Cell providers-- Italy and Spain.

I used TIM for a few months in Italy, was very happy with it. I could call the US for 12 cents a minute and I had a plan through which calls to other TIM customers were free (that's only helpful if you'll be calling a lot of other Italians though). Reloading credit is very easy either through a TIM store or going to a Tabacchi.

Thank you Devon!

Does anyone know if there are any providers who cover both Italy and Spain?

George's link is helpful, look at what they suggest for each country. TIM should function in Spain, but it will be roaming so it will cost more (and you won't be able to recharge your minutes as easily, so you would have to load enough on before you go). Depending on how long you are in Spain, you may just want to buy a local SIM card there. The TIM card was 10€ and included 5€ of credit. It's affordable enough to me to buy one in Spain if you will be there long enough (I don't know how you're splitting your time between the countries).

Thanks folks. I went with a Vodaphone SIM-- they were selling in airport. So far, so good, and I understand it will work in Spain too