South Tyrol, Italy

After two visits, we can see ourselves living in South Tyrol. It has everything: dramatic mountain landscapes with plenty of wide-open nature, incredible food and wine with a rich culinary heritage, colourful towns and a few big (but not too big) cities, and friendly, hard-working people, who aren’t afraid to have a little fun.

On our first trip to South Tyrol, we explored the local produce and farming life, through Roter Hahn, a wonderful company that organises farm-stays. We tasted wine and apples in the valley and headed high up into the Dolomites to sample cheese and dairy. We also fell in love with knodel, the hearty South Tyrolean dumplings.

On our second visit, we visited the capitol, Bolzano, and experienced the beautiful Christmas Market. They we discovered the spa and wellness traditions of three vastly different spas and resorts. We can’t think of a better place to relax.

There is no doubt in our minds we’ll return to South Tyrol. They just may not be able to get rid of us.