Spain and Italy - these two countries actually have a lot in common. Both countries are located in Southern Europe, have wide access to the sea and are at approximately the same level of socio-economic development. In this article we will try to figure out where it is better to go - to Spain or Italy. We will talk in detail about the pros and cons of resort holidays in both countries.
Spain or Italy: where is the best place to relax?
Italy in the minds of many of our compatriots is steadily associated with pasta, pizza, colorful carnivals, Venetian canals, fashion and romance. And also - with dirt and the mafia. The word "Spain", in turn, evokes only positive associations (with the exception of a rather ambiguous and dubious entertainment - bullfighting). But anyway, both countries are equally popular among tourists.
Before many travelers, sooner or later, the same question arises: “Where to go -to Italy or Spain? And we will try to answer it as objectively and impartially as possible.
So, Spain or Italy? Let's make a detailed comparison of these two countries according to the following criteria:
- Geography.
- Climate.
- Food.
- Entertainment.
- Shopping.
- Attractions.
- Waste.
Geography and climate
Both countries are located in Southern Europe, approximately at the same geographical latitudes. Italy is washed by five seas and boasts the longest coastline among European countries (about 8000 km). The length of the Spanish coast is more modest, but Spain has another significant advantage - a wide outlet to the Atlantic Ocean.
The climate of Italy is extremely diverse. In the north of the country - moderate, in the south - subtropical Mediterranean. The climate in Spain is somewhat hotter and drier than in Italy (especially in the central regions of the country, which are far from the sea). If we talk about landscape diversity, then it is equally characteristic of both countries. And if the natural beauties of Italy are impressive, then the Spanish landscapes are more likely to produce a hypnotizing effect.
Food & Entertainment
Italian cuisine is known all over the world. Who hasn't heard of pizza, lasagna or risotto? In any local cafe, these dishes, along with the famous Italian pasta, form the basis of the menu. Spanish cuisine is less well-known, but no less diverse. Staying inIn this country, you should definitely try paella, tortilla or gazpacho. Spanish wines are also noteworthy, especially Merlot, Rioja and Cabernet Franc.
In entertainment, of course, Spain wins. Here you will definitely be recommended to visit a bullfight (a bloody and controversial action) and watch a bright and colorful flamenco show. Plus, Spain hosts a number of unusual festivals every year (for example, La Tomatina or Las Fallas). In Italy, entertainment is more sophisticated: here you can visit the Verona Opera Festival or the famous Venice Carnival.
Shopping
In shopping tourism, no doubt, Italy is in the lead. Here you can buy branded items and leather products of impeccable quality. The generally recognized centers of Italian shopping are Rome, Milan, Florence and Turin. People go to Spain, as a rule, in order to update their wardrobe with clothes of inexpensive and less famous brands. In Spain, you should also pay attention to leather goods (in particular, bags and belts).
Attractions
All true admirers of architecture and fine art should first of all visit Italy. After all, it was here that such generally recognized masters as Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli were born and worked. Nevertheless, Spain will find something to surprise lovers of antiquity. Suffice it to recall only Barcelona and its unsurpassed architect - Antonio Gaudí.
Top 5 attractions in Spain: Cathedral of St. Families, Alhambra, Royal Palace of Madrid, Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Segovia aqueduct.
Top 5 attractions in Italy: Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Roman Pantheon, Venice canals.
Italy, Spain: where you can relax cheaper?
Spain is considered to be slightly cheaper than Italy when it comes to spending on food, housing and transport. Thus, in the global ranking of countries in terms of the high cost of living (according to research by the Numbeo portal), Italy ranks 23rd, and Spain 38th. This aspect should be considered if you plan to travel to one of these countries for a couple of months.
However, budget holidays are available in both Spain and Italy. The table below shows the estimated costs for accommodation, meals and transportation in both countries (based on one day per person).
| Italy | Spain | |
| Accommodation (in hotels) | 55-75$ (3500-4700 rubles) | 40-60$ (2500-3800 RUB) |
| Food (three meals a day) | 30-40$ (1900-2500 rubles) | 25-30 $ (1600-1900 RUB) |
| Transport services (taxi, bus) | 20$ (1250 rubles) | 18-20$ (1140-1250 rubles) |
Vacations in Italy: pros and cons
If you have not yet decided where to go - to Italy or Spain,we offer you to get acquainted with the main advantages and disadvantages of recreation in both countries. And we'll start with the state of pizza and spaghetti.
So, the main pluses:
- The richest historical and cultural heritage.
- Amazing abundance of museums, castles and architectural monuments.
- Lots of hot springs.
- Proximity of mountains and the sea.
- Great shopping.
Main cons:
- The quality of hotel services is not always high.
- Problems with petty crime (especially in big cities).
- Public transport in Italy is far from ideal, there are problems with garbage collection.
Holidays in Spain: pros and cons
And now let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of holidays in Spain. Key benefits:
- A wide selection of magnificent beaches - sandy and pebbly, comfortable and wild.
- Diverse hotel stock with high quality service.
- Incredibly scenic landscapes and fine wine.
Main cons:
- The Spaniards are quite noisy and cheerful people. Therefore, if you expect peace from rest, then it is better to go to a remote provincial area.
- There is a risk of saying goodbye to your wallet in this country, especially in big cities.
- Many Spanish hotels have problems with noise isolation (due to very thin partitions between rooms).
Useful tips for tourists
As an addition to our article - seven useful tips for those who are goingrelax in one of these countries:
- In Spain, sea water, as a rule, warms up well only by mid-June. You should not go here before, especially if you are traveling with children.
- You shouldn't go to Italy in mid-August. At this time, there comes a period of long weekends and seasonal holidays, which is associated with the local holiday of Ferragosto.
- Spain is more suitable for children and family beach holidays.
- In the Environmental Performance Index, Spain ranks 6th and Italy only 29th.
- In Spain, only a few locals speak English, so it is recommended to take a phrase book with you when traveling. In Italy, this problem is not so acute.
- If the purpose of your trip is shopping, then feel free to go to the south of Italy (Verona, Tuscany, Milan).
- The best time to visit Italy and Spain is spring or autumn (of course, if you are not interested in a beach holiday).
Conclusion
And yet, Spain or Italy? Where is the best place to go on vacation? It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. On the one hand, Italy has a milder climate and a slightly warmer sea. It has more fun nightlife and more productive shopping. But things are worse with the environment and crime. But Spain in terms of tourism is a solid "average", a kind of golden mean, if we consider various ratings.
Anyway, we've told you all we can and more. end point atthe question "Italy or Spain - where to go?" you have to put it on. We really hope that our article will help you make the right and successful choice.
