Spanish Landscapes, Industrial Sectors, and Urban Planning

Mediterranean Coast Landscape

Characterized by a climate with little rain, this landscape occurs in the Levant region and the valleys of the Ebro and Guadalquivir rivers. Water deficiency is corrected by irrigation, which is widespread in the orchards of Valencia, Castellón, Alicante, and Murcia. It features smallholdings and concentrated habitats, producing high-yield products such as almonds and garden produce, especially citrus and strawberries.

Ocean Landscape

• Climate: Mild temperatures and moderate rainfall.
• Location: The Atlantic coast of Spain.
• Land Use: Smallholdings predominate with farming activities in mountainous areas.
• Landscape: Irregular plots closed with mud walls, known as bocage.
• Habitat: Scattered, featuring meadows, cornfields, orchards, vineyards, and remarkable forest exploitation.

Landscape of the Canary Islands

• Climate: Soft subtropical.
• Agriculture: High potential with traditional crops including bananas, sugarcane, tomatoes, tobacco, flowers, and cotton.
• Techniques: Very advanced agricultural methods.
• Structure: Small property ownership with a tendency toward spread-out habitats and small towns.

Secondary Sector

Definition: The economic sector that integrates industry, involving the processing of raw materials into consumer goods.

Importance of Tourism in Spain

Tourism has been very important since the 20th century, driven by competitive pricing and improved infrastructure. Types of tourism include:

• Sun and Beach Tourism: Primarily on the Andalusian east coast and island provinces.
• Diversified Tourism: Includes winter sports, nautical tourism, rural tourism, cultural tourism, and permanent residences for retirees from other European Union countries.

Urban Map: Old City and the Ensanche

The Old City

• 19th Century: Cities grew due to population increases, immigration, trade, and the diversification of activities. Public health improved with sewage and water works. Historic centers modernized, and valuable architectural buildings were repurposed for government, education, or museums.
• 1900–1939: Historical centers experienced growth; internal patios were built, and parks were replaced by housing.
• Late 19th Century: Historical centers suffered severe deterioration.
• Post-1985: A process of building rehabilitation began.

The Ensanche

• 19th Century: Old walls were destroyed and replaced by wide streets, rounds, or boulevards. These areas were intended for middle-class neighborhoods and expanded due to new transport like buses and trams. Planning followed a checkerboard design.
• 1900–1939: New avenues were designed, and these areas acquired a new commercial and administrative role.