We'd always been collecting the best spots and sharing them with friends. When Bodo wanted to rent out his house (N001) in Tuscany, we thought it would be fun to create a great platform and add many more special places. This way, we could introduce people to unique, authentic Italian spots.

“Yes, we find that very important at Plinius. This year we have four 'ways of slow travelI came up with ideas: one Interrail trip to Rome, Ellen hiked along the coast in Liguria, Bodo cycled from Tuscany to Sicily through Umbria, Lazio, Campania, and Calabria, and I'm going to Sardinia by (electric) car and boat in September. We always try to travel to Italy by train or car as much as possible. Unfortunately, that's not always possible, but if you have the time, it's wonderful to take the journey slowly. We've also discovered some really lovely places to stay overnight, a favorite of all of us, for example, is Stella d'Italia on Lake Lugano.

When I lived in Italy for six months, I realized that many clichés are actually true. Italians plan a lot less, always drink coffee out, food is sacred, and they take their time with it. Italians can also be really slow sometimes. You might find yourself waiting in line just because people are chatting. We Dutch can't stand that at all, but in Italy, nobody minds. Everything is just allowed to be a bit slower there. Something I found very beautiful to see, but unfortunately, it's an art I haven't quite mastered yet, haha.

"Pantelleria, a tiny island closer to Africa than Italy. When I landed at the tiny airport in a small propeller plane, it felt like I'd stepped back in time fifty years, and that feeling persisted throughout my stay. There's very little to do, but that was precisely its charm."

I'm convinced you can find the real Italy anywhere; you just have to look beyond the tourist traps. Even in Venice, for example, a city that can feel like a theme park, you can find some really lovely, local spots if you just look carefully and take a few lefts and rights. But regions with very little tourism are Abruzzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Calabria. They also feel truly pure and are still very undiscovered.

It's hard to choose, but these accommodations are truly special. I would recommend them to everyone. This B&B on Lake Como Ca Spiga with a delicious breakfast and a beautiful view. In Liguria, again from a super nice young couple, Casa Pernice in Liguria is nicely decorated and run by a super nice young couple. This hotel in Florence is also cool. Because I lived in Rome, I can this Don't miss out, they also have a really nice shop. Dutch Jasmine is doing well together with her Sicilian all beautiful places around Sciaccia. I'm also a huge fan of this gem in Naples, again from a very nice young girl. This house in Merano (again with an amazing breakfast) is a great base for hikes and wellness and an amazing breakfast and a great base for hikes and wellness.”

PLINY