I have been looking forward to today. Last year….we did an epic ride down the East coast of the easternmost of the Peloponnese peninsulars…inspired by a cycling blogger. The best bike ride in Greece he advised! And it was the most extraordinary day!
And the second best ride? The Mani peninsular!
Which is where we were heading today.
And it was…wonderful….
….hills….
….and beaches…..
…and villages full of ‘tower houses’.
These were built as defensive dwellings to keep the pirates – and Turks – at bay! But as Mani depopulated…after WWII in particular…they were largely abandoned. Falling into glorious decay. But today more and more (still a minority) are being restored. Fascinating! And I’d never heard if them!!
A number of villages felt eerily empty.
At one of them…we stopped for a swim…….and just as I was about to dive into this deliciously clear water……..
…..a thunderclap…and a monster cloud-burst!! Such a surprise when the day was otherwise warm and sunny!!
And on and on it went. Just spectacular!!
Very few folk around. Empty roads. Just a wonderful day of cycling.
And on up to Lagia…..sitting up at 400m. A very special place!
And having been fascinated by the tower houses all day…we are now staying in one!! Beautifully restored.
And Nae was banished to the tower.
And a great local taverna to end the perfect day!!
