Where Are the Meseta Highlands?

The Meseta (or Meseta Central) is the vast inner plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, constituting the core of Spain's geography.

Subdivisions

• Northern Subplateau (Submeseta Norte): Duero Basin—Castile and León, parts of Madrid, La Rioja, Aragón. Average elevation 700–800 m.
• Southern Subplateau (Submeseta Sur): Tagus (Tajo) & Guadiana Basins—Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, Extremadura. Average elevation 600–700 m.

Boundaries

• North: Cantabrian Mountains
• East: Iberian System (Sistema Ibérico)
• South: Sierra Morena
• West: Portuguese border (continuation into Alentejo plateau)

Characteristics

• Continental climate: hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall (400–600 mm).
• Land use: extensive dryland cereals, vineyards (La Mancha, Ribera del Duero), olive groves, sheep grazing.
• Major cities: Madrid, Valladolid, Salamanca, Toledo, Ciudad Real.

The Meseta defines Spain's "heartland"—historically the base of Castilian expansion and the cultural idea of España profunda.