Spain (2016, 2017, 2018)
Trails
Teide national park and Teno national park in Tenerife, GR 131 in La Palma, Nuria and nearby mountains in Pyrenees
Food
I have tried Spanish food only a few times, but I think it is as good as Italian in terms of taste and variety. My best experience was visiting a Spanish vegan restaurant at the invitation of a Catalan friend Pau in Barcelona. It was not food; it was an experience of a lifetime.
Transportation
I never tried hitchhiking or in Spain. Public transport quality is similar to Italy, and prices are fairly low by western European standards.
People
In terms of friendliness Spanish rank side by side with Italians. Just incredibly friendly and easy going.
Special Experiences
Having terrible heat exhaustion from underestimating the tough heat conditions in Teide national park, night view, and sunrise over Tenerife from another island called La Palma. The best experience was, being invited by a Spanish group in La Palma to join them for supper at a campsite where they were celebrating with live music. Their friendliness and hospitality will always remain etched in my memory.