We have heard that the Mani Peninsula is home to the descendants of Dorians and Spartans. A place where you can still feel a little bit of the old world. Perfectly preserved by the difficult to navigate terrain. Until recently Mani villages were only reachable by sea.  However, these days there is a narrow and winding road along the west coast from Kalamata to Akrotainaro the pointed cape, which is the southernmost point of continental Greece) before it turns north toward Gytheio has been built. Allowing the tiny bits of the old world to slowly trickle away.

Thus before all of it went away we decided to brave this region and explore it. Few adventurers venture further than the Diros caves. Where you can still find the underworld ferrymen to take you on a boat across the caves. However as in the stories so it is here you have to bring enough coins to pay for the passage to the other side. From here on south the further you go the wilder the region gets. With a rugged coastline, sleepy fishing coves, fortified villages, and wild beaches.

But the real magic starts a bit further than what you have traveled so far. At the Cape Tenaro. Where the Aegean sea separates from the Ionian Sea. Where the entrance to Hades is hidden where the temple of Poseidon is in. It is a spot through which Hercules dragged the three-headed dog Cerberus as one of his 12 tasks. It is a place that has a feeling where the world truly ends. A half-hour walk takes you to the lighthouse at the cape itself. This is the southernmost tip of mainland eastern Europe; directly south lie the sands of Libya.

For us, it was as far as we got. However, if you thought this try going east on the east coast.

The locals say the mountains drop dramatically straight down into the sea with few scattered villages. And only the very few go there for the last wilderness of Mani.

Related Articles

Jordan is a magical country. With many beautiful sights to see and explore.  However, most of us do not have a month to spend in one country and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the sights and the local culture. Keeping that in mind we have built an itinerary for exactly 10 days by car. This itinerary is built so that people would rest, get some excitement and see some of the most beautiful wonders of Jordan.

I am of course talking about the back entrance of Petra. Even now it is advised to go with a local guide. There are no signs marking the way and many Wanderers have already lost their way. Requiring local Bedouins who know the land, like their own hand, to go and look for these poor fools.

It took us a better part of the day to reach the back entrance to Petra, through the wild trails, magnificent panoramas, and ancient sites older than Petra itself. We started the hike from our dwelling in Little Petra and our kind host took upon himself to lead us, share his knowledge of the place and show the beauty of the land. Our guide who took us through Little Petra and all the way across the wilderness of Petra desert was dressed in a brown tunic and dress shoes. It seemed like he was strolling through his garden rather than going on a hike through mountains. Everywhere he looked was his home.

He led us through the trail that only he knew and told us stories of his family. How they used to live. How some still continue to live the Bedouin way and how some have integrated into the city life. And some who live in the city but can’t handle the city way and the city way of thinking that every then and now they go back to the caves or deserts to be alone with the nature to connect back with the ways it has been for centuries.

He led us and we followed. Until we reached a couple of women selling scarfs on the way. I can admit we bought some. I was not very keen on having hard negotiations because I saw in my loved one eyes the desire to buy them and the unwillingness to part. He showed us the remains of the game that none remembers exactly how to play, etched in the stone. He showed us stones that can be grinned and used as make-up and also shared the water collection secrets of the ancestors.

And at the end he took us through the trail that is etched at the side of the cliff leading to a spot were temple carved in the stone is revealed. There to be observed in awe. Standing with an aura that pulsates congratulation traveler you finally saw a wonder.

The view took us by surprise we felt like kids getting a toy we wished for.

Once we got released from the spell of the temple we set off. 990 steps down to the center of the city. Were our guide showed us the constructions of the Nabateans, Romans, and Constantinople. How each has built on top of the previous culture and how the city grew in its magnificence. With intrinsic water canals and sewer system running below the city.

The day was spent gloriously with plenty of new experience, knowledge, and spirituality.

The desert is getting cold

It is the final day in Wadi Rum. A place where I got smitten, I got enchanted, I got spellbound by the place of beauty and greatness.  However, all the good things to be fully enjoyed has to come and pass. Especially, if you want to have the longing for the place after you leave.  Thus we packed our manta into the sacks, got it on our caravan and set off to the edge of the desert – to the Wadi Rum village. Were the kind locals took care of our carriage.

With a happy heart and a sad mind, we had to leave this beautiful place.  We drove through the Kings Highway – the most scenic road in Jordan. To find the lost city of Petra. Fabled to be beautified by the ancient people of Nabatean.

The lore of Petra

It appears that a nomadic tribe known as the Nabateans began migrating gradually from Arabia during the sixth century BCE.  Over time, they abandoned their nomadic ways and settled in a number of places in southern Jordan, the Naqab desert in Palestine, and in northern Arabia.  Although Petra was inhabited by the Edomites before the arrival of the Nabateans, the latter carved grandiose buildings, temples, and tombs out of solid sandstone rock. They also constructed a wall to fortify the city, although Petra was almost naturally defended by the surrounding sandstone mountains.

Building an empire in the arid desert also forced the Nabateans to excel in water conservation. They were highly skilled water engineers and irrigated their land with an extensive system of dams, canals, and reservoirs.

The buildings in the stones where so intricately carved so magically that all the cultures that came after the Nabateans decided to keep the city for themselves and build their own pieces into it.  Creating a spectacular sight, with engineering marvels and artistic beauty.

However,  Petra’s importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after a 363 earthquake destroyed many structures. The Byzantine Era witnessed the construction of several Christian churches, but the city continued to decline.  The city that used to house tens of thousands of people became a city hidden in the heart of the mountains and known only to the living nomad tribes of Bedouin.  It remained unknown to the world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt by share luck.  Once again became the center of the world, the marvel of architecture and the mystery of the world that is still now.

The destined meeting

When we reached Petra we stayed in Little Petra with a 17th son whose father was the first to accept travelers into his cave.  Our host moved out of the cave for a simple reason – a wife from the city. But on a regular basis, he still goes to his cave to spent time away from the noise and the twisted minds of the people.

After resting for a while and having tea with the host we took off to visit Petra. Before we left the host showed us a special trail to follow for the best view on the first day.

As in any place, you might notice some scams going on. The locals offer you a free ride which “is included in the ticket” for the whole 10M. After which they ask you to pay money to continue the ride.  And even if you pay to have a horse ride it is not worth it. Simple because you have a 1.2km of a beautiful hike through the gorge that opens up to the most beautiful view – the treasury.

Even the amount of people that were there were not an issue. The marvel is simply out of this world.

The walk through the lane of the history of many many cultures leaves you wondering about the meaning of life.  As all the magnificent spots and expeditions there has to be something strange happening.

While we were trekking through the secret trail to the top of the mountain we have met 2 local Bedouins living at the top of the mountain.

Who shared with us some tea, lunch and a few words of wisdom. Which led us to some deep thoughts of over own.

We were so entranced in the thoughts and the secrets of life that the Bedouins shared.  Which I will share in the separate entree!

The way back

Once we came back from our thoughts we were already on the way out and off to eat the best kebab and shawarma on the whole trip.

From misty red dunes to painting like passages dotted with rocks and mountains. To see the ancient hieroglyphics left by Nabataeans, the fabled T.E. Lawrence House, the canyons and naturally formed phenomena the arks, wind polished stones, and most importantly the serenity that the desert brings.

When we left our camp the visage of the desert was glimmering red in the morning light of the sun flanked by an avenue of cliffs. The surrounding cliffs looked like large rocks formed from wax that are constantly melting during the day and hardening during the night. Creating spectacular formations and valleys that morph into a magnificent gallery of sound and illustration. The hollowness of the desert at times dampers all sounds around you and at other times with the help of the wind magnifies all sounds around you – from the sand grinding against each other to the rustling of the leaves to the sound of the conversation.

No matter the spot we went to explore the serenity and the beauty followed us.

The final moment, the final stop we had was to say goodbye to the sun on one of the wax-like mountains. We overlooked the valley waiting for the sunset enjoying the sunlight playing on the red sand with a witchery uncommon to the modern world. We sat on the rock, admiring the glorious luster of the desert. The dale fell confessional quiet. I had an alleluia moment then and yearned for a time when the world was young. However, I was more than happy for the friends and girlfriend I have now to share the beauty of the world.

With a sigh, I got up and forged my way towards our guide who has been waiting by the carriage to take us back to the camp for one final night in this magical desert. It was a place with an eldritch beauty all of its own. I resolved to return one day to this paradise.

Author & Photographer

Simonas Radkevicius – https://www.instagram.com/sim_rad/

Photographers

Arune Meistaite – https://www.instagram.com/arunemei/

Mantas Alisauskas – http://ctdots.eu/

P.s. Pictures are all originals. If you would like to copy or use them you have to get a permission from the authors.

P.s.s. Other entries in this trip can be found here: 

• Part 1 http://numi.world/jordan-series-adventures-in-aqaba/
• Part 2 http://numi.world/jordan-series-wadi-rum-the-hidden-desert/
• Part 4 http://numi.world/jordan-series-petra-the-lost-city/
• Part 5 http://numi.world/jordan-series-the-secret-smugglers-route-to-petra-2/
• Part 6 http://numi.world/the-wonders-of-the-jordan-north-dead-sea-jerash-and-amman/

From what we know – the stories and recaps from the people, the historic scripts and legends Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many cultures since prehistoric times, including the Nabataeans that left their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti, and temples. Kingdoms and people used to come here for the abundance of springs and wild game in the desert.

Surprisingly it did not take to much time for our expeditionary caravan to find the outskirts of the Wadi Rum desert. Before we left for the trip to Wadi Rum we heard from the locals that it is not advisable for the Red Sea deep explorers to do the voyage on the same day as diving. Because the altitude goes right away from 6M to 1600M above sea level. The explorers of the deep can easily catch the eeriness of the mountains and get mountain sickness.

Our trip took us through the outskirts of the desert, across the railway which local Bedouins and T.E Lawrence blew up during the uprising against the Turkish. The same railway that required to cut a large number of trees in Jordan just to build it. All the way through the hot desert until we reached the hidden Bedouin village that is guarding the heart of this wonderful dessert. From here you join the local Bedouins going to their campsites.

It is best to have prearranged your stay with one of the local Bedouin to be waiting for you before even arriving. To save time and to know exactly where you are going. We did it using a well-established system of connections – Booking.com. The moment we stopped and got off our caravan the local Bedouin was already waiting for us.

The Bedouins are not the only inhabitants of the wadi rum. This desert is not like the one we hear with sand and dunes everywhere you look. It has over 160 species of plants that belong to almost 50 different plant families:

• About 7 of them are useful as a source of wood
• Over 30 species used for medicinal purposes
• Some 15 we avoid as they are known to be poisonous
• Around 50 are a source of food for different species of animals including our livestock
• 6 plants are endemic

We saw maybe 3 different plants during the 3-day stay.!

Without giving a moment of rest we joined their caravan (a jeep) and went through the vast expanse of the desert to his small campsite.

The views we saw, even now when I write I can see them. The only problem is to describe them. The deserts and the mountain tops that are visible creates a magnificent feeling and illusion that captivates the travelers to simply stay silent and be in awe. It is a place that brings serenity to your soul and peace to your mind. The quietness for the most part and hypnotizing views leave few unimpressed.

The moment we arrived at the camp that was located in a remote area far away from any other tribal campsites. Located in a small corner between the mountains to have a shade from the sun during hot summer days.

We were greeted with tea and snacks. For it is their creed-rooted in the harshness of desert life-that no traveler is turned away. According to Bedouin traditions, the host does not inquire about the guest’s personal information or the reason behind the visit for the first three days as it was considered rude. Of course, this has slightly changed with the arrival of tourist for business purposes but you can still feel it. We did not talk about our next day trip until the last moment right before we went to sleep.

If you were wondering who are the Bedouin or Bedu well they are a grouping of nomadic Arab people who have historically inhabited the desert regions in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and the Levant. The English word bedouin comes from the Arabic badawī, which means “desert dweller”, and is traditionally contrasted with ḥāḍir, the term for sedentary people. Bedouin territory stretches from the vast deserts of North Africa to the rocky sands of the Middle East. They are traditionally divided into tribes. Historically, the Bedouin engaged in nomadic herding, agriculture and sometimes fishing. A major source of income was the taxation of caravans, and tributes collected from non-Bedouin settlements. They also earned income by transporting goods and people in caravans across the desert.

After resting for a short while we decided to explore the desert before good night sleep. We walked for a better half an hour until we reached a crossroad where we thought we could see the sunset well.

After climbing and fooling around on the nearby rocks we waited for the sun to come down. Sadly it was not as great of the spot for a sunset, as we thought. But none the less it was serene.

Once we arrived at our camp the Bedouin dinner was waiting for us. When it comes to the culinary delights of the desert, the wadi is well-known for a meal that is cooked underground called “Zarb”. Which in turn, if taken out too late turns the chicken dry. “Zarb is a centuries-old method of cooking, where the Bedouins place food on coal and cover it for two to three hours,”. Afterward, we were delighted by some local music.

We have decided to have an early night just so we could wake up at 2 am in hope of seeing phenomena of the sky the milky way. We slept in an authentic Bedouin tent. The Bedouin tents are distinctive by its black color with white stripes. For a medium-sized tent, it is required two years to be woven, usually by the woman they usually use goat hair and camel lint that provides a good shelter even during rainfall.

However, the moon was shining too bright denying us the right to see the beauty that I have dreamed since my explorations of Bolivia.

However, the dead silence in the night was a surprise we did not expect. The silent high pitched ring in the ears the only sound that you could hear if you stay quiet and the total darkness that can hide anyone 2 meters from you. It is both scary and elegant. Another beauty of the desert. After this fantastic experience, we decided to sleep for the exploration of the mystical Wadi Rum awaits us tomorrow.

P.s. Pictures are all originals. If you would like to copy or use them you have to get a permission from the authors.

P.s.s. Other entries in this trip can be found here: 

• Part 1 http://numi.world/jordan-series-adventures-in-aqaba/
• Part 3 http://numi.world/jordan-series-wadi-rum-the-exploration/
• Part 4 http://numi.world/jordan-series-petra-the-lost-city/
• Part 5 http://numi.world/jordan-series-the-secret-smugglers-route-to-petra-2/
• Part 6 http://numi.world/the-wonders-of-the-jordan-north-dead-sea-jerash-and-amman/

But can you imagine living during those times or any following them? Such as during the Edomites era who are believed to have built the first port in Aqaba. Which led the region trade route development. How interesting it would be just for a minute to experience those times. Or during the Babylonian times when the Aqaba witnessed probably the growth period.  Becoming a kind of a central trading hub between Africa and Asia.  Or during the Greek times when the Alexander the Great stormed through the known world. It was described by a Greek historian to be “one of the most important trading cities in the Arab World”.

No wonder it was such a sought-out place by the ruling countries of the world during their times.  After the Greeks, the city changed hands a few more times. The Nabateans, Romans, Byzantines who built probably the very first purpose-built church. Which later fell to the Islamic conquests. Such as Ummayads, Abbasids, and Fatimids. Closer to our times before it was known as Jordan it also belonged to the Turkish which with the help of the Bedouins and T.E Lawrence fell to the British hands for a short period of time before it was passed to the newly created Jordan Kingdom.

It was the place that gave us the first few great and not so surprises. Bigger than the gasoline station toilets.

The Quarters

We have arrived at the ancient city of Ayla(Aqaba) after 400 KM voyage during the dead of the night. The quartermaster has been expecting us to be there for the last couple of days. Luckily we were not late and our rooms were ready for us.  Who knew that explorers from the Arab peninsula region ratings are so different from our European. 7.9 out of 10-star rating is more like 3 or 5 back in the old world.

Our quarters luckily had the place for our carriage and the feed to keep it rested and full.

2 out of 5 members were the first time on such voyage. For me, it was nothing new. Exploring the new world across the ocean I have lived in worse places. On the road or even in the barns. However, for my companions, this was a shock. The housemaster obviously was facing some hard times the main hallway was dusty and the furniture old and on the verge of breaking. While our room was missing 3 beds and some cockroaches were running on the floor. As to our question where are the missing beds. The custodian pulled out three old dusty, very dirty and probably gory mattresses.

We were not able to identify if it was blood or just some paint on them. Luckily we had our translator with us since our custodian did not speak a speck of universal language. With the help of a translator (Google was his name), we have managed to barter for clean blankets to cover the mattresses.

While I and my girlfriend went to have a rest for the night. The 3 other companions decided to test out the local inn for the much heard Arabian coffee and food. Which being inexperienced explorers led to food poisoning and diarrhea for the next day.

Breakfast

The following morning we were woken up by the magical sound which turned out to be a prayer going throughout the whole settlement.  Since we were woken up by this magical sound we have decided to look for the inn that could serve us the much renowned local delicacies. The (name of the place) did just that. Being in front of a very important mosque Al-Sharif Hussein Bin Ali built for their king it just couldn’t serve any bad food.

Exploring The Deep

After breakfast, we took our carriage for around 7 km and went out to explore the world that is under the water at the place called Japanese Gardens.

We heard there is a hidden city under the water that sank a while back and no one was able to find. Surprisingly we were not able to do it also. However, the two locals that were living at the beach rented their gear from the campsite.

Which is not cleanest I would say. But the cheapest for sure. One small issue we were not sure to what hygiene standard they were up. For sure not the highest.

What the guys showed us was something a few of us have ever seen. An underwater life. That is out of this world, but plagued by the pollution and fighting to survive.

From what the local wise man told us the place used to be teeming with wildlife. Friendly sharks, turtles and other creatures of the sea that come to nest in the coral reefs.

The guys at Go To Jordan have a pretty detail map with all the diving and snorkeling sites – http://www.your-guide-to-aqaba-jordan.com/aqaba-dive-sites.html. The one above that we went to was the Japanese Gardens.

The End Of The Day

After having our curious mind sated we spent the rest of the day exploring Ayalas (Aqaba) local spice traders, food stalls and craft stores to see what could be brought back home.

We found a trade table that was owned by the Bedouin (at) who traded in tea and spices from whom we bought our first spices to take home and 10 steps away we bought the first carpet that we took home.

The best part of all was the surprise the locals gave to the foreign explorers – they accepted us as friends that arrived from a faraway land. With warmth, smiles, and kindness. Very few places offer such a greeting.

Next stop Wadi Rum!

P.s. Pictures are all originals. If you would like to copy or use them you have to get a permission from the authors.

P.s.s. Other entries in this trip can be found here: 

• Part 2 http://numi.world/jordan-series-wadi-rum-the-hidden-desert/
• Part 3 http://numi.world/jordan-series-wadi-rum-the-exploration/
• Part 4 http://numi.world/jordan-series-petra-the-lost-city/
• Part 5 http://numi.world/jordan-series-the-secret-smugglers-route-to-petra-2/
• Part 6 http://numi.world/the-wonders-of-the-jordan-north-dead-sea-jerash-and-amman/

Jordan – a country, not the basketball player. A sandy piece of land but magnificent none the less. With a few patches of green in the north.  With people that are so friendly beyond belief. The food. The food is magical. Hummus, Falafels, Babaganoush, seafood and tea. While the local customs are so different that it requires a separate post. The friendliness, kindness, and generosity is something you won’t find in many countries.  While the monuments are littered in the country are as grandiose as they are ancient.

Our trip started on April 4th when I bought the tickets for Arune as a birthday present. The actual trip took place almost 9 months later. Over this period I have planned the whole itinerary, found 3 more people to join us to get the cost of traveling lower and found how to save on Visa.

Jordan is a place with an ancient culture that is deeply intervened in today’s high paced, globalized culture. Which in turn makes Jordan that more special.

We could feel it the moment we arrived there on November 16th. A time in the year that is on the verge of starting a rainy season. A season when flash foods become a norm.

We flew from Vilnius. A 4 hours flight with Ryanair. I think you do not need to know the agony cramped up seats and the annoying blue color invokes the moment you get on the plane. It was especially interesting that when we flew over Israel it is required to sit down and put the seatbelt on. Just in case the plane needs to make sudden maneuvers, in the end, we were flying over the war zone. No matter how the news places it.

We landed in a spacious but small international airport of Jordan just outside the Amman. Which is perfect since we rented our car prior and went straight to Aqaba avoiding the craze of Amman city center.  While at the airport it is paramount if needed to exchange money not to do it at the first spot. Leave first the no mans zone and exchange near the car rental spots/exit zone. The exchange rate will be better there. Do not exchange everything you have. Do it somewhere in the city where you can get much higher rate.

The car we rented was fairly cheap only 20$ a day for 10 days. Plus insurance for 40$. Funny enough our car provider did not have an office in the airport thus a driver came to pick us up. Tho while driving us to our car we had a dark thought. That it is fairly easy to kidnap people (from any airport) just say I am here to pick you up and drive to your car. Bam instant trust and without thought, you are already driving somewhere.

Our car that we received was a bit old. With some scratches and some wear and tear. Tho we found out only later in the trip that our tires wear so smooth that it basically had no traction with the road. Luckily all was fine with us and we had almost zero potential scares. One key advice when renting a car – film the car from the outside and the inside. Otherwise, a small crack that you missed will be charged when you return the car.

Once we got the car the first stop was 1km or so away. At the gas station. Boy oh boy, the toilet was magnificent. You have these massive industrial doors that open up into this huge space. Covered with brown colors. Some are just old rust some are bird shit. In the corner of the room, there is a cubicle for men and women the so-called toilet. Men toilet had only one working dirty full of shit toilet. While the walls I was not sure if it was shit or just old brown color. The smell, well it was like “heaven”.

The second surprise in the gas station was that there is no food for sale. Only candies and chips, and drinks. Meaning no dinner for the late arrivals.

The rest of the night trip took us through the main highway all the way to Aqaba. Be warned on the highway before and after a village or a city there are bumps. Massive ones and unmarked. Letting you fly sky high if you do not know about them.  Luckily for us, we flew few times only. And arrived in Aqaba with few bruises. However what we saw after left us speechless.

There is nothing better than hot steamy sun, beautiful road, gorgeous beaches and a partner. Puglia – Italy is the location of this post. Toyota Yaris is the car. And 5 beaches are the destination. Up and down the Puglia region to reach the chosen beaches.

The car had air conditioning thus the heat was not a problem. The navigation was funky. Since any and every road speed limit was 90 km/h we drove more time across the small countryside roads through the grape fields rather than highways.

First, stop Polignano A Mare

A magnificent beach etched in the cliffs. On one side high above the cliffs is the old town of Polignano A Mare and on the other side along cliffy ridge going on and on until it reaches the next village or city.

There are two beaches here. One a bit further going were the local fishermen take their boats out to the sea. You can find more locals here and the first is nearby the old town.

If you would like to experience a bit more authentic life of the Italian dream then by all means swim and rest near the fisherman boats with the local Italians who are tired of the tourists.

However, if you would like to see people jumping from the cliffs, be surrounded by history and tourist than the second beach is a place to go. Both are perfect spots to spend some time and enjoy the atmosphere.

Do not forget to visit Antiche Mura for a fantastic fresh seafood!

Second stop Baia Dei Turchi

Long drive with crazy Italian drivers, countryside and small roads to reach this hidden (from tourist) marvelous location. It is a protected area and beaches are wild Well as wild as people that take care of them to ensure that they stay clean. The words cannot describe the view. But the pics and video can!

Third Stop Fiordo Di Ciolo

A place of true beauty ( I know I use beautiful, marvelous and etc quite a lot but it is simply impossible to say that these beaches are not pretty). If you wouldn’t know that there is a beach carved in the cliffs under the bridge you would just drive through it and never be the wiser. It is a place where you always dream to be and find. Quite beside the Italian water divers, beautiful, warm water, kind people and above all serenity that seeps in just from being there.

Fourth stop Le Maldive del Salento

Not much to say… We chose to walk and swim and rest in the dog beach rather than the so-called Maldives of Italy. I think it says everything.

Fifth and final stop Spiaggia di Tramontone

Small compact beach with turquoise water. Tucked away few kilometers away from Taranto city.

Authors

Simonas R.
Arune M.

P.s. Pictures are all originals. If you would like to copy or use them you have to get a permission from the authors.

P.s.s. Part 1 and  2 of the trip can be found here: 

• The Italian Beauty The Italian Shame
• Puglia – The hidden Wonder Of Italy

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Taranto

I can’t say the city is a beautiful one. It even felt dangerous for the very first time we crossed it, but as we slowly got to know the city more, it really showed its charm. The old town and the new part of the city are connected by the bridge which leaves a feeling that the old town with the beautiful Aragonese castle is built on the island.  The first settlement was done sometime 800 BC by the Greek Spartans and throughout the time has changed the owner. Now it is a naval base, a huge commercial port city which is well known as one of the most polluted cities in Western Europe. However, it has its own beauty. The old town at night has its magic even though it looks like a dead place the narrow streets full of various street art bring a spooky beauty to it.

 And once crossed the bridge to the new part of the city, commercial streets, bars, restaurants, and a wide pedestrian promenade are always full of people. There we found local pizzerias with extremely cheap and tasty food, a small fruit shop run by the same family members for around 70 years, and not to mention all local people were super friendly and kind.

Funny fact, you can park your car for free in the old town area, however, in the new city part, it was really hard to find free and safe parking. Safe in a sense that it won’t be scratched by passing cars.

Also, it is one of the few places in Italy from where you can take a catamaran to go on to see dolphins.

Matera

A city that until recently still had people living in the caves. Eventually, people got kicked out of their caves because of the rampant number of diseases that plagued the region because of unsanitary living. This place is the second longest inhabited place in the word after Petra. A truly magnificent place and if you go in a morning you can have it all to yourself. Every street and every corner is full of history. One thing to be aware off… It is not a friendly place for the people with an injury nor to the lazy ones. The city streets are built across on hills and as many hills, there are there will be more stairs to follow.

Our advice is to take time at least half a day to just walk and explore the city on foot. Have a coffee break in one of the local beautiful cafe places, visit the artisan stores, and enjoy the heat from the sun :).

For those who love historical art, there are ancient frescas around the city on the walls that are disappearing slowly. And if you are coming by car I suggest visiting the valley on the other side of the small river from which you can see a very beautiful view of the city.

Polignano A Mare

 A magnificent white city on the cliffs of the Adriatic sea. With a mystical beach carved between the cliffs with clear sky blue waters. The streets of the city old town even tho has quite a few tourists reminded me of stories from Romeo and Juliet.

Certain streets tagged with quotes from famous people and every color near snow-white houses made the city look more magical story-like.

And the food is just as great.

Takes time to look for but with the help of an app and reviews of people, we found a truly fantastic place to eat seafood :).

The beach is probably in the center of the town and definitely worth to stay a little longer to enjoy the swim. But keep in mind that it is full of stones and you might struggle even to get into the water, however it looks really funny to watch… That’s why lots of people are using swimming footwear to avoid looking like a zombie.

One advice, do not go by car into the old town. It is a nightmare to get out. The streets are very narrow that you can leave the paint on the houses of the city.

Alberobello

 The city famous for its ingenious way of avoiding taxes. In the 1500’s, the Acquaviva family, the local rulers within the feudal system, wanted to avoid paying property taxes to the King. They ordered local peasants to build their houses and dwellings without mortar so that, in the event of a royal inspection, the structures could quickly and easily be taken down, and the tax bill would remain low. Using local limestone and some ingenious building techniques, the local population created the Trulli, many of which remain standing today.

Is Alberobello worth a visit?

Well, I won’t lie. It is a very touristic city. However, should it be avoided? Of course no. It is a historical site with a hidden beauty. If lucky and with a bit of planning the masses can be avoided and the site can be all to yourself. But if you cannot time it right it is still a city to see and explore. So definitely a must see. You can even find Trulli for accommodation.

This is only a small part of historical places in Puglia that are worth a visit there are many more like Lecce, Bari – worth a stop just for handmade pasta, Brindisi, Monopoli, Lucera, Vieste and many more places with historical settings and beauty!

Authors

Simonas R.
Arune M.

P.s. Pictures are all originals. If you would like to copy or use them you have to get a permission from the authors.

P.s.s. The previous post in the Italian story – The Italian Beauty The Italian Shame