We're planning to go to Italy, love it, but have been there twice. Thought of going to Southern Spain, but have heard it is blazing hot. Any thoughts on this?!
Depends when you go. Both countries are hot in summer.
If you avoid mid June to mid Sept it won't be hot in either country. Southern Spain has Northern Cal weather. And in summer in the interior it's hotter than on the coast where you get some breeze, just like the Central Valley in California.
I wouldn't compare Seville (where temps nudge 40c for 3 months of the year) to San Francisco though.
Sacramento sounds similar, though
I have never been to Cali but I can comment on being on both Italy and southern Spain during the summer. They are both hot, but to me they are different "kinds" of not. Italy seems to be more humid, while southern Spain seems to have a blazing sun but a dry heat, which for some reason, is slightly more tolerable to me. We were in Seville in June and it would go as high as 105°F. I do love the lifestyle there though, as they take advantage of late evenings and night time.
Michele,
Both countries have lots to offer and if you're already been to Italy twice, you might enjoy a change. I tend to favour Italy, as there are many areas I haven't explored yet.
It totally depends on your interests, and on what time of year you'll be traveling. Share those here and get more helpful responses. Any thoughts to doing both?
My vote would always be for Italy over Spain. Been to both numerous times but if given a choice I would pick Italy. So many different regions and off season Sicily is amazing. Plus, I feel its easier to get around Italy and the language barrier is easier for me in Italy than in Spain. If you want to try something different than try Spain or another country in Europe.
Been to Spain 5 times, now in Italy,first time,loving it so far.
Not sure if I can make a comparison as to which country I like the best, they are so very different.
But I would never go to Spain in July or August , crowds and heat.
Southern Spain is way too hot to be enjoyable. However the Basque region is quite nice in June and first weeks in July.
I really love Italy and have been numerous times, but I also loved my first trip to the south of Spain. I was there in May and the weather was hot (high 80s) a few days, but very tolerable. I would not want to be there in the summer... however I have been to Italy in July and it was pushing 100 in Venice and Rome, and I can tell you I prefer Italy in the off season as well. But, I guess if I have to be somewhere in the summer it may as well be Europe. Just take a siesta in the afternoon... get up early and stay out late!
Well, if you want beaches with warm water (and who wouldn't, coming from Oakland), go to Spain . . . or Sicily.
After 3 trips to Italy, I went to Andalusia and loved it as much, if not more, than Italy.