mediterranean Sea
Douro River	897 km (557 mi)	Picos de Urbión, Soria	Atlantic Ocean
Tagus River	813 km (505 mi)	Montes Universales, Teruel	Atlantic Ocean
Guadiana River	744 km (462 mi)	Villarrubia de los Ojos, Castile–La Mancha	Gulf of Cádiz, Atlantic Ocean
Guadalquivir River	657 km (408 mi)	Sierra de Cazorla, Jaén	Gulf of Cádiz, Atlantic Ocean
Júcar River	498 km (310 mi)	Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha	Mediterranean Sea
Genil River	336 km (209 mi)	Sierra Nevada, Granada	Guadalquivir River
Miño River	315 km (196 mi)	Peneda-Gerês, Spain/Portugal	Atlantic Ocean
Turia River	280 km (174 mi)	Montes Universales, Teruel	Mediterranean Sea
Esla River	275 km (171 mi)	Picos de Europa, León	Órbigo River, Atlantic

*Sources do not differentiate between the length of river that exists within the country’s borders and the overall length of the river irrespective of national borders.