I'll be leaving on Wednesday, hanging out in Europe for three weeks. My friend's grandmother's home is in downtown London. So we will be "homebased" there. Friends in Scotland. I wanted to check out Paris "just because".. Now my friend and I discussed checking out Spain? or Italy? or are both do-able in about a weeks time frame? Any suggestions? Is either of more interest to you and why? Thanks! -Karen

I just got home from Spain tonight, so will post again tomorrow when I'm not so tired. Just wanted to say that I much prefer Italy to Spain in almost every way, but if you're looking to economize or are on a tight budget, Spain is significantly cheaper.

We were in both in May and I'd have to say--flip a coin--they're both GREAT!
Spain is a bit less expensive, but it really depends on where your interests lie. Go to bookstores and check out guidebooks on each, check out trip reports here, and other websites. But with the time you have, I'd suggest you not try to do both.

In August I would stay close to home and see Ireland & Scotland---that will take all the time you have.

If you want to "check out" Spain & Italy, I suggest that you get a Rick Steves video.

No way would I suggest that you try to visit Spain & Italy for 1 week in August.

There is plenty to do in London, the English countryside, and Scotland. Slow down and enjoy it more. If you get bored with your surroundings after 2 weeks, take a train to Paris.

Stu Dudley

I am part of a mixed marriage! I prefer Spain, my husband loves Italy. Here is what I can tell you is a general difference. Spain seems more exotic, especially the southern coast, it may be the moorish influence, I love it! Italy is more familiar in a western civ, classical way. They are both worth spending time in and if you are doing London and Paris, it seems like Rome would be the perfect addition. Go to Spain someother time.

It's really hard. Honestly, I'm a nerd and I believe I've seen ever episode of Rick Steve's, and numerous random shows on Fine Living and the Travel Channel....... I think that curious little girl in me wants to go to Rome so I can pretend to be Audrey Hepburn. I've just had numerous people jab into conversations with "Go to spain!" "Oh my gosh madrid is great"... Don't know why but it seems like a very popular place among the 20-somethings here in Northern California.. Well. Shall talk it over with the other half of my trip tonight. Thanks for the input everyone!

Italy, hands down. And I've lived in both.

Spain, easily. There is more to see in Italy, but in a week's time, there is more than you can possibly see in either, so that doesn't matter.

Spain's big advantage is that it is a lot cheaper. You can afford to travel well without watching your pocketbook. Simple example: in Spain for lunch, we had a nice sit-down meal with wine everyday. In Italy for lunch, we ate pizza standing most of the time.

If it comes to a choice between Spain and Italy, I say Italy. Both are wonderful but the best part of Spain is Andalucia and it will be beastly hot in August. Either explore Scotland, Ireland and Paris (once you get there, you won't want to leave)or go to northern Italy.

I really recommend going to Spain. Spain literally has it all. Where on earth can you find Roman, Arab, Celtic, Gothic culture all in one? In Spain. Where on earth can you find Lush green Forests, Semi-Arid deserts, swamps, Snowcapped Alps all in one? In Spain.

Do you know that spain ranks higher than Italy in tourism? It's number 3 and italy is number 4. But at the same time, is not as tourist croweded as italy, which gives it a more relaxing and realistic feel.

Spain has a stronger culture and feel to it. It is very cheerful and warm. And at the same time, spain is one one of the most modern and hip country in europe.

Spain is more fun and relaxed than italy. Although it is not exactly like italy, that doesnt' mean it isn't better than italy. Italy has many famouse historic Icons. But spain doesn't because people don't take the time to go there. A big problem with tourism, is that the media focuses on the italy, france and ingland but have forgotten about spain and that is not right, because spain has more to offer than any of those countries combined.

I it were for me i would not go to paris, and go to spain instead, and then go to italy. I've never been to france but from what people have told me, Spain is much better.

Most of the peopleon this forum which have gone to italy and spin prefer italy better because they haven't opened their minds. They love italy so much that they unconciously don't want to admit that there are better places than boring tuscany.

I'm telling you this from the deepest of my heart. Go to Spain and you will not be disappointed. Spain is waiting to be discovered.

- Ricky

Ricky:

Do you realize that the original poster left for Europe in early August?

And yes, Spain has a higher number of tourists than Italy does, but a huge percentage of them are from Britain and the Scandinavian countries, who go there for sun, sand and cheap wine. I hope you are not recommending Torremolinos as a cultural destination in Spain.

And as for the cultures represented in Spain, may I suggest that you look into those represented in Sicily? Prehistoric, Punic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Spanish - and I've probably forgotten one or two...

Comparing Florence to Barcelona, the two towns I've recently visited, I'd say definitely Barcelona. Way less touristy than Florence, more variety of things to do. I loved both places, but felt more love towards Spain. Good luck and enjoy!

I don't care if the author already left. This forum might inspire other people aswell.

And those civilizations that conquered scily you just mentioned, also conquered spain. I'm just trying to prove a point. Atleast Spain is known for it's diversity, and you want to claim that for italy aswell.

Why don't you people just admit that spain has more if not the same to offer than italy?

They are both different types of destinations and both have their up and down sides. And that remark about the cheap wine really hurt. FYI spain is right up there with italy as far as wine goes.

Ricky, Ricky, don't get your knickers in a knot. I know Spanish wines can be good. The point I was making was that the British and the Scandinavians are not there to drink good Spanish wine, but to get drunk on cheap Spanish wine. Have you spent any time in Torremolinos in the summer?

I haven't spent time in torremolinos. there are always tourist traps in ever country and I admit the we do have some. But i'm saying that we have some cities that do infact rival itly's. You just have to take time to go there.

As one post said. Some people are just too lazy to do research about spain and decide to go to italy instead because it's more popular.

Ricky, I have been to Spain twice, both times for three weeks.

The first time I visited Madrid, Toledo, El Escorial, Avila, Granada, Ronda, Sevilla and Cordoba.

The second time I returned to Madrid and Toledo and visited Segovia, Salamanca, Zamora, Leon and Burgos.

I think I've given Spain a fair chance. I'm simply happier in Italy. And nothing anyone can say will change that fact.

I know I can't change your mind, you've probably had a nicer time in italy. But it doesn't mean that it is a fact. I'm not just going to say this to support my comments, but, everyone who I've asked which place the enjoyed more, and most say Spain. Why? They tell me that the people and the atmosphere of the place is so alive and cheerful.

Ricky, I think your command of English is not perfect, so I will explain: The "fact" that I was referring to is that "I am happier in Italy."

That IS a fact, and it is a fact that no one can change.