Italy or Spain?
The practical differences, drawn from our own write-ups rather than from a brochure. We are not going to tell you which is better - they are different trips. What follows is what actually changes between them.
Places written up here 408 432
UNESCO listings among them 43 60
Cost level Mid-range Mid-range
Busiest month in our write-ups June May
Currency Euro (EUR) Euro (EUR)
Plugs and voltage C, F, L - 230 V C, F - 230 V
Everyday languages Italian Spanish
Driving side right hand side right hand side
Region Southern Europe Southern Europe
Capital Rome Madrid
Italy
Food rules are real, dress is noticed, and la bella figura - making a good impression - matters.
What we have written up
- Abbey of Sant'Antimo abbey
- Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park national park
- Aci Trezza sea stacks
- Agnone bell foundry town
- Alcantara Gorges gorge
- Alghero walled port
Worth knowing before you go
- The coperto cover charge on restaurant bills is normal and is not a tip
- Validate paper train tickets in the small machines before boarding regional trains
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner
Spain
Life runs late and loud; the evening paseo and a long lunch are institutions.
What we have written up
- Aiguamolls de l'Emporda wetland reserve
- Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici national park
- Ainsa medieval town
- Alarcon walled village
- Albaicin historic quarter
- Albarino of Rias Baixas wine region
Worth knowing before you go
- Tipping is small change, not a percentage
- Cards work everywhere, though tiny bars may prefer cash
- Museums often free on set evenings - check ahead
Counts describe this site, not the countries: "places written up here" means how many pages we have finished, and it keeps growing. Currency, plugs and languages are practical facts and change rarely; check anything visa-related with the relevant official source before you book.