Levante

Levante is a toponym used in Spain to describe the eastern coastal portion of the Iberian Peninsula. The term is commonly applied to the eastern Mediterranean coast of the country, with particular association to the Valencian Community and its major cities such as Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón de la Plana. In broader usage, Levante may also refer to the eastern coastal areas of the country, including parts of the Murcia region.

Geographically, the Levante region lies along the Mediterranean Sea and is characterized by a mild, typically sunny climate. Its coastline hosts popular tourist destinations and resorts, including the Costa Blanca in Alicante and other coastal towns that attract visitors for beaches, historical cities, and cultural heritage.

Economy and transport in Levante are driven by a mix of activity. Tourism is a major sector, supported by beaches, historic centers, festivals, and cuisine. Agriculture remains important in the inland areas, with citrus fruits and other Mediterranean crops historically prominent. Valencia, as a port city, contributes to maritime trade and industry in the region.

Culture and identity in Levante are marked by regional traditions and festivals, such as Las Fallas in Valencia, which reflect the area’s historical and cultural character. The term also appears in modern usage as the name of Levante UD, a football club based in Valencia, and in local media and institutions that serve the eastern coast of Spain.

Etymology-wise, Levante derives from the notion of the east or the direction of sunrise, a common Romance-language usage to denote the eastern part of a country.