Spain and Italy jump into a match named European holiday as equal rivals. Both countries offer rich histories, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Moreover, both Spain and Italy lie on the sun-kissed coast of the Mediterranean, making them beautiful beach destinations. Choosing Spain or Italy is a fun challenge for travelers, but we got you covered! Let’s break it down by cost, destinations, accessibility, and more, so you can pick the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Cost: Which Is More Budget-Friendly?
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Spain and Italy stand side to side when it comes to travel. From our travelers, we also found that prices for 5-day trips to those countries’ popular cities are very similar. A city trip to Madrid with standard food and beverage costs €450 while sitting at €400 for a trip to Florence.
However, Spain suits backpackers and budget travelers more. Cities like Madrid and Seville offer excellent budget options, from bars with free snacks to a wide choice of hostels. In contrast, major Italian destinations like Rome, Venice, and Florence can be pricier, particularly in terms of lodging and dining.
Here is a general cost breakdown of two top cities in Spain and Italy:
Spain (Barcelona) | Italy (Rome) | |
Standard hotel room in city center | €110 | €170 |
Dining at a casual restaurant | €20-50 | €14-20 |
Activities | €20 | €30 |
Local transportation | €30 | €24 |
Best Time to Visit: When Should You Go?
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Fringed by the Mediterranean in the south, Spain and Italy have wonderful climates. The coastal areas and islands beckon you to visit during the freezing winter. Meanwhile, the cities look lovelier and more comfortable during autumn. You can choose the best time to visit depending on what kind of experience you’re after.
Spain
Spring
“Spring is a warm and fun time to visit Spain. It is full of festivals, especially in Malaga,” says TripLeader Tajana who has lived for two years in the country.
Spring brings pleasant weather, mild temperatures, and colorful blossoms to Spain. Cultural festivals like Las Fallas in Valencia and Carnaval de Malaga in Malaga start bursting in early March. Our CEO Niels also recommends taking a city tour during spring in Spain. It is the best time to enjoy the Moorish architecture in Andalusia or Gaudian buildings in Barcelona without the scorching heat.
Fall
Fall is a fantastic time to visit Spain as the summer crowds thin out, and the temperatures become more comfortable for sightseeing. The changing leaves add an extra layer of charm to cities like Madrid and Seville, while vineyards in regions like La Rioja are in full swing for the grape harvest season, making it a great time for wine lovers to explore.
Italy
Spring
Spring brings everything nice to Italy, from lovely weather to fewer crowds. While early spring features mild showers, late spring offers sunny days that are great for outdoor activities. You can visit Italy’s beach towns, like Sicily and Portofino, in late May before the summer crowds come.
Fall
Similar to Spain, fall is the wine season in Italy. You can head to Tuscany and sample delightful fall products, including Porcini mushrooms and chestnuts. The weather is getting cooler and windier during fall, so prepare your jackets!
Best Destinations: Where Should You Go?
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Which one should you choose – Spain or Italy – based on the destinations? – you might wonder. Generally, Spain and Italy have similar types of destinations and attractions. Italy boasts Renaissance architecture in cities like Florence and Rome while Spain captivates with the beauty of Art Deco structures in Madrid. Spain has its Balearic Islands as top-rated beach destinations while Italy’s Amalfi Coast invites you for a summer holiday. Here are a brief comparison of Spain and Italy’s destinations:
Attraction | Spain | Italy |
History | Granada, Palma de Mallorca, and Córdoba | Rome, Pisa, and Pompeii |
Architecture | Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao | Florence, Milan, and Venice |
Beach | Mallorca, Ibiza, Malaga, and Canary Islands | Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily |
Food | San Sebastian (seafood) and Menorca (tapas and Michelin restaurants) | Naples (birthplace of pizza) and Bologna (culinary capital) |
Hiking | Tenerife (Volcanic island in the Canary) | The Dolomites (Italian mountain range) |
Landscape: Which Country Offers Better Views?
Both Spain and Italy offer a variety of stunning landscapes, so it depends on your preference.
- Spain’s Landscapes: Spain has everything from golden beaches in Costa del Sol to rugged mountains in the Pyrenees. The Canary Islands offer volcanic landscapes, while Andalusia boasts dramatic deserts and olive groves.
- Italy’s Landscapes: Italy is known for its picturesque countryside, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. The Dolomites provide some of the most breathtaking mountain views in Europe, while Sicily and Sardinia offer spectacular coastlines.
If you love diverse landscapes with a mix of beach, mountains, and even deserts, Spain might be more appealing. But if you dream of rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and romantic lakes, Italy is the place to be.
Food: Which Cuisine Wins?
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Let’s be honest—you can’t go wrong with food in either country! But here’s what sets them apart:
- Spain’s Cuisine: Spain is famous for tapas, allowing you to try a variety of dishes in one meal. Some must-tries include:
- Paella: A delicious rice dish, originally from Valencia.
- Jamón Ibérico: Dry-cured ham that melts in your mouth.
- Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Churros con Chocolate: A sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Sangria: A fruity wine-based drink, perfect for warm evenings.
- Italy’s Cuisine: Italian food is one of the most beloved in the world, and for good reason. You’ll want to try:
- Pasta (Carbonara, Bolognese, Pesto, etc.): Each region has its own specialties.
- Pizza: Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and you won’t find a better slice anywhere.
- Gelato: Italian ice cream is a must-try, with flavors like pistachio and stracciatella.
- Tiramisu: A coffee-flavored dessert that’s impossible to resist.
- Wine: Whether it’s Chianti from Tuscany or Prosecco from Veneto, Italian wines are world-class.
Spain’s cuisine is great for those who love variety and sharing meals, while Italy is ideal for classic comfort food lovers.
Accessibility: Which Is Easier to Get Around?
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Both countries have well-developed transportation systems, but there are some differences.
- Spain: The country has an excellent high-speed train network (AVE), making travel between cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville fast and efficient. Public transportation is affordable, and major cities have extensive metro systems.
- Italy: While Italy’s train network is good, it can be less punctual than Spain’s. The high-speed trains between Rome, Florence, and Milan are efficient, but getting to smaller towns might require more planning. In places like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, buses and ferries are the main modes of transport.
For a smoother and more reliable public transport experience, Spain has the edge. However, renting a car in Italy is a great way to explore the countryside and lesser-known areas.
Final Verdict: Spain or Italy?
It’s a tough choice, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- Choose Spain if: You want a more budget-friendly trip, love tapas and late-night culture, and prefer a country with diverse landscapes and reliable transportation.
- Choose Italy if: You’re passionate about history, art, and classic cuisine, and you don’t mind spending a bit more for a romantic, picture-perfect experience.
No matter which country you pick, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday. Also, you can save your time and energy from planning by traveling with JoinMyTrip. Find handcrafted group trips to Spain and Italy, hosted by experienced travelers and passionate locals who know the destinations like the back of their hands. Soak up the sun in Tenerife or toast for some Tuscan wine with like-minded travel buddies.
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