{"id":875581,"date":"2024-01-13T09:32:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T08:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=875581"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:37:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:37:09","slug":"italy-vs-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/italy-vs-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy vs Spain: Our team of travel experts have their say"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When it comes to taking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-gb\/destinations\/europe\/italy\">Italy<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-gb\/destinations\/europe\/spain\">Spain trips<\/a>, can there really be a winner and loser? These two southern European heavyweights both deserve a place on the podium of great destinations. Yet what happens if we pit them against one another in a fierce battle for top spot?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/ken-cheung-VbLTNceBTFE-unsplash-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ken-cheung-VbLTNceBTFE-unsplash-edited.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ken-cheung-VbLTNceBTFE-unsplash-edited-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ken-cheung-VbLTNceBTFE-unsplash-edited-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/ken-cheung-VbLTNceBTFE-unsplash-edited-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the red, green, and white corner of the ring we have Italy, a European gem renowned for its pizza, pasta, and its famous painters. Opposite them, draped in fiery red and yellow, stands Spain, the relentless Iberian contender fueled by vibrant festivals, architectural wonders, and stunning beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked our team of seasoned Trafalgar travel experts to step into the arena and weigh in on these two Mediterranean titans. Who will emerge victorious in this travel battle? Let the showdown of Italy vs Spain begin, with each vying for the wanderlust championship belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-italy\">Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ding ding! Draped in red, white, and green, we have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-eu\/destinations\/europe\/italy\">Italy<\/a> \u2013 who has entered the ring while spraying the crowd with heavy snow of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. This European heavyweight knows its strengths are a winning combination of cheese-covered carbs and culture. Is that enough to win the title?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/rome-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rome-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rome-1-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/rome-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Italy is culinary powerhouse where every dish is a gastronomic knockout. Naturally pasta, pizza, and gelato take no prisoners! The Colosseum and the Vatican stand as the cornermen, adding a historical one-two punch. And Italy&#8217;s landscapes are no mere backdrop \u2013 from the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast to the vineyard-clad hills of Tuscany, these scenes add weight to Italy\u2019s case.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/best-of-italy-and-sicily\">Best of Italy &amp; Sicily<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel experts weigh in on Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see what the judges (our well-seasoned travel experts) have to say about why Italy is their pick of the two contenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAlthough both destinations are amazing, Italy really takes <em>la torta<\/em> for me,\u201d says Jake M, Sales Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve been there 10(?) times and don&#8217;t feel like I have even come close to scratching the surface. The history, architecture, natural scenery and incredible art is only outdone by the truly unbeatable food and the warmth and charm of the Italian people.&nbsp;<br><br>\u201cI am blessed to have fragments of memories of my travels in Italy; an elderly gondolier bursting into wine-soaked song in a small restaurant in Burano, dodging a rainstorm near the Rialto bridge with a hunk of parmesan and crusty bread, laughing with the bickering old couple running the bar in Naples who were excited to try out their limited English, a sun-dappled afternoon drifting around an olive farm near Trapani, sipping negronis at Fauno Bar in Sorrento, feeling like I&#8217;m in a movie with Monica Vitti, need I go on?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/pizza-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pizza-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pizza-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pizza.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt may be a clich\u00e9, but it&#8217;s all about the food for me, says Alex, Trafalgar\u2019s Senior Editorial Manager. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI Love the variety, the regionality and the pride that goes into it. It&#8217;s not just about the eating experience, either. There&#8217;s always a story, a historical reason a certain dish is made a certain way. You can learn a lot about the history of Italy just by asking a couple of questions about what you&#8217;re eating. For that reason, I always try and try something new whenever I go. That said, I&#8217;m a sucker for pizza and gelato, too.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOut of many reasons, the one I find most compelling is the history,&#8221; says Jay B, Copywriter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the birthplace of so many influential movements and inventions; much of modern civilization is built off of Italian foundations,\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/northern-italy-including-cinque-terre\">Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cItaly is unquestionably a compelling blend of food, history, and breathtaking landscapes, regardless of the season in which you choose to visit,\u201d says Bruno C, Senior Digital Designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s all the contrasts in Italy for me,&#8221; says Jamie F, Head of Marketing &amp; Campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;The buzz of Rome, the sophistication of Florence, the tranquility of Matera&#8230; plus so easy to travel around by road, by rail (or by sea),\u201d . \u201cYou can be having breakfast by Venice&#8217;s Grand Canal and then dinner by Florence&#8217;s Duomo in the same day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/Venice-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Venice-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Venice-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Venice.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cItaly always seems to offer new experiences in every region you visit while keeping its charm, plus the food is glorious!\u201d says Ellie H, Senior Brand Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy first time at the Leaning Tower of Pisa we were allowed to enter and climb the winding stairs up and enjoy the views,&#8221;, says Michelle L., Senior Product Build Manager. &#8220;The stairway was narrow with people going up and coming down at the same time. A little scary at times, but well worth it,\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEverywhere you turn in Italy there is natural beauty such as the Blue Grotto. History, art and beautiful architecture surround you. Some of my favorite locales and sights are the Catacombs, Colosseum, Vatican City, Capri and, of course, the canals of Venice.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/italian-holiday\"> Italian Holiday<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-spain\">Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In other corner comes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/en-eu\/destinations\/europe\/spain\">Spain<\/a>, a fiery, passionate contender known for delivering knockout blows with its vivacious fusion of cultural fervor and architectural marvels. Can the feisty rhythm of flamenco set the tempo for relentless jabs in this showdown against Italy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/spain-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/spain-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/spain-1-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/spain-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain&#8217;s top claims to victory are grounded in its lively festivals and zest for life that pack a potent punch. From the architectural brilliance of Gaudi&#8217;s creations in Barcelona to the historic grandeur of Madrid&#8217;s Prado Museum, Spain&#8217;s cultural uppercut leaves a hefty mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like its southern European neighbour, Spain finds strength in its landscapes, from Costa del Sol&#8217;s sunny beaches to the undulating Andalusian landscapes to the surf culture of Basque Country. As you cross from one side of the Iberian arena to the other, you\u2019ll find a great breadth of regional dishes and culture, from tapas to <em>pintxos<\/em>, paella to <em>pulpo<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>You may also like: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/useful-spanish-phrases\/\">21 useful Spanish phrases to learn before your trip<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/best-of-spain\">Best of Spain<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/Granada-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Granada-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Granada-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Granada.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel judges weigh in on Spain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain proves to be a formidable contender, delivering a relentless barrage of cultural highs and architectural brilliance. Let\u2019s see what the judges have to say about why Spain is their pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThe pinxtos! The vino! And in particular, for places like Bilboa and Malaga, the architecture and the museums,\u201d says Kate R, Senior Creative Lead.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/tapas-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/tapas-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/tapas-330x186.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/tapas.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSpain, but beyond the expected!\u201d says Daniela, Freelance Writer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI love the contrasts of Spain, from the south in Andalucia where tapas, Moorish history and flamenco rule, to the north in San Sebastian where it&#8217;s about pinxtos, 20th-century glamour and surf culture.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/spanish-wonder\">Spanish Wonder<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>RELATED BLOG: <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/best-places-to-visit-in-2024\/\"><em><strong>The 12 best places to visit in 2024: The Ultimate Trafalgar Bucket List<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-winner-of-italy-vs-spain\">The winner of Italy vs Spain?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As our travel experts hold up their votes, and our destinations take off their gloves, we see Italy emerge as the undisputed champion in the battle vs Spain. Italy delivers a punch-perfect experience that guarantees a heavyweight bout with <em>la dolce vita<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can\u2019t tell, our special judges seem to be enamored by Italy. Many cited special memories made during many trips to the Mediterranean titan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2024\/01\/woman-taking-selfie-rome-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-875560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/woman-taking-selfie-rome-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/woman-taking-selfie-rome-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/woman-taking-selfie-rome.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Of our 11 travel experts, we had nine judges cast their votes for Italy when pitted against Spain. So, Italy has a knockout victory in the hearts of globetrotter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TAKE A TRIP TO ITALY: <\/em><\/strong><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/colours-of-sicily\">Colours of Sicily<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>OR SEE BOTH COUNTRIES: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/tours\/mediterranean-highlights\">Mediterranean Highlights<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The real winner of Italy vs Spain? Any lucky traveler that actually gets to explore either destination! Will you visit either in 2024? Let us know in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to taking Italy or Spain trips, can there really be a winner and loser? These two southern European heavyweights both deserve a place on the podium of great destinations. Yet what happens if we pit them against one another in a fierce battle for top spot? In the red, green, and white [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":875591,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/italy-vs-spain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Italy vs Spain: Our team of travel experts have their say\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Let the showdown of Italy vs Spain begin, with each vying for the coveted championship belt in the world of wanderlust.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/italy-vs-spain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-13T08:32:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T13:37:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Italy-vs-SPain-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta 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