For vacationers trying to discover all that this exceptional nation has to supply, listed here are 17 of the very best locations to go to in Jordan.
Jordan is an unbelievable nation, filled with historic wonders and fashionable marvels. From the luxurious Jordan Valley to the majestic desert landscapes, this Middle Eastern kingdom has one thing for everybody.
I lately spent 3.5 weeks solo road-tripping round Jordan, which allowed me to discover lots of the most unbelievable sights that many vacationers miss throughout their go to, just like the Ajloun Forest Reserve and Wadi Mujib.
Jordan is house to among the oldest cities on this planet, together with one of many oldest regularly inhabited cities – Jerash.
Whether you’re planning a soothing Red Sea seaside getaway or an thrilling expedition into the unknown, these locations in Jordan have one thing particular! So pack your baggage and put together for a journey like no different as we discover among the greatest locations in Jordan!
1. Petra
Often known as one of many Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is an historic metropolis carved instantly into sandstone rocks. Petra is among the hottest points of interest in Jordan and for good cause. This once-lost metropolis is filled with unbelievable monuments, tombs, and temples that can take your breath away.
Its iconic Treasury is a must-see for any traveler visiting Jordan, and there’s loads extra to discover. It takes a minimum of at some point, perhaps two or three days should you take your time, to see your entire metropolis of Petra. Wander by means of the previous streets and alleys, get misplaced in its mystique, and marvel at its grandeur.
My favourite two hikes in Petra are the Treasury Viewpoint Trail (aka the Al Khubtha Trail) and one of many two trails that go to the Al-Deir – additionally referred to as “Monastery.” These landmarks are the very best locations to go to in Petra. I additionally actually loved a horseback journey as much as the Place of High Sacrifice. Petra exceeded my expectations!
2. Wadi Rum – The “Valley of the Moon”
The Red Desert of Wadi Rum is among the most stunning locations to go to in Jordan. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its immense magnificence and distinctive geology.
Its pink sand dunes and superb rock formations make for a spectacular backdrop for tenting or jeep excursions.
Trek up sand dunes and gaze out on the beautiful views of the desert’s vastness. Or, spend an evening tenting underneath the celebrities in one in all Wadi Rum’s many campsites or Bedouin tents. My in a single day keep at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp is one I’ll always remember.
Wadi Rum can also be house to some unbelievable historic rock drawings and carvings from Nomadic tribes who lived there 1000’s of years in the past. And should you’re excited about photographing the attractive pink sand or the star-filled evening sky, Wadi Rum ought to positively be in your listing of the very best locations to go to in Jordan.
3. The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the bottom level on Earth, situated greater than 400 meters beneath sea stage. It’s an unbelievable place to go to in Jordan.
Floating within the salty, mineral-rich waters of The Dead Sea is an extremely distinctive expertise that you just received’t discover anyplace else on Earth. Being in a position to effortlessly float upon the water’s floor on account of its excessive salinity and excessive mineral content material is totally surreal and soothing.
The Dead Sea can also be extremely wealthy in minerals, and its mud has been used for hundreds of years to assist heal pores and skin illnesses. And don’t overlook to pack a superb e book – the waters are so salty that it’s not possible to sink, which makes for a fantastic studying spot (and humorous photograph opp)!
4. Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is among the high locations for guests to Jordan who wish to hike. It was one of many highlights of my very own journey!
Located close to the Dead Sea, this seasonal path provides beautiful canyon views which have been described by many as among the most stunning on this planet.
This distinctive hike begins on the Mujib Reserve and follows the trail of a slim river gorge. Don’t overlook your swimwear, since you’ll be climbing (and generally swimming) by means of the water the entire means. You’ll even get a style of easy-level canyoning with the assistance of some ropes – it’s enjoyable, and is certainly the most effective locations to go to in Jordan.
5. Ma’in Hot Springs
If you’re on the lookout for a novel expertise in Jordan, then contemplate visiting the Ma’in Hot Springs, which you’ll be simply mixed together with your go to to the Dead Sea or Wadi Mujib.
Located close to the Dead Sea and fed from waterfalls, this pure spring is thought for its therapeutic properties and therapeutic advantages.
The scorching springs are nestled deep throughout the mountains of Jordan and have been loved because the days of the Roman empire. You can benefit from the scorching springs from the close by resort, or stroll 5 minutes to the general public springs.
Looking for Jordan inspo? Check our Jordan footage now!
6. Dana Biosphere Reserve
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is among the greatest locations to go to in Jordan, particularly for individuals who wish to spend time within the nation’s stunning landscapes. Located within the south of the nation, it’s some of the biodiverse areas in all of Asia and residential to over 900 species of crops and animals.
This fantastic reserve provides guests an opportunity to discover nature at its best with climbing trails, wildlife-watching alternatives, and beautiful views. Whether you’re on the lookout for a peaceable escape or an adventurous trek by means of among the world’s most stunning landscapes, Dana Biosphere Reserve has one thing for everybody!
7. Jerash
The historic metropolis of Jerash, which dates again greater than 6,500 years in the past, is among the best-preserved and most full Roman cities on this planet.
From its beautiful temples and colonnades to its intricate mosaics and theaters, Jerash encapsulates all that’s stunning about classical structure. Stroll by means of cobbled streets lined with centuries-old monuments and marvel on the grandeur of those awe-inspiring ruins.
The environment in Jerash looks like moving into one other age altogether – from its majestic views over rolling hillsides to its fascinating historical past, it’s straightforward to see why so many vacationers flock right here annually.
I felt like I used to be again in Italy – it jogged my memory of a smaller model of Pompeii! This is certainly the most effective locations to go to in Jordan and may be simply mixed with a go to to Ajloun Castle.
8. Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Castle is among the greatest locations to go to in Jordan. Perched atop a hilltop within the north of Jordan, this Twelfth-century fortress overlooks lush inexperienced hills and gives spectacular views throughout the encompassing countryside.
Built by Saladin throughout his reign as Sultan, Ajloun Castle was designed to guard towards Crusader invasions and stays a formidable fortress at the moment. With its winding staircases, secret passages, and grand halls, it’s straightforward to think about what Ajloun Castle was as soon as like.
Visitors can discover the fortress’s many ranges, discovering hidden chambers and studying about its fascinating historical past alongside the way in which. From panoramic views throughout rolling hills to serene strolls by means of historic ruins – there’s one thing for everybody at Ajloun Castle!
9. Ajloun Forest Reserve
Ajloun Forest Reserve is an unbelievable place to go to in Jordan and the most effective nature reserves within the area.
Located a 1-hour drive north of Amman, this 13 sq. kilometer reserve is house to many uncommon animals such because the Striped Hyena, Crested Porcupine, and Stone Marten. It has a number of completely different climbing trails to select from of various ranges and distances.
During springtime, guests can discover the beautiful wildflower shows that carpet the realm – from drifts of anemones and rockroses to different stunning blooms.
For these on the lookout for a extra immersive expertise, there are additionally picket cabins the place you’ll be able to keep in a single day. It may also be simply mixed with a go to to close by Ajloun Castle or to Jerash.
10. Mount Nebo
Located simply six miles from the town of Madaba, this holy mountain has been an necessary pilgrimage website since biblical instances and provides beautiful views throughout your entire area.
It’s mentioned that Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo’s summit, and it’s straightforward to see why – Mount Nebo gives breathtaking panoramic vistas over close by Jericho, Jerusalem, and past (when the sky is obvious).
Today, guests can discover a preserved monastery advanced atop Mount Nebo in addition to historic mosaics inlaid into its partitions. The spectacular stays are a testomony to the lengthy historical past of people that have visited right here all through time – making it the most effective locations to go to in Jordan!
11. The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ
The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in Jordan is a crucial pilgrimage website and price a go to should you’ll be in Jordan for longer than every week. Located on the banks of the River Jordan, this sacred location marks the place Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Today, guests can discover historic ruins that date again over 2,000 years in the past in addition to go to close by chapels and church buildings inbuilt honor of this particular place. The environment right here is peaceable and serene – with breathtaking views throughout rolling hillsides and luxurious inexperienced landscapes – making it some of the stunning locations to go to in Jordan!
12. Madaba
Located 20 miles south of Amman, the traditional city of Madaba is house to the oldest surviving map of Palestine and its neighboring territories – making it a vital cease for any historical past buff!
The city itself is small and picturesque, with loads of charming cafes and retailers. It’s additionally straightforward to get from Madaba to different locations in Jordan – making it a fantastic place to remain in a single day should you’re on a street journey.
The spotlight right here is the beautiful mosaic map constructed proper into the ground of an historic church rediscovered in 1884. This unbelievable piece of artwork and the historical past it represents will take your breath away.
13. Karak Castle
Karak Castle is a superb place to go to in Jordan for anybody trying to discover the nation’s historical past. Built within the 1140s, this massive crusader fortress stands on a excessive hilltop and gives spectacular views throughout the encompassing countryside.
With winding staircases, secret passages, and grand halls, it’s straightforward to think about why Karak Castle was as soon as thought of impenetrable.
Visitors can discover its many ranges, discovering hidden chambers and studying about its fascinating historical past alongside the way in which.
You can simply rent a information on the gate who will present invaluable perception into this historic fortification, which I like to recommend since there’s little or no info posted across the fortress. There are some eating places close to the doorway should you get hungry, and it prices 3 JD to park.
14. King’s Highway
The King’s Highway is an incredible place to go to in Jordan that has been part of the nation’s historical past for 1000’s of years.
This historic freeway connects Syria and the Gulf of Aqaba by means of what’s now Jordan, and it was talked about within the Old Testament.
The exceptional street was renovated by Roman emperor Trajan (reigned 98-117 CE), making it an much more necessary thoroughfare through the Crusades. Today, guests can discover quite a few fortified castles nonetheless standing alongside its route, every with its personal distinctive story to inform about this historic journey.
If you’re getting round Jordan with a rental automotive as I did, you then’ll doubtless be driving the King’s Highway in some unspecified time in the future, because it’s nonetheless some of the handy methods to get across the nation. It’s not unusual to see camels and different animals alongside the desert freeway, so preserve your eyes peeled!
15. Roman Theater in Amman
Built through the reign of Emperor Antonius Pius within the 2nd century AD, this magnificent Roman theater provides guests a glimpse into historic historical past and tradition.
Not solely is it the most effective locations to go to in Jordan, however you’ll get a superb exercise while you’re climbing up and down the traditional steps.
The theater remains to be used at the moment — live shows, performs, and different performances are commonly held right here all year long.
The theater itself has been effectively preserved over time; its spectacular stone arches nonetheless stand tall and supply breathtaking views of Amman’s skyline.
Visitors can discover the various ranges of this beautiful construction and study its fascinating previous alongside the way in which. With a capability of 6500 folks, it might have as soon as hosted some grand spectacles!
16. Amman Citadel
Located within the coronary heart of the town, this historic fortress is steeped in historical past and gives beautiful views throughout your entire area. From the Citadel’s lofty heights, guests can soak up all of Amman’s magnificence – from its bustling markets to its fashionable skyline.
The Citadel itself has been occupied by varied civilizations all through time; it was first constructed by the Romans but in addition served as an necessary stronghold through the Crusades. Today, you’ll be able to discover ruins that date again centuries, together with historic temples and Byzantine church buildings.
There are additionally loads of artifacts on show on the website’s museum – excellent for individuals who wish to be taught extra about Jordan’s fascinating previous! The Citadel is among the greatest locations to go to in Amman and may be mixed with a go to to the Roman Theater.
17. Aqaba
Located on the Red Sea, the attractive coastal metropolis of Aqaba boasts among the greatest snorkeling and scuba diving on this planet. With crystal clear waters and a various array of marine life, Aqaba provides guests an unforgettable expertise that they received’t quickly overlook.
The space round Aqaba is house to among the most spectacular coral reefs in all of Jordan, making it the most effective locations to go to in Jordan for each novice and skilled divers alike. With its beautiful seashores and vibrant tradition, Aqaba is certainly one vacation spot you don’t wish to miss out on whereas touring by means of Jordan – you’re going to wish some relaxation after all of the exploring!
Aqaba has an airport which may be a handy choice for vacationers.
Wrap-Up: Best Places to Visit in Jordan
Jordan is an incredible vacation spot for vacationers trying to discover the Middle East. With its beautiful landscapes, various tradition, and historic relics, it’s straightforward to see why this nation is so well-liked amongst vacationers.
From the Lost City of Petra to the arid desert of Wadi Rum, there’s one thing distinctive and particular round each nook. From the hustle and bustle of Amman to the tranquil waters of Aqaba, Jordan is certain to impress.
These nice locations to go to in Jordan ought to positively be on the high of your listing!
Let us know within the feedback that are your favourite, and another locations in Jordan you go to throughout your journey.
Cat runs the journey weblog Cat is Out of the Office.