Italy, 1988 – present

For many Germans, Italy is the epitome of the Mediterranean lifestyle and Dolce Vita, of art, culture, and even a bit of chaotic circumstances. In Italy, every traveller can find their own little piece of bliss, if they open themselves up to the people and the culture. It is the diversity of history, landscapes, cuisine, and people that fascinates.

Take Rome as an example. Ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, have merged with the modern city as islands of tranquility. Southern temperament bubbles in the streets and squares, in cafes and bars. Venice, with its palaces, canals, and gondolas, is unique in the world and threatened by sinking.

Sardinia is often described as a continent of its own within Europe – an island fought over and influenced by many peoples – Greeks, Romans, Spaniards, French, and Italians have repeatedly raided, ruled, or fought the indigenous Sardinians. Added to this are the mysterious remnants of the Nuragic culture from the 2nd millennium to the 3rd century BC, with its many thousands of fortress towers.

Elba is developed with an excellent tourist infrastructure and tends to be visited by more affluent travellers. The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago combines history, lifestyle, and an island flair.

In Campania, alongside the juggernaut of Naples, we experience fertile stretches of land with vast vegetable fields, buffalo herds for Mozzarella di Campana, olive and lemon groves, and dark sandy beaches shaped by volcanism. the impressive cone of Vesuvius as well as an authentic Southern Italian way of life. On the journey, enjoy fantastic views over the Gulf of Naples and the dramatic Amalfi Coast and its towns like Amalfi or Positano. We gained educational insights into ancient Roman life through the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the south of Campania lies the still relatively unknown Cilento with its beautiful coast around Capo Palinuro and Marina di Camerota, as well as the mountains in the hinterland.

Lake Garda, on the other hand, is closer and seems to many travellers almost like a suburb of Munich, especially on weekends. This is naturally due to its rugged charm, the mix of Mediterranean flair with the Alpine mountain world – the leisure options are correspondingly diverse: surfing, cycling, climbing, kiting, paragliding, hiking, but also history, art, and culture; I also recommend attending an opera performance in the Verona Arena.