Italy has something that cannot be fully captured, even after visiting it several times. Each return is like coming back to a new country; it is not a destination you simply cross off a list. There is so much to know that you always want to return. There are always new versions of it, and a new version of yourself traveling through it. I lived there during a stage of my life, and that is why this country holds a special place in my history. Living in a place completely transforms the experience; it stops being a destination you heard about and becomes part of your life.

During my comings and goings, I am going to start by telling you about the north, a part of the country that moves at a completely different pace from the rest. Walking through its corners takes you from the vibrant sophistication of Lombardy, like in Milan and Como, through the historical romance of Veneto in Venice and Verona, to the border gem of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with the magic of Trieste and Grado.

Crossing these regions, something changes in the air. People have an innate and natural elegance; both the language and the way of interacting acquire a different cadence. There is a more reserved and refined character that can be breathed in every square. To be honest, this north reminds me a lot of southern Switzerland. It is an Italy that surprises and disarms you with its impeccable sense of order, balconies with perfectly tended geraniums, and church facades that combine Romanesque sobriety with Italian character.

Heading south, I went down through Tuscany toward places like Florence and Pisa, where the landscape opens up completely. Rolling hills, endless vineyards, and golden fields define the horizon; it feels visually perfect, as if time there decided to move slower.

And then we have Rome, the city where you seem to step back in time. Walking through it helps you understand why Italy has so many UNESCO World Heritage sites; for me, it is simply an open-air museum. Standing in front of the Colosseum and knowing that you are visiting one of the seven wonders of the world couldn’t be more touching; it’s still there, standing as if nothing happened, right in the middle of everything, while you keep thinking about the gladiators, the beasts, and all the battles that took place there. The weight of history is simply impossible to ignore.

Traveling through the south is a different story. Places like Bari, Taranto, Lecce, and Alberobello in Apulia, or the impressive Matera, were experiences that completely captivated me. They are corners kissed by the constant sea breeze that maintain their own identity, a vibrant warmth, walks among endless olive groves, and sunsets bathed in gold; that glow cannot be forgotten.

On this southern route, I also experienced the poetic chaos of Naples, walked along the cliffs of Sorrento, explored the fascinating streets frozen in time of Pompeii, and was left breathless by the vertical magic of the Amalfi Coast. Contemplating Positano and Amalfi is understanding why it is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, a true paradise.

Of course, it is impossible to talk about Italy without mentioning its food; this is another level entirely. Italian gastronomy is one of my favorites, especially because the art of the table is something shared with friends and family, the true essence of la dolce vita.

Pasta may seem simple, but it is crafted with absolute precision. Fresh cheese and ingredients as simple as tomato and basil are treated almost as sacred elements. Their sauces make a perfect match with their wonderful wines, following a very clear tradition and intention. It is the magic of transforming a simple meal into an act of love and connection. It is in these small details that you begin to understand that Italy is not just about what you see, but about how it is lived.

For me, it is not just a destination. It is a place I always want to return to. Personally, I don’t usually repeat countries, but something different happens with this place. It is one of those corners that keeps a part of you and, without you realizing it, takes a little piece of your heart.