Just the idea of traveling to Europe makes my heart jump, but things become more difficult when you have to choose between strolling on the cobblestone paths through narrow alleyways of Spain aimlessly and sipping local wine in the countryside of Italy that is stretched before you like a large green quilt. While Spain offers a magnificent view of sea waves lapping on the shore, Italy’s glaciers of Mont Blanc test your strength, but it’s not just about the views; it’s also about the budget, ease of travel, safety, climate, and so on. Your Italy Vs Spain decision may leave you puzzled, but this little guide can make things easier for you.
Italy versus Spain Guide
From culture, cuisine, and landscapes, to budget, safety, and way of life, there are so many similarities that make your Italy versus Spain decision difficult. Here’s a little guide to help you comprehend the similarities and differences between the two countries.
1. Climate
Generally, Italy’s weather is influenced by the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, and the protective Alps encompassing the northern region. The northern region of the country, which is the area between the Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, has severe cold winter and hot and humid summer. The central region of Italy has a milder climate with minimal difference between summer and winter. In the southern region, winter is not severe and spring and autumn seasons are similar to those experienced in the summer in other parts of the country. The best seasons throughout Italy are spring and autumn when it is neither excessively hot nor too cold.
Since Spain is a large country with differing terrain and altitude, the climate can be quite distinct from one area to another. Spain’s weather changes from moderate in the northern region to dry and hot in the southern. The coastal regions of the southern and eastern areas are ideal for visiting throughout the year due to the Mediterranean climate. Northern regions of Spain experience much colder climate, while the central part remains hot and dry. If you want to visit the finest places in Spain, it is advisable to plan a vacation during spring and fall.
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2. Culture & Lifestyle
In Italian culture, the family holds the most significant position in their lives. They have extended family and often have family gatherings to spend time with one another. Family life is the cornerstone of their culture. Italian people are more focused on food, families, and a happy, relaxed lifestyle.
Celebrations occur frequently in Italy, providing ample time for families to spend quality time together. Some of the most popular festivals of Italy are Carnevale, Madonna Bruna festival, summer music festivals, Ferragosto etc.
Spanish culture is as varied as its landscapes and climate. And just like the people of Italy, Spaniards also value their families. They are so amiable and pleasant to each other that they treat their neighbors like family. Spaniards enjoy going out to watch Flamenco frequently. It is considered a magnificent form of art and you can find Flamenco performers and shows nearly everywhere in the country. The siesta concept in Spain slows down the pace of life during the afternoon. Additionally, they take their nightlife seriously; it’s vibrant and lively.
Apart from Easter and Christmas, there are festivities like La Feria, where individuals are dressed in flamenco-like attire, and Carnaval, where people don colorful unusual outfits and enjoy an entire week of festivity and gaiety.
3. Cuisine
Whether you are planning a trip to Italy or Spain, get ready to please your taste buds. They offer completely distinct culinary experiences but equally delectable.
In Italy, every individual adores pizza, pasta, and fine wine, and it won’t come as a surprise to you to discover that the nation is the global headquarters for these gastronomic delights. Almost everything is made using fresh tomatoes, oregano, basil leaves, pesto, and parmesan cheese, and you simply can’t have enough of it! And if you have a craving for sweets, you must try Torrone (a homemade nougat made with honey, sugar, egg white, and roasted nuts) and Tiramisu (a popular coffee-flavored Italian dessert made of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, flavored with cocoa). Italian cuisine is an absolute masterpiece and not everyone knows how to execute it perfectly.
Spanish cuisine is centered around fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, bread, pasta, rice, nuts, sunflower seeds, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fish, seafood, poultry, various types of meat, cheese, yogurt, and of course wine. Bars in Spain offer a wide array of pinchos or tapas (small snack-size portions of food). While you’re in Spain, witnessing people enjoying deep-fried calamari rings, patatas bravas, albondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce), garlic shrimp, and bread is a common occurrence.
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4. Topography
A peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy’s most prominent characteristic is its boot-shaped form, resembling a knee-high boot that appears to be kicking the island of Sicily. The majority of Italy is covered by mountains; the Dolomite mountains extending across northern Italy are part of the Alps. The Alps and the Dolomites in the north boast glaciers, fruitful valleys, and snow-capped peaks. In the foothills of these mountains, you’ll find massive and breathtaking lakes such as Lake Como and Garda, while in the south, there are expansive flat plains and undulating hills where grapes and olives thrive. As you can see, when it comes to topography, Italy has a plethora of offerings for nature enthusiasts.
Spain’s varied landscapes have always attracted tourists from around the globe. The Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa mountain ranges are equally captivating as any other mountain range on the continent. The incredibly stunning cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are contrasted by the charming Mediterranean coves. And regardless of where you travel in Spain, there are charming and Instagram-worthy villages nestled in valleys, perched on hilltops, and clinging to coastal areas.
5. Pursuits
Some of the most thrilling activities to engage in Italy involve ascending a volcano in Sicily; crafting your own pasta at Culinary Institute of Bologna; driving along the Amalfi Coast Road; exploring the Roman chapels; skiing in the Italian Alps; renting a farmhouse in Umbria and savoring the delectable food and wine; attending an opera performance at La Scala; visiting Naples and savoring the world’s finest pizza, and DO NOT FORGET TO CAPTURE THAT SELFIE AT The Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Some of the most irresistible things to do in Spain involve multiple visits to tapas, which is an indispensable part of life in Spain; exploring the Gaudi architecture in Barcelona and Madrid; attending a Flamenco show; witnessing a bullfight; trying paella, because when you are in Spain, it’s a necessity; and if you’re willing to spend some extra money, indulge in the most exquisite cuisine at Girona’s El Celler de Can Roca, which has ranked first on the list of World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
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6. Hospitality
Italy stands as the fifth most visited nation, with a total of 48.6 million tourists in 2017. Italy has consistently received praise for its welcoming attitude towards tourists.
In 2017, Spain was crowned the most tourist-friendly country in the world. As George Orwell put it, “I would rather be a foreigner in Spain than in most countries. How easy it is to make friends in Spain.” Do I need to say more?
7. Finances
You can observe that Spain is slightly more affordable than Italy in terms of accommodations and food. Other than that, you can choose between Italy or Spain as both countries serve as splendid budget-friendly destinations for your next European tour.
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8. Moving Around
When it comes to traveling, both Italy and Spain are incredibly tourist-friendly. You can find buses, trains, and subway systems to transport you from one place to another. Though prices are affordable, you also have the option of obtaining a monthly pass for a small discount. Additionally, in Europe, sometimes it is more economical to take a flight instead of using the Metro.
So, here are all the things that you needed to know about Italy and Spain. Now, it might be a little easier for you to make a decision between Italy and Spain. What are you waiting for? Get your luggage and passports ready and plan your tour of Europe with TravelTriangle for a stress-free vacation!
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Common Questions about Italy Vs Spain
Is Italy less expensive than Spain?
Although there isn’t much of a difference between Italy and Spain, you can find budget-friendly options for eating and accommodations, such as hostels, in Spain. Additionally, food is available at a reasonable price in Spain, so it’s actually the opposite – Spain is slightly cheaper than Italy.
Is Spain similar to Italy?
Spain bears similarities to Italy in various aspects, including population, size, culture, and friendliness. So, if you are traveling from one country to the other, you won’t notice much of a difference and it will feel like home.
Is Italy more affluent than Spain?
No, it’s actually the other way around. Spain is wealthier than Italy because its GDP exceeded Italy’s GDP in 2017.
Is Spain hotter than Italy?
The temperature in Spain is consistently higher than in Italy because it is closer to the sun. That’s why the degrees are always higher in Spain.
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