Italy and Spain – two iconic European countries that are both well worth your time!
But if you’re planning a Europe trip, and only have time for one of these Mediterranean nations, you might be wondering “Italy or Spain – which to pick?”.
While I’d strongly recommend visiting both if you can, Italy is better for some things, whereas Spain wins for others.
I’ve been to both multiple times, and have assessed which is best for different interests.
Let’s dig in!
History and culture
When it comes to history, there’s nowhere quite like Italy.
Ancient ruins – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and so much more – come alive with their stories.
You can almost hear the clash of gladiators and the murmur of senators as you wander through.
Spain, meanwhile, dazzles with its vibrant Moorish legacy.
Wander through Granada or Córdoba, and you’ll be greeted by intricate tile work and majestic arches.
The Alhambra and the Mezquita blend Islamic history with European modern culture.
Italy has to be the winner thanks to the Romans, but there’s so much history to explore in Spain too!
Food and drink
When it comes to food, Italy steals the show! From spaghetti carbonara to gnocchi sorrentino, there are so many iconic Italian dishes.
Thirsty? Step into a family-run trattoria and sip a refreshing Aperol Spritz, which have become popular all over the world recently, or sip on Italian wine – I love falanghina from Naples.
Spain, on the other hand, turns dining into a social fiesta.
Here, you’ll share plates of patatas bravas, savour the smoky allure of chorizo al vino, or enjoy gambas al ajillo among friends.
Local markets burst with the aroma of freshly prepared seafood paella and the tang of regional cheeses. Spanish wines, whether a robust Tempranillo or a crisp Albariño, flow with equal passion!
I do think Italy wins, but the experience of dining in Spain makes it a foodie destination in its own right!
Hiking
Both have epic hiking trails, but Spain wins this one thanks to its diverse mountains and coast paths.
In Spain, the piece de resistance is the Camino de Santiago. It beckons trekkers with its mix of challenge and charm – winding through historic villages, sunlit vineyards, and wild landscapes.
Book with a company like Santiago Ways, who offer meticulously planned routes and itienraries and have over 1,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor!
Italy has plenty of hiking routes too; The Dolomites tower majestically over picturesque valleys and routes lead around Lakes Garda and Como.
But, thanks to the Camino, Spain does win with this one!
City
Italy’s cities explode with history and modern flair.
Rome’s ancient ruins coexist with buzzing piazzas; Florence overflows with Renaissance masterpieces, while Milan’s sleek urban design pulses with contemporary style.
Venice, with its labyrinth of canals, is rightly world-famous. Italian cities feel like open-air museums—each street and square tells a story.
But in Spain, Barcelona enthralls with bold architecture and vibrant street life.
Seville charms with narrow alleys, traditional flamenco and incredible tapas!
Italy takes the win here as it has so many iconic cities – but Spain’s are well worth exploring too!
Beaches
Spain wins when it comes to beach holidays.
Its vast Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines are diverse and enthralling – from the bustling boardwalks of Costa del Sol to surfing in the Canaries!
Italy, too, has plenty in the way of beaches.
The Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Sicily deliver postcard-perfect views, intimate coves and a taste of la dolce vita. Italian beaches may be smaller, but they’re certainly charming!
Spain wins overall – the coastline’s more varied, and there’s the Balearics and Canaries too. But don’t discount Italy for a beach holiday!
Climate
Both Spain and Italy have comfortable climates.
Italy’s is generally more diverse – from the Mediterranean warmth along the Amalfi Coast to the brisk, distinct seasons up north.
But Spain’s climate is reliably mild throughout the year. Even in winter, many areas get plenty of sun – especially the Canary Islands!
So, if you’re after seasons, go to Italy – but for more reliable sunshine, head to Spain. In the summer, both will be warm and in the winter, plenty of parts of Italy are mild!
Budget
Spain is generally more wallet-friendly.
Meals, accommodation and local travel tend to be less expensive – so you can explore more without stretching your purse strings!
In bustling cities and charming towns alike, you’ll find plenty of cost-effective options to sample local cuisine and culture.
Italy, though famous for indulgence, isn’t strictly high-end.
With careful planning, you can snag affordable hotels, eateries and transport.
Sure, Italy sometimes has a reputation for splurge-worthy experiences, but it also offers plenty of hidden gems for thrifty travellers!
Spain is generally more affordable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Italy on a budget!
Getting around
Getting around is easy in both countries, but there are some key differences. Italy’s train network is extensive, connecting major cities with frequent services.
The high-speed Frecciarossa trains link Milan, Rome, Florence, and Naples in record time.
However, regional trains can be slow, and delays aren’t uncommon.
Buses fill in the gaps, especially in rural areas, but they’re not always the most reliable!
In Spain, The AVE high-speed trains are among the fastest in Europe, cutting travel time significantly between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
Regional trains and buses are generally efficient, with fewer delays than in Italy.
In cities, Madrid and Barcelona have excellent metro systems, while Seville’s trams make navigating the historic center simple.
Spain probably wins on this one, thanks to the AVE trains!
Nightlife
When the sun sets, both countries come alive, but in very different ways!
In Italy, nightlife revolves around aperitivo—think pre-dinner drinks and snacks in stylish bars. Milan and Rome are the best cities for this, with trendy rooftop bars and lively piazzas where locals sip Negronis and Spritzes well into the evening.
Of course, you can go clubbing, but Italy’s nightlife tends to be more about socialising and late-night dining than all-night partying.
Spain, on the other hand, is a different beast!
Nights start late—dinner at 10 pm, bars buzzing by midnight, and clubs packed until sunrise. Madrid is legendary for its nightlife, with bars, clubs and live music venues scattered across Malasaña and Chueca.
Barcelona’s beachfront clubs keep the party going until dawn too!
The winner depends on your tastes. Italy’s more laid back, but head to Spain if you want a real fiesta!
So, visit Italy for food, history and fascinating cities, but go to Spain for beaches and hiking!
Or, see if you can just about squeeze in visiting both – you won’t regret it!
