What is so special about Italy?

You often get this question as an Italy lover. You will recognize it. Usually from people who don't know Italy very well yet. Because otherwise they would of course have known the answer!

Around this time, many people ask, "So, are you still going on vacation?" And then usually fill in the answer yourself: 'To Italy again, surely?' To which I usually answer in the affirmative. Or say 'we're not sure yet'. And then – indeed – often travel to Italy again.

• "But why always Italy?"
• "What draws you to Italy?"
• "What's so special about Italy?"

I already have my answer ready:

Italy has everything you are looking for in a holiday. The good weather, the divine food, the rich culture, the cordial people, the sounding language, the almost eight thousand kilometers of coast, the idyllic villages, the unexpected events.

Well, I could go on and on.

Since I first went to Italy (Rome) in the year 2000, I have been there almost every year. Sometimes several times. Yes, I was immediately sold. Italy turned out not to be just a peninsula in the south of Europe. Italy was truly SPECIAL. Why hadn't I got to know this country before? Italy has 'it'.

That might be hard to understand for someone who's never been there. But crossing the border between Switzerland and Italy (in the right direction) is always a reason for a big smile for me.

I always look forward to the first cup of fragrant coffee, the first sincere good morning and the first terrace with an Italian appetizer.

There are thousands of reasons why Italy is special. I could write a book about it. oh wait! 

But what is so special about Italy for you?