Italy: A Place I Keep Coming Back To

Italy, Croatia’s neighbouring country, is a popular destination for Croatian travellers. I have visited it many times since childhood, but two later trips stand out – one to visit a childhood friend for New Year 2020, just before the pandemic, and another in 2021.

I stayed in Darfo Boario Terme, a town in the Lombardy region known for its thermal baths and its location in the Valle Camonica, one of the largest valleys in the Central Alps.

The valley, famous for its prehistoric rock carvings and UNESCO World Heritage status, offers stunning mountain views that remind me of Switzerland. We also went to Milan to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Italian food never disappoints – from fresh pasta and pizza to countless regional specialties, it is one of the best cuisines in the world.

In 2021, my friend and I took a road trip through Tuscany, visiting Forte dei Marmi, a charming seaside town known for its elegant beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

We continued to Florence, known for its remarkable architecture and artistic heritage, where I visited Santa Maria del Fiore, Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo – each highlighting Florence’s timeless charm.