My wife and I have been to Italy twice, but never to Spain. WE LOVE ITALIA! We will leave for a week in Spain, however, later this winter, including 3 nights Barcelona and 4 nights Madrid, including a long day trip with a guide in Seville. What can we expect? To those who know both cultures, how do you think we will find Spain similar--and different than?--Italy? Molte grazie y muchas gracias.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23262 posts
That is an impossible question -- probably without an answer or at least a good answer -- IT depends !!! We have spent equal time in both -- about three weeks. Absolutely different but difficult to suggest that one is better than the other. Like both about equally well but for different reasons. The tapas bar scene is unique to Spain and we love it. But if I had to choose one food group for the rest of my life -- it would be Italian. Wines are equal good. Rome is historical and very old. Madrid is the youngest at 400 years of the European capitols. The art work is not as extensive in Spain but the architecture is much more varied with the Moors influence. I would not spend 4 nights in Madrid nor a trip to Seville. Seville is much too far for a day trip. See Toledo, Avila, and Segovia, especially Segovia from Madrid. Use the bus !! Save Sevilla for a week through Cordoba, Granada, Sevilla, and the Costa del Sol area.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
They are sufficiently different that I doubt love of Italy predicts anything about how you'll find Spain.
I do think you'll have a better chance of loving Spain if you arrive without Italian expectations.
Have a great time!
Posted by
OP
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Thanks so much. Your insights have been helpful, especially in regards to an open mind and leaving any "Italian" expectations at home. As for the itinerary, I'm afraid it's set. And the AVE high-speed train ride from Madrid to Seville is 2.5 hours. You're right, I know it's not ideal. But we have a guide meeting us at the station in Seville for a bit of whirlwind one-day tour, and then we return to Madrid at night the same day. We at least wanted a sampling of Seville, since we're not sure when we'll get to Spain. Probably best for us not to even attempt to compare, and just take Spain on its own terms. Thanks, again.
Posted by
Halifax
110 posts
Gio
I think you'll find many similarities bewtween Spain and Italy. The long slow lunches, dinners etc. The cafe society. Tapas bars are virtually identical to cichetti bars that you may have experienced in Venice for example.
There is that wonderful chaos in both countries.
Barcelona is not so much Spanish as "European". Madrid however,is Spain.
You'll have a wonderful time