Exploring the Largest Cities in Spain by Area: Madrid and Beyond

When considering the largest cities in Spain by land area, Madrid emerges as the champion with a sprawling expanse of 604.3 square kilometers or 233.3 square miles. This makes Madrid not just the capital but the largest city in the country in terms of land size. However, when we delve into the broader urban landscape, the picture gets more complex, as other cities contribute significantly to the total land area.

The City of Madrid

Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, with a population of approximately 3.3 million in the city itself and 6.5 million in the larger metropolitan area. Madrid's vast size and bustling urban environment make it a hub of political, cultural, and economic activities in the country. However, in terms of land area, it doesn't hold the title of being the biggest city in Spain.

Other Notable Cities by Area

While Madrid is the largest in terms of population and urban density, the largest city by total area in Spain is Cáceres in the Extremadura region, covering an expansive 175,033 square kilometers or 67,386 square miles. Cities like Lorca in Murcia, Badajoz, Córdoba, and Almodóvar del Campo in Ciudad Real also make the top-5 list. These cities, while not densely populated, are vast in their geographical spread.

Beyond Physical Boundaries

It's important to note that the definition of a 'city' can vary. Depending on how one categorizes urban areas, different cities might come to the forefront. For instance, if the total built-up area is considered, Madrid emerges as a major contender. The Greater Los Angeles area, with its extensive urban sprawl, might also be a strong candidate for the largest urban area in Spain.

These varying perspectives highlight the complexity of defining and measuring the largest city by area. Whether it's purely land coverage, population density, or the extent of the built-up area, each approach provides a different view of the urban landscapes across Spain.