Does Spain rival Italy?
May 25th, 2004, 03:08 PM
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Does Spain rival Italy?
We are planning on flying into Madrid and out of Barcelona this fall. We were just in Italy and loved the quaint hill top towns. Are there towns near or between these two cities that can easily be reached by car? How do they compare or contast to the Italian towns? Thank you for any input.
May 25th, 2004, 06:33 PM
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Spain and italy are very different. Spain is a wonderful country and has tons of historic and exciting things to do - but it is not soft and charming as Italy is. It is a much tougher landscape in general (think of the landscape in spaghetti westerns) and I thinkrequires more work - reading and understanding - to really enjoy and appreciate the trip.
May 25th, 2004, 06:45 PM
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Spain is wonderful. We have enjoyed 4 great trips to Spain and 2 to Portugal.
But, they are not Italy--I do not know what is. The best of Spain is actually Andalusia and is worth 10 days of your time. If you like quaint villages and natural splendor then you want Andalusia--Seville, Granada, Ronda, Nerja and a bunch of white hill towns.
But, they are not Italy--I do not know what is. The best of Spain is actually Andalusia and is worth 10 days of your time. If you like quaint villages and natural splendor then you want Andalusia--Seville, Granada, Ronda, Nerja and a bunch of white hill towns.
May 25th, 2004, 07:01 PM
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I've never criss-crossed Spain from north to south, so I don't have any specific towns to steer you towards, but I've spent many vacations in Italy and a few in Spain, and there is a HUGE difference in the topography, food, culture, everything. I vastly prefer Italy.
Spain is arid and rocky and whitewashed and dusty - none of that manicured cypress-driveway-up-the-hill stuff you see in Tuscany, for example. It's rocky and cowboyish and harsh and scrubby. I know this holds a lot of appeal for certain people, but in my four trips there, it hasn't held much appeal for me. I am always longing to get back to the lusher grounds of France and Italy.
I will be the first to admit that I have not explored Spain in detail, the way I have explored both France and Italy, and thus may be the ultimate neophyte traveler there. We have spent time in Madrid (did not like it one bit!), Andalucia (beautiful towns and cities - enjoyed them very much), Granada (adored seeing the Alhambra and Ferdinand and Isabella), and the Costa Brava a couple of times (ok, but the French coast just north of it is so much more appealing that it seems impoverished by contrast), but all in all it would be really hard for me to say that Spain rivals Italy. I think Italy is far richer in beautiful landscapes and attractive towns.
You won't regret your vacation - just be prepared for something different. Spain is definitely not like Italy. It's up to you as to whether you rank it better, worse, or on a par.
Spain is arid and rocky and whitewashed and dusty - none of that manicured cypress-driveway-up-the-hill stuff you see in Tuscany, for example. It's rocky and cowboyish and harsh and scrubby. I know this holds a lot of appeal for certain people, but in my four trips there, it hasn't held much appeal for me. I am always longing to get back to the lusher grounds of France and Italy.
I will be the first to admit that I have not explored Spain in detail, the way I have explored both France and Italy, and thus may be the ultimate neophyte traveler there. We have spent time in Madrid (did not like it one bit!), Andalucia (beautiful towns and cities - enjoyed them very much), Granada (adored seeing the Alhambra and Ferdinand and Isabella), and the Costa Brava a couple of times (ok, but the French coast just north of it is so much more appealing that it seems impoverished by contrast), but all in all it would be really hard for me to say that Spain rivals Italy. I think Italy is far richer in beautiful landscapes and attractive towns.
You won't regret your vacation - just be prepared for something different. Spain is definitely not like Italy. It's up to you as to whether you rank it better, worse, or on a par.
May 25th, 2004, 08:39 PM
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Italy is my favorite country to visit, and I've traveled more often to Italy than to any other country. I've only been to Spain once, and it was only to Andalucia, and then Segovia (loved my very short visit there), Toledo, and Madrid (didn't especially like Madrid). Though I have some interest in seeing Catalonia, the Basque lands and Galicia, I don't have a burning desire to see all of Spain. (On the other hand, I'd love to see every single region of Italy if I ever had enough travel time). However, though Italy overall is my favorite, I loved Spain's Andalucia region and found it one of the most exciting, fascinating, and appealing regions I've ever visited anywhere. I just don't think the entire country of Spain can be as spectacularly interesting as the cities and towns of Andalucia (e.g., Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda).
May 26th, 2004, 07:34 AM
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Although the landscape in Spain is pretty unique, I feel that Spain and Italy do have a lot in common. They are both latin, mediterranean countries and I think there are a lot of cultural similarites. Certainly, the Italians I have come across in Spain seem to feel the Spanish are quite similar to them and they absolutely adore visiting Spain.
May 26th, 2004, 08:43 AM
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We were in Spain this March, and have been to Italy twice. Spain is beautiful, with towering mountains, vast expanses of olive trees, and whitewashed villages. I was pleasantly surprized at how easy it was to drive in Spain. The roads are well maintained, and there are lots of small traffic circles just outside the cities to help you get your bearings. Although the hilltowns of Spain are quite picturesque, they are not as interesting as the hilltowns of Italy architecturally. However, Seville and Ronda rival any city in Italy for beauty. As for food, Italy wins hands down, unless you REALLY like ham and seafood. If I had to choose between the two, I would go with Italy, but Spain would be a close second!
May 26th, 2004, 09:38 AM
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It's not true that all of Spain is arid, whitewashed and dusty. Northern Spain is green and hilly with incredible Michelin 3 star restaurants, and mountain drives that make you think you're in Switzerland. I love Venice, Florence and Rome but I can't wait to go back to San Sebastian again. Italy is wonderful but, in my book, Spain is also a worthy destination with many diverse regions and fascinating cities.
May 26th, 2004, 10:28 AM
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I would say that both are fantastic destinations.
Both countries are vast and both offer different panoramas, different kinds of trips.
I love to visit both of them.
Do not think only of the beaten paths both have terrific destinations not that well known. Good luck. Read as much as you can.
Both countries are vast and both offer different panoramas, different kinds of trips.
I love to visit both of them.
Do not think only of the beaten paths both have terrific destinations not that well known. Good luck. Read as much as you can.
May 26th, 2004, 12:24 PM
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My two cents. Just returned from Spain last night. It just didn't do it for me. Didn't hate it; just didn't love it. Like many, I ADORE Italy. I certainly wouldn't recommend against going to Spain. Everyone will have a different experience and opinion, but personally, I just didn't find Spain could compare to Italy.
May 26th, 2004, 04:48 PM
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What a difficult question! My advice would be not to compare them at all and not to expect Spain to be the same, better or worse than Italy. My own passion is for France J.
My experiences with Italy:
I have been to Italy several times, although I have only driven once. That was in the Dolomites and the scenery was heart-stoppingly spectacular. The driving was easy in the Dolomites, because I went in late spring and there was little traffic. I tried driving along the Italian Riveria, from Nice, and returned to France within two hours because I just found it too difficult to find my way around (sign-posting is a disaster) and the drivers were far less forgiving of an ignorant tourist than in either France or Spain. My husband and I spent two weeks in Tuscany in August, several years ago and, although we both loved it, August in Tuscany can be hell.
I have been to Rome (3), Florence(3), Venice (2) and many other Italian cities, on my own, and I adore Italy for its art, architecture and history. There is nothing that can equal the experience in Italy, because Italy was the SOURCE of many things that we admire and hold dear, and no imitation is ever as good as the source. The Italians (although they were not Italians until the late 19th century) did it first and probably did it best. There is no comparable experience to seeing the center of the Roman universe or the birth of the Renaissance. There is nothing anywhere to equal the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. An entire country cannot offer the traveler the abundance and beauty of the churches in Rome.
My experiences with Spain
I have been to Spain several times: Barcelona (4), Madrid and immediate area (3), have long weekends driving through Catalonia, Andalusia and Extremadura and I am not counting the many trips in my early 20s to the "sun and booze" destinations of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Majorca etc.. I am now planning a weekend in Northern Spain and the Basque region for July.
Spain is a large country, with several distinct cultures, and has an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes and weather. I have found driving very easy, which is important because I do many of my trips alone, excellent accommodation at relatively cheap cost in rural areas (the Paradors are shockingly good value), I love the food (but just can?t get used to the late-night dining) and find the Spanish people to be friendly, helpful and extremely refined. Frankly, I just can't get enough of Spain! For me, it has everything: art, history, wonderful architecture that spans 2000 years.
I hate choosing a favorite city in the world, but if I were forced to, it MIGHT be Barcelona. Its architecture spans a 1000 years of civilization, but is has something, dear to my own heart, that no other city has in such abundance: Gaudi, and the best examples of the modernist movement to be found anywhere. From Barcelona, if you can drag yourself away, you can explore Catalonia and the spectacular Pyrenees.
At the other end of your journey, Madrid is not so spectacular, but I am rather fond of it because of its great museums and the opportunity to explore Segovia and Toledo. Madrid is almost in the center of the Spain and has an excellent train service that can bring you to and from any area that you wish to explore. From Madrid, you have the opportunity of taking the train south to Seville (a truly lovely city), rent a car and explore Andalusia. You will find many hill-towns, very different from the ones you enjoyed in Italy, but equally divine. The scenery is spectacular and I was amazed at how quickly the industrial towns disappeared and I was out in the countryside.
From Madrid, you can also drive to Extremadura (I posted a trip report recently), a recent experience, and I am still overwhelmed by what it has to offer. It is not popular with non-Spanish tourists, but it should be. You could also drive north from Madrid and explore "Green Spain", an area to which the wonderful Maribel has introduced me.
The options are endless. I have never been disappointed with Spain. I adore it and I will go back again and again. I would suggest that you search on "Maribel" and spend some time reading her wonderful advice to other travelers. She will inspire you and make you fall in love with this beautiful country. She has recently set up a website with some of her travel advice (http://www.maribelsguides.com/). Please check it out to help you plan your holiday.
Every time I travel to a new country or region of a country, I am a little nervous and very excited. Like you, I am always concerned that it will not live up to some previous experience elsewhere. I have learned not to carry with me any pre-conceived notions or any "baggage" from a former trip. I try to see every new country or region as a new planet and accept that I am ignorant of what it has to offer, and allow it to entice me and inspire me, with its own particular magic.
Regards ? Ger
My experiences with Italy:
I have been to Italy several times, although I have only driven once. That was in the Dolomites and the scenery was heart-stoppingly spectacular. The driving was easy in the Dolomites, because I went in late spring and there was little traffic. I tried driving along the Italian Riveria, from Nice, and returned to France within two hours because I just found it too difficult to find my way around (sign-posting is a disaster) and the drivers were far less forgiving of an ignorant tourist than in either France or Spain. My husband and I spent two weeks in Tuscany in August, several years ago and, although we both loved it, August in Tuscany can be hell.
I have been to Rome (3), Florence(3), Venice (2) and many other Italian cities, on my own, and I adore Italy for its art, architecture and history. There is nothing that can equal the experience in Italy, because Italy was the SOURCE of many things that we admire and hold dear, and no imitation is ever as good as the source. The Italians (although they were not Italians until the late 19th century) did it first and probably did it best. There is no comparable experience to seeing the center of the Roman universe or the birth of the Renaissance. There is nothing anywhere to equal the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. An entire country cannot offer the traveler the abundance and beauty of the churches in Rome.
My experiences with Spain
I have been to Spain several times: Barcelona (4), Madrid and immediate area (3), have long weekends driving through Catalonia, Andalusia and Extremadura and I am not counting the many trips in my early 20s to the "sun and booze" destinations of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Malaga, Majorca etc.. I am now planning a weekend in Northern Spain and the Basque region for July.
Spain is a large country, with several distinct cultures, and has an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes and weather. I have found driving very easy, which is important because I do many of my trips alone, excellent accommodation at relatively cheap cost in rural areas (the Paradors are shockingly good value), I love the food (but just can?t get used to the late-night dining) and find the Spanish people to be friendly, helpful and extremely refined. Frankly, I just can't get enough of Spain! For me, it has everything: art, history, wonderful architecture that spans 2000 years.
I hate choosing a favorite city in the world, but if I were forced to, it MIGHT be Barcelona. Its architecture spans a 1000 years of civilization, but is has something, dear to my own heart, that no other city has in such abundance: Gaudi, and the best examples of the modernist movement to be found anywhere. From Barcelona, if you can drag yourself away, you can explore Catalonia and the spectacular Pyrenees.
At the other end of your journey, Madrid is not so spectacular, but I am rather fond of it because of its great museums and the opportunity to explore Segovia and Toledo. Madrid is almost in the center of the Spain and has an excellent train service that can bring you to and from any area that you wish to explore. From Madrid, you have the opportunity of taking the train south to Seville (a truly lovely city), rent a car and explore Andalusia. You will find many hill-towns, very different from the ones you enjoyed in Italy, but equally divine. The scenery is spectacular and I was amazed at how quickly the industrial towns disappeared and I was out in the countryside.
From Madrid, you can also drive to Extremadura (I posted a trip report recently), a recent experience, and I am still overwhelmed by what it has to offer. It is not popular with non-Spanish tourists, but it should be. You could also drive north from Madrid and explore "Green Spain", an area to which the wonderful Maribel has introduced me.
The options are endless. I have never been disappointed with Spain. I adore it and I will go back again and again. I would suggest that you search on "Maribel" and spend some time reading her wonderful advice to other travelers. She will inspire you and make you fall in love with this beautiful country. She has recently set up a website with some of her travel advice (http://www.maribelsguides.com/). Please check it out to help you plan your holiday.
Every time I travel to a new country or region of a country, I am a little nervous and very excited. Like you, I am always concerned that it will not live up to some previous experience elsewhere. I have learned not to carry with me any pre-conceived notions or any "baggage" from a former trip. I try to see every new country or region as a new planet and accept that I am ignorant of what it has to offer, and allow it to entice me and inspire me, with its own particular magic.
Regards ? Ger
May 26th, 2004, 05:07 PM
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Great response, Ger!
I'm another one who just loves Spain!
But I love Italy, too. And France.
It's like asking me which of my children I love the most-- I can't answer it. They are all wonderful in their own way. Thank goodness we don't have to choose!
We were just in Barcelona last month, and it is now one of my favorite cities in the world. The architecture is beyond amazing, it is a beautiful seaport, the food is incredible, and the people are charming. I know I'll want to return again and again.
But I'm also fond of Madrid-- the art museums are fabulous, and I love the night life (and I'm not a wild young thing, by any means.)
Then, of course, Sevilla , Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba are wonderful!
I would love to take another trip to Spain just traveling around from town to town staying at the paradors-- they are one of the best bargains around for beautiful historic accommodations.
Anyway, Spain is nothing at all like Italy, but is a terrific country and well worth visiting and enjoying in its own right.
I'm another one who just loves Spain!
But I love Italy, too. And France.
It's like asking me which of my children I love the most-- I can't answer it. They are all wonderful in their own way. Thank goodness we don't have to choose!
We were just in Barcelona last month, and it is now one of my favorite cities in the world. The architecture is beyond amazing, it is a beautiful seaport, the food is incredible, and the people are charming. I know I'll want to return again and again.
But I'm also fond of Madrid-- the art museums are fabulous, and I love the night life (and I'm not a wild young thing, by any means.)
Then, of course, Sevilla , Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba are wonderful!
I would love to take another trip to Spain just traveling around from town to town staying at the paradors-- they are one of the best bargains around for beautiful historic accommodations.
Anyway, Spain is nothing at all like Italy, but is a terrific country and well worth visiting and enjoying in its own right.
May 26th, 2004, 05:40 PM
#14
Bravo Ger, but I will add that Bilbao and that side of spain is not the same ambiance, colors, flowers as Barcelona
and the east side of Spain.
SurfSide6, no matter what country we talk of here on fodors, there will be some who disagree abiout your choice of stay restaurant and month. I never care , I go and have a great time.
and the east side of Spain.
SurfSide6, no matter what country we talk of here on fodors, there will be some who disagree abiout your choice of stay restaurant and month. I never care , I go and have a great time.
May 26th, 2004, 08:04 PM
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There are almost as many daft Americans on this forum as in the White House.
Have any of you really been to Spain? Spain has as varying a topography as Italy has. It is not all "harsh and rocky." (I am very surprised at you, St. Cirq.)
Northern Spain is very green and hilly, as written by Marija above, for example. The terrain of Barcelona is nothing like that of Sevilla. Spain has beaches, deserts, mountains, and forests.
Thank you for your level-headed comments, Mimi. A clear, sensible voice amongst the foolish.
In 1999, I drove from Paris to Tours, Angouleme, Biarritz, San Sebastian, Burgos, Segovia, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, and back to Paris via Provence, Lyon, and Beaune. I think I covered most of Spain, so I know what I am talking about.
No, Spain is not like Italy. But it is just as fabulous.
And I know fabulous, sweetie.
You Americans should stick to Disney World.
Have any of you really been to Spain? Spain has as varying a topography as Italy has. It is not all "harsh and rocky." (I am very surprised at you, St. Cirq.)
Northern Spain is very green and hilly, as written by Marija above, for example. The terrain of Barcelona is nothing like that of Sevilla. Spain has beaches, deserts, mountains, and forests.
Thank you for your level-headed comments, Mimi. A clear, sensible voice amongst the foolish.
In 1999, I drove from Paris to Tours, Angouleme, Biarritz, San Sebastian, Burgos, Segovia, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, and back to Paris via Provence, Lyon, and Beaune. I think I covered most of Spain, so I know what I am talking about.
No, Spain is not like Italy. But it is just as fabulous.
And I know fabulous, sweetie.
You Americans should stick to Disney World.
May 28th, 2004, 08:01 AM
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I think comparing the two countries wouldn't be fair to each other.. Both have something to offer, depends on what you're in the mood for...however for me, I was able to relate to the history and art in Italy so much because of my fascination for the Roman empire and because of all my undergrad Renaissance art classes! Italy's got a piece of my heart.
Spain..I went this March, and it was my first time, was also beautiful - culturally it's also rich with its flamenco dancing and a lot of Muslim architecture which I'm also very much acquainted with. Seville is a charming place - my friend couldn't get over the smell of orange blossoms. Maybe Italy is more glamourous...Spain is more down to earth. ;-) Ok Ok huge generalization and it depends on the places you visit in each country but those are the words that come to mind when I think of both countries! I love to explore and I'm not done with Spain or Italy yet!
Both have something to offer, depends on what you're in the mood for...however for me, I was able to relate to the history and art in Italy so much because of my fascination for the Roman empire and because of all my undergrad Renaissance art classes! Italy's got a piece of my heart.Spain..I went this March, and it was my first time, was also beautiful - culturally it's also rich with its flamenco dancing and a lot of Muslim architecture which I'm also very much acquainted with. Seville is a charming place - my friend couldn't get over the smell of orange blossoms. Maybe Italy is more glamourous...Spain is more down to earth. ;-) Ok Ok huge generalization and it depends on the places you visit in each country but those are the words that come to mind when I think of both countries! I love to explore and I'm not done with Spain or Italy yet!
May 30th, 2004, 05:42 AM
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Ger, Thanks for your post. You captured so many of the wonderful things about Spain. I know I'm in the minority, but my husband and I did not really enjoy our trip to Tuscany and the Italian riviera. Perhaps it was that we went at the end of March and it was rainy and cold, perhaps it was the high prices, perhaps it was the fact that everywhere we went there were hords of tour groups, who knows? We adore France and have been to Spain twice recently and loved it. Some of the things to enjoy: All things Gaudi in Barcelona, the beautiful Atlantic beaches on the northern coasts, the Alhambra in Granada, the food in Barcelona and the Basque region, the magnificent cathedrals throughout Spain, especially Toledo, which we found "warmer" and less austere than the cathedrals in Italy, the fun-loving people, the beautifullly maintained and charming paradors, where you can stay in restored castles and other historic sites with relative luxury for very reasonable rates. There is just so much to see and do in Spain and it all seems less touristy and more pleasantly accessible than so many places in Italy that are just over-run by tour groups.
May 30th, 2004, 01:06 PM
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Fellow travelers: we just returned from Italy, I was stunned with its beauty. After hearing your many astute observations I am now excited about visiting Spain. We were planning to spend 12 days in Spain with 4 days in Madrid and 6 days in Barcelona. The two remaining days could be taken touring Toledo or towns near Madrid. The south of Spain sounds lovely but this trip I think we will concentrate on the north and those two cities. Next trip will be to the south of Spain and those recommended towns. Can anyone recommend a time of year to go? I was thinking May or September. Thank you for your many gracious responses.
May 31st, 2004, 06:48 AM
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Hi SurfSide6, I asked some locals when my husband and I were in Spain during Feb this year what time of year is the best time to visit Spain. The answer was a prompt --- May. I then pursued and asked about fall. May remained the answer. When I asked why, the response was that the weather was just so splendid in May. I have not been to Italy, so I can't respond to your original question.
My own experience is that every place in our big world has so much to offer if you keep an open mind, a sense of adventure, and remain perceptive. So, to have a contest of sorts between two very different places seems to me a moot point. You are better off discovering for yourself what it is that you like and then to seek it out. I, for one, loved the diversity of Spain. You will see it in the culture, the terrain, the foods and language.
Do get Maribel's guides for Spain, as suggested by Ger... (OReilly) They are an invaluable resource.
Have a great trip!
- Sharon
My own experience is that every place in our big world has so much to offer if you keep an open mind, a sense of adventure, and remain perceptive. So, to have a contest of sorts between two very different places seems to me a moot point. You are better off discovering for yourself what it is that you like and then to seek it out. I, for one, loved the diversity of Spain. You will see it in the culture, the terrain, the foods and language.
Do get Maribel's guides for Spain, as suggested by Ger... (OReilly) They are an invaluable resource.
Have a great trip!
- Sharon
