For vacationers seeking to discover all that this exceptional nation has to supply, listed below are 17 of the most effective locations to go to in Jordan.
Jordan is an unimaginable nation, stuffed with historical wonders and fashionable marvels. From the luxurious Jordan Valley to the majestic desert landscapes, this Center Jap kingdom has one thing for everybody.
I lately spent 3.5 weeks solo road-tripping round Jordan, which allowed me to discover most of the most unimaginable sights that many vacationers miss throughout their go to, just like the Ajloun Forest Reserve and Wadi Mujib.
Jordan is house to a few of the oldest cities on the planet, together with one of many oldest frequently inhabited cities – Jerash.
Whether or not you’re planning a soothing Purple Sea seashore getaway or an thrilling expedition into the unknown, these locations in Jordan have one thing particular! So pack your luggage and put together for a journey like no different as we discover a few of the greatest locations in Jordan!
1. Petra
Also known as one of many Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is an historical metropolis carved immediately into sandstone rocks. Petra is among the hottest sights in Jordan and for good cause. This once-lost metropolis is filled with unimaginable monuments, tombs, and temples that may take your breath away.
Its iconic Treasury is a must-see for any traveler visiting Jordan, and there’s a lot extra to discover. It takes at the least at some point, possibly two or three days if you happen to take your time, to see your entire metropolis of Petra. Wander by way 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 Path (aka the Al Khubtha Path) and one of many two trails that go to the Al-Deir – additionally referred to as “Monastery.” These landmarks are the most effective locations to go to in Petra. I additionally actually loved a horseback trip as much as the Place of Excessive Sacrifice. Petra exceeded my expectations!
2. Wadi Rum – The “Valley of the Moon”
The Purple Desert of Wadi Rum is among the most lovely locations to go to in Jordan. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website because of its immense magnificence and distinctive geology.
Its pink sand dunes and wonderful rock formations make for a spectacular backdrop for tenting or jeep excursions.
Trek up sand dunes and gaze out on the gorgeous views of the desert’s vastness. Or, spend an evening tenting below the celebrities in one in every of Wadi Rum’s many campsites or Bedouin tents. My in a single day keep at Reminiscences Aicha Luxurious Camp is one I’ll always remember.
Wadi Rum can also be house to some unimaginable historical rock drawings and carvings from Nomadic tribes who lived there 1000’s of years in the past. And if you happen to’re eager about photographing the attractive pink sand or the star-filled night time sky, Wadi Rum ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of the most effective locations to go to in Jordan.
3. The Useless Sea
The Useless Sea is the bottom level on Earth, positioned greater than 400 meters beneath sea stage. It’s an unimaginable place to go to in Jordan.
Floating within the salty, mineral-rich waters of The Useless Sea is an extremely distinctive expertise that you simply received’t discover anyplace else on Earth. Having the ability to effortlessly float upon the water’s floor because of its excessive salinity and excessive mineral content material is completely surreal and soothing.
The Useless 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 neglect to pack e book – the waters are so salty that it’s inconceivable to sink, which makes for an ideal studying spot (and humorous photograph opp)!
4. Wadi Mujib Siq Path
The Wadi Mujib Siq Path is among the high locations for guests to Jordan who prefer to hike. It was one of many highlights of my very own journey!
Positioned close to the Useless Sea, this seasonal path gives gorgeous canyon views which have been described by many as a few of the most lovely on the planet.
This distinctive hike begins on the Mujib Reserve and follows the trail of a slender river gorge. Don’t neglect your swimming wear, since you’ll be climbing (and generally swimming) by way of the water the entire manner. 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 Sizzling Springs
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a singular expertise in Jordan, then contemplate visiting the Ma’in Sizzling Springs, which you’ll be able to be simply mixed together with your go to to the Useless Sea or Wadi Mujib.
Positioned close to the Useless Sea and fed from waterfalls, this pure spring is thought for its therapeutic properties and therapeutic advantages.
The new springs are nestled deep throughout the mountains of Jordan and have been loved because the days of the Roman empire. You possibly can benefit from the sizzling springs from the close by resort, or stroll 5 minutes to the general public springs.
On the lookout for Jordan inspo? Examine 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 need to spend time within the nation’s lovely landscapes. Positioned within the south of the nation, it’s one of the crucial biodiverse areas in all of Asia and residential to over 900 species of crops and animals.
This glorious reserve gives guests an opportunity to discover nature at its best with climbing trails, wildlife-watching alternatives, and gorgeous views. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a peaceable escape or an adventurous trek by way of a few of the world’s most lovely landscapes, Dana Biosphere Reserve has one thing for everybody!
7. Jerash
The traditional 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 the planet.
From its gorgeous temples and colonnades to its intricate mosaics and theaters, Jerash encapsulates all that’s lovely about classical structure. Stroll by way of cobbled streets lined with centuries-old monuments and marvel on the grandeur of those awe-inspiring ruins.
The ambiance in Jerash looks like entering into one other age altogether – from its majestic views over rolling hillsides to its charming historical past, it’s simple 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! That is undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in Jordan and could be simply mixed with a go to to Ajloun Fort.
8. Ajloun Fort
Ajloun Fort is among the greatest locations to go to in Jordan. Perched atop a hilltop within the north of Jordan, this Twelfth-century citadel overlooks lush inexperienced hills and offers spectacular views throughout the encircling countryside.
Constructed by Saladin throughout his reign as Sultan, Ajloun Fort was designed to guard towards Crusader invasions and stays a powerful fortress at the moment. With its winding staircases, secret passages, and grand halls, it’s simple to think about what Ajloun Fort was as soon as like.
Guests can discover the citadel’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 way of historical ruins – there’s one thing for everybody at Ajloun Fort!
9. Ajloun Forest Reserve
Ajloun Forest Reserve is an unimaginable place to go to in Jordan and the most effective nature reserves within the area.
Positioned 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 totally different climbing trails to select from of various ranges and distances.
Throughout springtime, guests can discover the gorgeous wildflower shows that carpet the realm – from drifts of anemones and rockroses to different lovely blooms.
For these on the lookout for a extra immersive expertise, there are additionally wood cabins the place you’ll be able to keep in a single day. It will also be simply mixed with a go to to close by Ajloun Fort or to Jerash.
10. Mount Nebo
Positioned simply six miles from the town of Madaba, this holy mountain has been an essential pilgrimage web site since biblical occasions and gives gorgeous views throughout your entire area.
It’s stated that Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo’s summit, and it’s simple to see why – Mount Nebo offers breathtaking panoramic vistas over close by Jericho, Jerusalem, and past (when the sky is evident).
In the present day, guests can discover a preserved monastery complicated atop Mount Nebo in addition to historical 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 Website of Jesus Christ
The Baptism Website of Jesus Christ in Jordan is a crucial pilgrimage web site and value a go to if you happen to’ll be in Jordan for longer than every week. Positioned on the banks of the River Jordan, this sacred location marks the place Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
In the present day, guests can discover historical ruins that date again over 2,000 years in the past in addition to go to close by chapels and church buildings in-built honor of this particular place. The ambiance right here is peaceable and serene – with breathtaking views throughout rolling hillsides and plush inexperienced landscapes – making it one of the crucial lovely locations to go to in Jordan!
12. Madaba
Positioned 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 necessary cease for any historical past buff!
The city itself is small and picturesque, with loads of charming cafes and retailers. It’s additionally simple to get from Madaba to different locations in Jordan – making it an ideal place to remain in a single day if you happen to’re on a street journey.
The spotlight right here is the gorgeous mosaic map constructed proper into the ground of an historical church rediscovered in 1884. This unimaginable piece of artwork and the historical past it represents will take your breath away.
13. Karak Fort
Karak Fort is a superb place to go to in Jordan for anybody seeking to discover the nation’s historical past. Constructed within the 1140s, this huge crusader citadel stands on a excessive hilltop and offers spectacular views throughout the encircling countryside.
With winding staircases, secret passages, and grand halls, it’s simple to think about why Karak Fort was as soon as thought-about impenetrable.
Guests can discover its many ranges, discovering hidden chambers and studying about its fascinating historical past alongside the way in which.
You possibly can simply rent a information on the gate who will present invaluable perception into this historical fortification, which I like to recommend since there’s little or no data posted across the citadel. There are some eating places close to the doorway if you happen to get hungry, and it prices 3 JD to park.
14. King’s Freeway
The King’s Freeway 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 historical freeway connects Syria and the Gulf of Aqaba by manner of what’s now Jordan, and it was talked about within the Outdated Testomony.
The exceptional street was renovated by Roman emperor Trajan (reigned 98-117 CE), making it an much more essential thoroughfare throughout the Crusades. In the present day, 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 happen to’re getting round Jordan with a rental automobile as I did, you then’ll doubtless be driving the King’s Freeway sooner or later, because it’s nonetheless one of the crucial handy methods to get across the nation. It’s not unusual to see camels and different animals alongside the desert freeway, so maintain your eyes peeled!
15. Roman Theater in Amman
Constructed throughout the reign of Emperor Antonius Pius within the 2nd century AD, this magnificent Roman theater gives guests a glimpse into historical historical past and tradition.
Not solely is it the most effective locations to go to in Jordan, however you’ll get exercise if you’re climbing up and down the traditional steps.
The theater continues to be used at the moment — live shows, performs, and different performances are often 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.
Guests can discover the numerous ranges of this gorgeous construction and study its fascinating previous alongside the way in which. With a capability of 6500 individuals, it will have as soon as hosted some grand spectacles!
16. Amman Citadel
Positioned within the coronary heart of the town, this historical fortress is steeped in historical past and offers gorgeous 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 numerous civilizations all through time; it was first constructed by the Romans but additionally served as an essential stronghold throughout the Crusades. In the present day, you’ll be able to discover ruins that date again centuries, together with historical temples and Byzantine church buildings.
There are additionally loads of artifacts on show on the web site’s museum – excellent for individuals who need to study extra about Jordan’s fascinating previous! The Citadel is among the greatest locations to go to in Amman and could be mixed with a go to to the Roman Theater.
17. Aqaba
Positioned on the Purple Sea, the attractive coastal metropolis of Aqaba boasts a few of the greatest snorkeling and scuba diving on the planet. With crystal clear waters and a various array of marine life, Aqaba gives guests an unforgettable expertise that they received’t quickly neglect.
The world round Aqaba is house to a few of 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 gorgeous seashores and vibrant tradition, Aqaba is certainly one vacation spot you don’t need to miss out on whereas touring by way of Jordan – you’re going to want some relaxation after all of the exploring!
Aqaba has an airport which may be a handy choice for vacationers.
Wrap-Up: Finest Locations to Go to in Jordan
Jordan is an incredible vacation spot for vacationers seeking to discover the Center East. With its gorgeous landscapes, numerous tradition, and historical relics, it’s simple to see why this nation is so widespread amongst vacationers.
From the Misplaced Metropolis 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 undoubtedly be on the high of your listing!
Tell us within the feedback that are your favourite, and every other locations in Jordan you go to throughout your journey.
Cat runs the journey weblog Cat is Out of the Workplace.