Planning a visit to Jordan? This conflict-free jewel of the Middle East is rich in historical and natural wonders. Discover the 11 most beautiful places in Jordan in this article!
Jordan is a small territory that forms a bridge between the Orient and the Mediterranean basin, and has witnessed a succession of civilizations. These have bequeathed precious vestiges to the country, whose deserts were long inhabited only by Bedouin nomads. Great Roman cities, Nabataean temples, Umayyad castles, Byzantine art and ancient Arab culture: this is Jordan’s diversity! Not to mention the beauty of its wild desert landscapes, which will leave their mark on your mind with their flamboyant colors: pink, ochre, purple, gold…
What are the most beautiful places in Jordan? Here are 11 places to visit to fully appreciate the richness of this incredible country!
1. Petra
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How could we not start with Petra? Considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, this site is without doubt Jordan’s treasure. Petra, or Raqmu la Barriolée, was founded in the late 8th century BC by the Edomites, then occupied by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab trading people. They made it prosper, building immense temples and tombs.
To reach the city, visitors follow the Siq Gorge, admiring the sculptural beauty of the rocks and their flamboyant colors. Finally, they arrive at the Al Khaznel Gate! This 30-metre-high façade is carved directly into the canyon’s pink sandstone. A breathtaking sight. You can also walk along the path at night, when the site is lit by thousands of candles and accompanied by a Bedouin music concert.
But there’s much more to Petra than its gates: plan several days to explore the remains of this mythical city, which witnessed the splendour of several ancient civilizations.
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2. Amman
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Amann is one of the oldest cities in the world still inhabited: it is mentioned in the Bible as Rhabbat Ammon. It has been the capital of Jordan since 1921.
Amman is a lively city, punctuated by the noise of cars and the call to prayer. This gentle contrast between the modernity of the capital and the strong presence of vestiges and traditions gives the city a unique atmosphere. Head to the historic Downtown district to discover numerous points of interest, such as the Abu Darwish mosque, and wander through the maze of souks.
The citadel of Amann, jabal Al-Qala’a, dominates the city. This ancient Roman acropolis is a striking reminder of the city’s past, when it was known as Philadelphia. You can also visit the Roman theater and sample some delicious Jordanian cuisine.
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3. The Dead Sea
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The Dead Sea is a must-see during your stay in Jordan. Enjoy the unusual experience of floating on its particularly salty waters (almost ten times more salty than other seas!).
On the banks of the river, numerous wellness centers allow you to take advantage of its therapeutic virtues, in conjunction with other treatments such as mud baths. There are also free beaches where you can enjoy the experience, but beware: don’t stay too long in the water, as it’s very harsh on the skin!
Beyond the unique properties of its water, the Dead Sea offers visitors a gentle landscape. Its opal waters are encircled by ochre and purple rocks, a fragile vision that is doomed to disappear due to human activity…
4. Jerash
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Jerash is Jordan’s second most important tourist attraction, after Petra. And not for nothing: this ancient Greco-Roman city is perhaps the best preserved in the Middle East!
Ancient Gerasa was an opulent city that flourished from the 2nd century BC onwards. Allegedly founded by Alexander the Great, it was more likely of Greek origin. It was part of the Decapolis, a group of ten Greek colonies mentioned in biblical writings. In the first century AD, Gerasa became part of the Roman province of Syria. As in the other cities of the Decapolis, the Greeks welcomed the Pax Romana with relief, exhausted by conflicts with the Jews and Nabataeans.
Today, visitors can admire the ruins of the city: Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus, the theater, the hippodrome…
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5. Wadi Rum
Photo credit: Unsplash – Anton Lecock
Wadi Rum is a vast desert valley with landscapes of unique shapes and colors. Its wild lands, swept by red sand, are home to numerous rock formations: arches, pillars, canyons… A veritable open-air cathedral, sculpted by the gradual erosion of time. Bright green oases sometimes cover the soil of this arid desert, offering visitors a striking contrast.
To explore Wadi Rum, you can count on the legendary hospitality and generosity of the Bedouins, who provide travelers with tourist programs organized by themselves: guide, lodging, food… A great authentic experience to enjoy in Jordan. However, be careful not to choose just any tour: some tourist practices unfortunately distort the region.
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6. Madaba
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Madaba is a pretty Jordanian town located thirty kilometers south of the capital, Amman. It is famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, often depicting the Tree of Life, one of the symbols of the country.
The city is deeply marked by its history, which, like many of Jordan’s holy sites, is mentioned in the Bible. The richness of its influences (Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Umayyad) is expressed through numerous vestiges and monuments. In particular, the Church of St. George contains a true masterpiece: an ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
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7. Wadi Mujib
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The Wadi Mujib reserve is a canyon overlooking a wide plateau, offering spectacular panoramic views. It peaks at 900 meters before plunging to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea valley. Experienced hikers will be delighted here! Numerous treks allow you to discover the rugged landscape of Wadi Mujib, providing a real thrill.
There are two ways to enjoy the area: hiking in the highlands or canyoning in the gorges and waterfalls of Wadi Mujib. Either way, wild landscapes await you, and they’re home to unique flora and fauna!
8. Aqaba
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Aqaba offers the country’s only access to the Red Sea. Although this coastal city has been inhabited since 4000 BC, it is only very recently that it has developed, at great speed, into the seaside resort it is today. It’s not the prettiest town in Jordan, but it offers travellers a pleasant place to relax.
However, Aqaba’s main attraction for tourists is the sumptuous coral gardens that line the coast. A golden opportunity to dive or snorkel and discover the incredible richness of the Red Sea seabed!
9. Desert Castles
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The Desert Castles refer to a number of Umayyad constructions from the early Middle Ages. Located for the most part to the east of the capital, they dot the desert plains. Their functions were diverse: caliphs’ residences, caravanserais (stopping places for merchant caravans), thermal baths, hunting lodges and more. Stop off at the Qusair Amra castle, home to remarkable Umayyad frescoes.
You can discover them for a day, from Amann.
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10. Mount Nebo
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It was on this mountain, 800 metres above sea level in western Jordan, that Moses is said to have first observed the Promised Land, and it was also here that he died at the age of 120. At least according to Christian tradition, since Muslims fix Moses’ tomb at the sanctuary of Nabi Moussa, on the other side of the Jordan.
Mount Nebo attracts many pilgrims, who come to visit the Church of the Memorial of Moses and its sumptuous mosaics, as well as the incredible view of the Dead Sea and, on a clear day, Jerusalem.
A word of advice: visit the site early enough in the morning to avoid the crowds and take full advantage of the atmosphere, be it spiritual or simply colored by the mythology that cradles the site.
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11. La Route des Rois
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The Route of the Kings is not so much a place as it is a way for travelers to explore Jordan from north to south, discovering the country’s main treasures over a distance of more than 400 kilometers. Whether you want to discover Jordan’s historical or natural wonders, it’s an ideal route to soak up its great wealth.
To follow the mythical Route of the Kings is to pass through some of the most beautiful places to visit in Jordan.
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Map of hotels and accommodation – Jordan