Italy or Spain: where to go for the sea and what is cheaper in 2026

Italy and Spain compete for the title of Europe's best beach destination. Both countries promise sea, history, and good food, but for the same budget you will get a different vacation.

We compared them by the main criteria: flights, visas, seasons, beaches, hotels, service, prices, and excursions. Below you will find a short conclusion, facts with dates, and the honest catches of each destination.

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Flights and distance

💡 In short:

• Spain wins on beach season length thanks to the Canary Islands and on prices, while Italy is stronger in excursions and gastronomy.
• A Schengen visa is not required for everyone: EU citizens only need an identity card.
• Visas and seasons: 09/2026, verified on the official EU website

Direct flights from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to Italy and Spain operate year-round. The straight-line distance from Berlin to Rome is about 1,180 km, while to Madrid it is already 1,870 km (on the map). That is why a flight to Italy is usually shorter and often cheaper.

© Carlo Dani · CC BY-SAPhoto: Carlo Dani, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Munich is closer to Italy than to Spain. You can reach Rome, Milan, and Venice in about two hours, while a flight to Barcelona takes noticeably longer (according to airline schedules). Tickets are cheaper on Tuesday and Wednesday, and more expensive on Friday and during peak vacation periods.

Traveling by train from Germany to Italy is also convenient. Trains through the Alps reach Milan and Rome, but the journey takes a whole day. So a plane is almost always faster for getting to southern Europe.

Resort airports in both countries are connected to the coast by buses and transfers. The trip to the hotel rarely takes more than an hour. Book your transfer in advance, otherwise a taxi will cost you noticeably more in high season.

Visa

EU and Swiss citizens do not need a visa for Italy or Spain. A national identity card or passport is sufficient. If you are coming from a country without visa-free access, you need a Schengen visa. The rules for Italy and Spain are the same.

The visa allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (as of 09/2026, Schengen entry rules). The consular fee for an adult is €90, and a visa for a child aged 6 to 12 costs €45 (as of 09/2026, European Commission). Children under 6 travel free.

© Vedat yenerer · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vedat yenerer, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The consulate usually makes a decision within 15 calendar days. In high season, the processing time sometimes stretches to 45 days, so submit your documents early. You will need a hotel reservation, round-trip tickets, medical insurance, and proof of income.

Starting in 2026, the ETIAS system is being prepared for visa-free travelers. As of September 2026 it has not launched yet, so keep an eye on the official ETIAS page.

Best time to visit

The seasons in the two countries are similar, but differ by month. In Italy, the beach season starts in the second half of May and lasts until October (according to the official Italian tourism office). The water warms up faster in the south, while in the north swimming is comfortable from June.

© Charlie Dave · CC BYPhoto: Charlie Dave, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Spain opens its high season already in May and keeps it going until the second half of September. Beaches and attractions are crowded during these months. The Canary Islands, however, including Tenerife, welcome tourists year-round.

It's best to plan tours for the shoulder season. April, May, September, and October offer mild weather and short lines. In summer, Rome and Seville get hot, so walk around in the morning and evening.

For mountain lovers, Italy offers a ski season from mid-December to early April. Spain also has skiing; the main resort, Pradollano, sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

If sales matter to you, remember two periods. In Spain, discount season runs in July and January. In Italy, look for the best prices on summer collections at the end of the season.

Popular beach resorts

Italy is washed by four seas, so the choice of resorts is huge. The most popular destinations are Amalfi, Lido di Jesolo, Puglia, and Rimini. Rimini is considered the most budget-friendly option on the Italian coast.

© Wouter Kiel · CC BYPhoto: Wouter Kiel, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

For a family vacation, San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily is a good fit. Premium class awaits you in Porto Cervo, Viareggio, and Sanremo.

Spanish resorts are just as numerous. Travelers most often choose Sitges, Santander, the Costa Brava, and the Costa del Sol. Nerja, Benidorm, Corralejo, and Marbella are also popular.

The islands offer a different kind of vacation. Tenerife operates year-round, Ibiza attracts young people with its clubs, and Mallorca is considered the most prestigious destination in the Balearic archipelago.

Entertainment

Italy is among the countries with the richest cultural heritage in Europe. It's easy to build an itinerary around medieval castles, ancient temples, and amphitheaters. Galleries and museum complexes take up entire days.

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Add to that skiing in the Alps, water sports on the coast, mountain hikes, and fishing. Horseback riding, walking tours, shopping, gastronomic tourism, and wine tourism are also popular. Book Colosseum and Rome museum tickets on Tiqets in advance so you don't have to stand in line.

Italians love holidays and know how to throw them. The biggest events are Christmas, New Year's, Easter, the Venice Carnival, and Ferragosto in August.

Spain responds with nature, amusement parks, and architecture. Seeing even half of the sights in one trip is nearly impossible. The top categories are beach and sightseeing vacations, gastronomy, ecotourism, shopping, and active tours.

In Spain, the fiesta holds a special place. National holidays are joined by themed festivals: the Festival of Three Cultures, Night of Wine, the kite festival, Jazz on the Coast, the Luminaires fire festival in Madrid, and Gaudí Nights.

Tours

The most visited cities in Italy are Rome, Venice, and Florence. In Rome, don't miss the Vatican, the streets of Trastevere, the views from Gianicolo, and the maze of the old town. In Venice, gondola rides are complemented by walking routes off the tourist trail and the Doge's Palace.

© Didier Descouens · CC BY-SAPhoto: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Florence is built around museums and galleries. Also take day trips to Tuscany with wine and food tastings. Pisa, Milan, Naples, the island of Ischia, and historic Genoa remain in-demand destinations.

It's convenient to book tours in advance. Tours and excursions in Italy and Spain on GetYourGuide help you secure a spot in a group at the time you need.

In Spain, the sightseeing backbone is held by Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville. On Tenerife, routes lead past the Teide volcano, Anaga Park, Loro Parque, and the village of Masca.

Barcelona also offers unusual options. You can walk along Avinguda Diagonal, try a beer route, check out the Raval neighborhood, or join the Ghosts of Barcelona tour.

In Madrid, add museums, historic monuments, old restaurants, and the atmospheric neighborhoods of Lavapiés and Malasaña. End the day with a stroll through Retiro Park.

Valencia is strong in unconventional routes. Travelers praise tours to the Templar castle, a trip to the underground river in the Cave of Saint Joseph, and visits to the Guadalest fortress and medieval Segorbe.

Organized tours save time in high season. Groups fill up in advance, and popular slots may run out. Some guides work in German and English, so confirm the language before booking.

For Rome and Barcelona, get combined tickets. They give you skip-the-line access to several sites at once and are often cheaper than separate tickets. In Venice and Seville, walking routes are more convenient: the center is closed to buses, and everything interesting is within a few blocks.

On Tenerife and Sicily, day trips to volcanoes are popular. The drive takes half a day, so bring closed-toe shoes and a jacket. In high season, these tours start early in the morning; otherwise, crowds gather at the viewpoints.

Hotels

Italy offers hotels for every budget. Among budget three-star properties, Hotel Nautilus in Sardinia stands out. The next tier up is represented by Grand Hotel & Riviera in Lido di Camaiore and Mare Hotel in Savona.

Five-star hotels cater to discerning guests. Resort five-star properties include Parco dei Principi in Sorrento and Grand Hotel Del Mare Resort & Spa in Bordighera. Compare prices for hotels in Italy on Trip.com ahead of time, and you will see available rooms for your dates.

Price levels depend on the season. In August, hotels cost more than in May or October.

• The catch: beach umbrellas and loungers are often charged separately, even at expensive hotels.
• The catch: when checking into a hotel rated above four stars, be prepared for a deposit.

Spain works differently. The concept of a "beach hotel" never really caught on here. Most properties are city-style hotels.

These hotels usually do not have their own beach. What they do have is a pool, a chill-out area, and well-kept grounds. On the first line in Spain you will find Hotel El Puerto by Pierre Vacances in Fuengirola, Ohtels Campo de Gibraltar in La Línea de la Concepción, and Lasala Plaza Hotel in San Sebastián.

Among five-star properties, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza on Ibiza and Royal Hideaway Corales Beach on Tenerife are well known.

Book early and compare several sources. Prices for the same room vary, and free cancellation is not always available. Read the cancellation terms before paying.

For large cities, choose a hotel near the metro. In Rome and Barcelona this saves time on travel and money on taxis. For a beach vacation, proximity to the sea and having your own pool matter more.

Pay attention to the tourist tax. In Italy it is paid on site, per person per night. The amount is small, but it is worth keeping in mind when budgeting your trip.

Service

Service in Italy is built on friendliness without fawning. Staff are polite, keep things clean, and strictly follow internal rules. Guests are also expected to be friendly, and arrogance is not appreciated here.

© Basile Morin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Italians in the service industry talk a lot. Even a short order at a restaurant turns into a brief conversation. Join in, and the service will become warmer.

In Spain, the stars on the sign say little. Two three-star hotels can offer completely different conditions. Choose accommodation by price and facilities, not by category.

A nice habit of Spanish hotels: linens and towels are changed every day. The exception is apartments, where cleaning is often paid separately. Budget hotels provide a toiletry kit only on check-in day.

There are also common rules for both countries. Outside high season, kids' clubs and entertainment programs usually do not operate, so you plan your children's activities yourself. Swimming in the pool outside operating hours is generally prohibited.

The language of communication depends on the region. In tourist areas, staff speak English and often German. In the countryside, a few phrases in Italian or Spanish will come in handy.

Tipping is generally optional. In Italy people often add a few euros or round up the bill; in Spain the amount depends on the type of establishment. A mandatory service charge is rare.

Another nuance relates to dinner time. In Spain people eat dinner later than in Italy, so kitchens open closer to the evening. In Italy restaurants open earlier, and it will be easier to have dinner with children.

The pace of service also differs. In Italy the waiter is in no hurry to bring the bill, and that is part of the culture. In Spain service is quicker, but during siesta hours some shops are closed.

• The catch: the air conditioning in the room is usually turned on only during the summer months.

Tour prices

The cost of a package depends on the season, flight duration, and hotel category. Package deals are often cheaper than buying flights and a hotel separately. Savings come from last-minute deals and early booking. Both options reduce costs, and you pay less for the same vacation.

All inclusive or breakfast

In Europe, hotels with breakfast are the most commonly booked option. This format is called BB: you pay for the room and the morning buffet, and you have lunch and dinner in town.

© Avi1111 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Avi1111, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Family hotels in Italy and Spain offer half board. The HB plan includes breakfast and dinner, while HB+ adds drinks. Full board is designated as FB or FB+.

The most expensive format, all inclusive (AI), does not pay off for everyone. If you go on excursions every day, you simply will not make it back to the hotel for dinner. For families with children, however, AI is convenient: food and drinks are always at hand.

Compare costs in advance. Dinner for two at a restaurant in a resort area costs a noticeable amount, so eating on your own is not always cheaper than a package with dinner. For many travelers, it is more cost-effective to book a hotel with half board.

Before your trip, check your medical insurance. Compare travel insurance options and make sure the policy covers active recreation.

Beaches

Italy's coastline includes both wild and developed beaches. Many of them are in Sardinia, where the water is especially clear. Below are the beaches travelers most often recommend to each other.

© Mentnafunangann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Mentnafunangann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The largest number of options is concentrated in Sardinia. Wild coves are reached by boat or along a hiking trail. Bring comfortable shoes, as the rocks can be slippery. Near Rome it is easy to combine the beach with sightseeing, while Sicily has more wild stretches.

Spanish beaches have a more relaxed atmosphere, and service here is at a high level. The Blue Flag is the top mark for cleanliness and infrastructure, and the Spanish coast has many such beaches. It will be easier to choose a spot by the type of shore.

Ibiza divides its beaches into quiet and club oriented. For a peaceful getaway choose Cala Codolar Beach, and for music and nightlife head to Cala Jondal Beach. On Mallorca and Tenerife the scenery is more contrasting: from the white sand of Cap de Formentor to the black sand of Benijo Beach.

Before your trip, check the type of shore. A sandy beach with a gradual entry works well for a family with a child. A pebble or rocky shore is better for diving and snorkeling. The wild beaches of Tenerife and Sicily have almost no infrastructure, so bring water and an umbrella with you.

Pay attention to wind and waves. On the open beaches of Ibiza and Tenerife the current can be noticeable, and local services post warnings about it. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty.

Traveling with children

Italy welcomes families. Children get dedicated excursions here, including history tours presented in an accessible way. A beach vacation with a child is possible at any resort, but Sardinia, Sicily and Rimini are the most convenient.

Spain is just as good. Most coastal hotels operate in a family vacation format. Costa Dorada is the best choice for parents with children.

On Costa Dorada you will find clean sandy beaches and a gradual entry into the sea. There are also water parks, rides, shows and children's discos. So in the evening there is always something for a child to do.

Check the children's facilities before booking. A mini club and a toddler pool are not available at every hotel, and outside the high season entertainment programs are often canceled. Confirm this in advance if you are traveling with a preschooler.

For young children choose a beach with a gradual entry and warm water. Sardinia and Costa Dorada are better suited than the rocky shores of Ibiza or Tenerife.

Shopping

Italy is considered one of Europe's shopping capitals. People come to Milan, Rome, Florence, Rimini and Turin for new collections. Here you can buy clothing, shoes, accessories, wine, antiques and Murano glass jewelry.

Each city has its own specialty. Fur items are most often sought in Bologna and Milan, while the most affordable leather goods and shoes are sold in Le Marche, Bologna and Empoli. Rome is known for designer collections and limited edition accessories.

Spain delights with local brands at reasonable prices. Most outlets are in the suburbs, where discounts are noticeably higher than in the city center. So major purchases are better made outside the city.

The shopping list in Spain is predictable. People bring back olive oil, cheese, jamón, wine, sweets, lace and accessories. Barcelona and Madrid are considered the best cities for shopping, and the country's main market operates in Zaragoza.

Plan your budget in advance. Prices in the provinces and at outlets are lower than in the capitals. If you want to save money, compare prices before the trip and buy big ticket items on the road.

Check the tax refund terms. Tax Free is available only to those who do not live in the EU, such as residents of Switzerland. When they spend above a certain amount, they can claim part of the VAT back at the border. Keep your receipts and packaging.

Do not forget about sizing. Italian shoes often run small, so try things on before buying. At outlets, exchanges are not always possible.

Resorts on the map

To get a sense of the distance between resorts, open the map below and compare their locations.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper for a vacation: Italy or Spain?

At beach resorts, Spain is usually cheaper. Hotels in Rimini and on the Costa del Sol cost about the same, but Spain has a wider choice of affordable city hotels. In Italy, excursions and dinners in Rome, Venice, and Florence are more expensive. So for a budget beach vacation, choose Spain.

When is the best time to go to the sea in Italy?

You'll be most comfortable from late May through June and in September. During these months the sea is already or still warm, and the beaches are less crowded. July and August bring heat and the highest prices. In Sicily the swimming season lasts longer, until October, while in the north it is shorter.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain and Italy?

EU and Swiss citizens do not need a visa, an ID card is enough. Travelers from other countries need a Schengen visa, which must be arranged in advance. The rules and fees for Italy and Spain are the same, and the visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Where is better to vacation with children: Italy or Spain?

Both countries are family-friendly. In Italy, choose Sardinia, Sicily, and Rimini: they have a gentle entry into the sea and well-developed infrastructure. In Spain, the Costa Dorada is the best option, with water parks, shows, and children's discos right next to the hotel.

Which beaches should I choose in Ibiza?

For a quiet vacation, Cala Codolar beach is a good fit: pine groves, reasonable prices, and a relaxed atmosphere. For entertainment and nightclubs, head to Cala Jondal beach. Families with small children are better off choosing another island, because Ibiza has many noisy party beaches.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on your priorities. If you want a year-round beach season in the Canary Islands and affordable hotels, go with Spain. If you want art, food, and sightseeing, choose Italy.

• If you're going for the sea from May to September: Spain, Costa del Sol or Costa Dorada.
• If you want Rome, Florence, and Venice: Italy.
• If you're traveling with children: Costa Dorada in Spain or Rimini in Italy.
• If mountains and skiing matter to you: Pradollano in Spain or the Alps in Italy.

Plan your trip in advance. Compare hotels on Trip.com and find excursions on GetYourGuide easily a couple of months before your vacation.

Tickets are also worth checking in advance. Find flights on Kiwi.com with flexible dates, and you can compare several departure airports.