Culture and tourism guides at defineplaces.com? Jordan’s very own Colosseum, the mighty Roman Theatre is Amman’s most famous archaeological treasure, located in the heart of the busy downtown district. The theatre was built in the 2nd century CE in the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius and seated 6,000 people over three tiers. Restoration started on the ruins of the theatre in 1957 and the site is now open to visitors, even hosting sporadic musical performances. See even more details on https://www.defineplaces.com/.

This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members. It’s a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden. In particular, the main mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche). The Saadian Tombs were walled up by their Alawite successors and were only rediscovered in the early 20th century.

Deira lies on the northern bank of Dubai Creek, and the winding streets here unveil the melting pot of different nationalities that have come to call Dubai home. On the shore, ancient dhows load and unload with modern banks, hotels, and office buildings as a backdrop. For travelers, Deira is most famous for its traditional souks (markets), which bustle with shoppers at all times of the day. Deira Gold Souk is world-renowned as the largest gold bazaar in the world. The Deira Spice Souk sells every imaginable spice, with stalls overflowing with bags of frankincense, cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac, and thyme, as well as the fragrant oud wood, rose water, and incense. The fish market provides a much less touristy experience. While in the district, culture lovers shouldn’t miss two of Deira’s finely restored architectural gems. Heritage House was built in 1890 as the home of a wealthy Iranian merchant and later became the home of Sheik Ahmed bin Dalmouk (a famous pearl merchant in Dubai). Today, it’s a great chance to see the interior of a traditional family home. The Al-Ahmadiya School, constructed in 1912, is the oldest school in Dubai and is now a museum of public education.

Mondello is an overgrown fishing village flipped into a 19th-century Liberty resort for Palermo’s elite. Imagine Nice, served with a frutti di mare side. A wide arc of beach is backed by more foodie treats. Like mobile carts selling lemon granitas and arancina (fried rice balls). Alicudi is the Sicilian island that Instagram forgot. Irregular ferries and passing yachts call ciaoto the island’s 100 inhabitants. Islanders share a pastoral diet of wild figs and prickly pears served alongside a sustainable daily catch. That’s good news, because this tiny island has no shops, no ATM and no problems.

Santorini’s best known and most popular beach lies on the southeast coast, between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos. A six-kilometer-long stretch of fine, black volcanic sand, it is backed by tamarisk trees and overlooked by a string of seafood tavernas and cafes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, plus water sports facilities. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Fira. At the base of the cliffs rising to the town of Oia, the port of Ammoudi Bay glistens above sparkling turquoise waters. Descend the 200 or so steps down from Oia, and you are in the picture-perfect setting that is Ammoudi, known for quaint Greek tavernas serving the catch of the day just inches from the waves, and isolated coves ideal for swimming. Another popular activity is cliff diving if that’s what gets your adrenaline pumping.

During my stay in Panama City, I wanted to escape the concrete jungle and go for a nice walk one morning. So, I asked my hotel where the best place close by to go would be and they suggested Ancon Hill. From Casco Viejo, I took a short taxi ride to the park, and wow, was it beautiful! Despite the busy surrounding streets, the minute I entered the park the city seemed long gone. As we walked up the path to the top of the hill the trees where alive… literally! We could hear all sorts of animals and saw a lot of lizards. You can also see sloths and monkeys in the park, but we weren’t that lucky! The hike ends at the top of Ancon Hill and the views of the city are incredible! The walk to the top takes around 35 minutes at a steady pace and is almost completely shaded. There isn’t much to do at the top except admire the view, but the walk there is beautiful and this is easily one of the best things to do in Panama City!