Spain (2016, 2017, 2018)

I visited Spain multiple times with different friends and once with my wife. Spain, just like Italy, is one of my favorite countries in Europe because of its rich history, culture, and food. The provinces are very different from each other, and the landscape is drop-dead gorgeous. I want to visit it a few more times.

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.