The 5 Countries That Border Spain

Written by Em Thomas
Published: January 14, 2024
Share on:

Advertisement


If you’re heading to Europe, the chances are high that you’ll want to visit more than one country. The best way to take advantage of the beauty of the continent is by exploring a country’s neighbors! So if you’ve bought a flight to Spain, take time to discover the countries bordering it.

The beautiful country of Spain is tucked in the southwest corner of Europe but surprisingly borders five countries. Most people know Spain is sandwiched between France and Portugal, but there are three other countries bordering it. Four countries border Spain directly, and a fifth borders the country across a narrow maritime border along the Strait of Gibraltar. Spain borders Morocco, Portugal, France, Andorra, and Gibraltar. Let’s get to know the five countries that border Spain.

Morocco

View of the old town of Aït-Ben-Haddou at sunset, Morocco

This is the old town of Aït-Ben-Haddou at sunset.

©oxico/iStock via Getty Images

Morocco borders Spain over a maritime border to the south, meaning that the land of Spain doesn’t directly touch the land of Morocco. Morocco is on the continent of Africa, which means a quick trip across the Strait of Gibraltar could land you on another continent! It’s a gorgeous country full of culture and delicious food. The city of Tangier is directly across the water from Spain’s southernmost tip.

Portugal

Beautiful beach in Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal

The dazzling beach and architecture are worth a visit to Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal.

©Jacek_Sopotnicki/iStock via Getty Images

The stunning country of Portugal shares a substantial land border with Spain to the southwest. Portugal is a striking country and is one of the most affordable places to visit in Western Europe. From the fun and vibrant city of Lisbon to the many quiet beach towns along the coast, Portugal has something for everyone.

France

Eiffel Tower and spring tulips on Field of Mars, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower is lovely throughout the year, but seeing it among the spring tulips is a delight.

©Vladislav Zolotov/iStock via Getty Images

Of course, France is one of the most-visited countries in Europe, and it shares a border with Spain! France sits on the northern side of Spain, creating an easy access point for visitors checking out Barcelona. If you take the trip north and decide to enter France, you’ll find a rich culture of food, history, and art. Drink wine in the south of France or travel to Paris for a Michelin-star meal.

Andorra

aerial view of the city of Andorra la Vella, capital of Andorra

Andorra La Vella, the capital city of Andorra, sits surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains.

©Armando Oliveira/Shutterstock.com

The small country of Andorra is another one of the five countries that share a border with Spain. Andorra sits along the French and Spanish border, forming a small boundary of its own. It is not a part of the European Union and is referred to as a micronation. While many take day trips to Andorra from France or Spain, it’s a country worth its own visit. It’s an affordable and radiant destination.

Gibraltar

Landscape with the rock of Gibraltar in the background.

The Rock of Gibraltar is the most famous landmark in Gibraltar.

©marcelina1982/iStock via Getty Images

Finally, the smallest country bordering Spain is Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a very small country in the southernmost tip of Spain near the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, though it’s not much larger than a city. In fact, the entirety of Gibraltar is only 2.6 square miles in size, with a total population of 32,000 residents.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © May_Lana/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Em Thomas is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering places, travel, and chili peppers! She's an MBA student with a passion for storytelling. Though she's a Michigan native, she presently resides in Denver, Colorado. While she doesn't currently have any pets of her own, she's an avid dogsitter with an affinity for big dogs!

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.