The Reconquista profoundly influenced the cultural landscape of Spain, leading to a rich fusion of Christian and Muslim (Moorish) influences. Architecture saw the emergence of the Mudejar style, which blended Islamic art and architecture with Gothic and Romanesque elements. In literature and music, the exchange between Christian and Muslim traditions led to unique genres and styles. The Christian conquests also facilitated the transfer of knowledge, as seen in the translation of Arabic works into Latin, profoundly impacting European science and philosophy. However, the Reconquista also led to the diminishment of Islamic cultural influence, particularly post-1492, as strict religious conformity was enforced, leading to the loss of much of Spain's Muslim heritage.

Several key factors enabled Christian kingdoms to overpower Muslim states in Spain. First, the internal divisions and political instability within the Muslim states, especially the fragmentation of the Caliphate of Córdoba into smaller taifas (kingdoms), weakened their collective defence against Christian advances. Second, the strategic alliances and unions among Christian kingdoms, such as the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, consolidated power and resources. Third, the involvement of foreign powers, particularly the military and financial support from other European monarchs and the Papacy, bolstered Christian campaigns. Lastly, the military innovations and evolving tactics of the Christian armies, including the effective use of heavy cavalry and fortified castles, gave them a tactical advantage over time.

After the Reconquista, Spain's economic landscape underwent significant transformations. The consolidation of territories under Christian rule opened new trade routes and opportunities, connecting Spain more closely with the rest of Europe. Cities like Seville and Toledo, once Muslim centres, became important hubs of commerce and cultural exchange. There was also a redistribution of land and resources, often from Muslim to Christian hands, altering the agrarian and feudal structures. However, the expulsion of Jews and Muslims, both communities being key economic contributors, particularly in finance and trade, led to a decline in economic productivity and expertise. The newfound religious homogeneity and focus on overseas exploration and colonisation shifted Spain's economic priorities in the following centuries.

The Reconquista played a pivotal role in shaping Spanish national identity. It fostered a sense of unity among the various Christian kingdoms against a common Muslim enemy, helping to forge a collective Christian Spanish identity. The reconquest was often framed as a religious and moral crusade, adding a strong element of Catholic Christian identity to the emerging Spanish nationalism. This religious aspect was further emphasised by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, who linked national unity with religious uniformity, leading to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. The Reconquista, therefore, not only unified Spain territorially but also culturally and religiously, laying the foundation for a predominantly Catholic Spanish nation-state.

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, fought in 1212, was a decisive turning point in the Christian reconquest of Spain. This battle saw the forces of several Christian kingdoms, including Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Portugal, unite against the Almohad Caliphate, a powerful Muslim dynasty in Iberia. The Christian victory at Navas de Tolosa significantly weakened the Muslim hold in Spain, leading to a rapid Christian advance in subsequent years. It broke the backbone of Almohad power, leading to the fragmentation of their territories and paving the way for further Christian conquests. This battle is often seen as a key moment where the tide turned in favour of the Christian states, setting a trajectory towards their eventual domination of the entire peninsula.