Major Rivers of Spain: An In-Depth Look at Their Courses and Characteristics

Miño River

The Miño, a 340km river in Spain, flows through Lugo, Orense, and Pontevedra in Galicia. Its final stretch forms the border between Spain and Portugal, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean between A Guarda (Spain) and Caminha (Portugal). Its main tributary is the Sil.

Douro River

Born in the southern slopes of the Picos de Urbión, in the Iberian System (Soria province), the Douro River stretches 895km, with 609km in Spain. Its basin is the largest on the Iberian Peninsula. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Oporto. Notable tributaries from the Cantabrian Mountains include the Esla, Duratón, Eresma, Adaja, Tormes, Órbigo, Arlanza, and Arlanzón.

Tagus River

The Tagus, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, originates in the Sierra de Albarracín (Teruel province), part of the Iberian System. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Lisbon. Major tributaries include the Jarama, Tajuña, Henares, and Guadarrama. Less significant tributaries are the Alberche, Tiétar, Alagón, and Almonte.

Ebro River

The Ebro is Spain's largest river. It starts near Reinosa in the Sierra de Peña Labra (Cantabrian Mountains) and flows 910km to the Mediterranean Sea, forming a large delta. Navigable for about 35km, its right-bank tributaries from the Pyrenees include the Ega, Arga, Aragón, and Gállego. Left-bank tributaries are the Najerilla, Iregua, Leza, Cidacos, Alhama, Jalón, Huerva, Martín, and Matarraña.

Guadiana River

The Guadiana River crosses the southern sub-plateau, its basin framed by the Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena. It originates in the Campo de Montiel and runs for 818km, 578km in Spain. The Ruidera Lagoons mark the start of the upper Guadiana, which disappears for 15km due to filtration before reappearing and flowing into the Gulf of Cádiz (Atlantic Ocean). Its tributaries, though few and with low volume, include the Cigüela, Záncara, Jabalón, and Zújar.

Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir, a 657km river in southern Spain, originates in the Sierra de Cazorla at 1400m altitude and flows into the Gulf of Cádiz at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, forming a large estuary. It is navigable to Seville. Its major tributaries are the Genil and the Guadiato.

Júcar River

The Júcar River, 498km long, flows through Cuenca and Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha and Valencia in the Valencian Community. It originates in the Sistema Ibérico's Montes Universales. Its most important tributaries are the Magro and the Cabriel. It empties into the Mediterranean Sea near Cullera.

Segura River

The Segura River measures 341km. It originates in the Sierra de Segura and, after receiving its tributary, the Mundo, flows to Guardamar del Segura. Other major tributaries are the Mula and the Guadalentín (or Sangonera). Its flow is generally scarce.