Jordan is hemmed in on all sides by other nations, including Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Israel. However, Jordan has a reputation for being more progressive, liberal, and secure than many of its neighbors, even though it is located in the geographic center of the Middle East. As a result, it is the best place for individuals interested in traveling to this region of the planet.
A vacation in Jordan allows visitors to explore ancient cities, take in breathtaking views of granite cliffs, explore isolated deserts, and even dip in the Dead Sea. In addition, there are relics left behind by some of the world’s most advanced civilizations that may still be found in that location today.
It is believed some of the first settlements and villages inhabited by humans were located in this area because of its location at the intersection of several major trade routes. Based on our travels through Jordan, we have ranked the country’s top 10 tourist destinations and included them in this article.
Madaba
Madaba is a tiny town located south of the country’s capital that is famous for its historic religious architecture and artwork. The Madaba Map dates back to the sixth century and depicts a map of Jerusalem and other holy sites, and it is the most famous artifact to come out of this region. St. George’s Church is where you may find the Madaba Map.
During your stay in Madaba, you should prioritize visiting the Madaba Archaeological Park and the Madaba Museum if you are interested in the city’s long and illustrious past. However, the best way to gain a birds-eye perspective of the region is to climb to the top of the bell tower at the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, which may give breathtaking vistas.
Dana Nature Reserve
The Dana Nature Reserve is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Jordan, and it also provides visitors with the opportunity to go hiking in the open air. Should you make this a multi-day excursion, the 15th-century village of Dana will serve as your home base. Most of the village’s architecture has been preserved, and it offers a variety of lodging and dining options.
The hiking in the Dana Nature Reserve, which includes navigating up and down valleys and slot canyons, is the primary attraction for visitors to the reserve. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and untouched, making for unforgettable vistas and a wealth of extraordinary photo opportunities.
Aqaba
The only city in Jordan with a waterfront, other than the Dead Sea, is Aqaba, which also happens to be the country’s only port city. Due to its proximity to the Red Sea, Aqaba is called the “window onto the Red Sea.”
You can visit the Aqaba Fort, which dates back to the 14th century or stay in one of the most luxurious five-star resorts, ranked among the best in the world. Aqaba offers this one-of-a-kind blend of the ancient and the modern.
The small village of Ayla, which dates back to the sixth century and has been astonishingly well-preserved, is one of the most exciting places in the region. In addition, Aqaba is a well-known location for taking scuba diving lessons and going on guided dives in the Red Sea.
Al-Karak
If you are interested in castles, you must go to Al-Karak. Al-Karak, also known as Karak or Kerak, can be found in the southern region of Jordan. It is famous both for the impressive size of its castle and the significant number of Christians who live there.
The Citadel of Kerak can be found in the city of Al-Karak; it was a Crusader stronghold in the past. After being pillaged, the castle stood in disrepair for the better part of a half-millennium.
You will have the opportunity to look at the many sections of the castle that have been renovated. In addition, the Karak Archaeological Museum is located in the lower portion of the castle and features an impressive collection that offers insight into the region’s history.
Amman
Amman is the largest city in Jordan, the cultural and economic center of the country, and it serves as the nation’s capital. So devote at least some time to explore the capital, Amman.
The Nymphaeum and the sizeable Roman Amphitheatre are two of the most notable Roman ruins that can be discovered in Amman. The city also contains many other Roman ruins. It is highly recommended that you visit the Citadel because it is the location of several historically significant buildings in the area, such as the Roman Temple of Hercules and the massive Ummayad Palace made of stone.
If you happen to be at the palace when the muezzin calls out the call to prayer, you will be able to both hear and see an incredible display taking place in the city below you.
Desert Castles
A collection of castles can be explored in Jordan’s Eastern Desert, located just east of the capital city of Amman. Umayyads built the structures, fortifications and a place for the Kaliffs to live during their reign.
The Umayyads could survive and prosper in the harsh environment of the desert because they had constructed a network of castles throughout the region. It is possible to visit several of these sand castles in a single day if you are willing to do some driving.
The loop can take you to Qasr Al-Hallabat, known for its black rock and mosaics, and Hammam as-Sarah, known for its ongoing archeological site. And Qasr Amra, which is known for its incredible frescoes.
Dead Sea
Although Jordan is landlocked for the most part, a tiny portion of its coastline is shared with the Dead Sea. Even though it is situated at the lowest point on Earth, 430 meters (1,400 feet) below the level that is now considered to be sea level, the salinity of the Dead Sea is astonishingly high.
There is a tradition that John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus, and that event is claimed to have taken place in the Dead Sea, which also has a variety of other historical and theological ties. Due to the high salinity and abundant minerals in the water, this is an excellent location for relaxation.
You can easily float on your back thanks to the high salinity. However, the most enjoyable way to spend a vacation at the Dead Sea is to book a room at one of the opulent resorts located at the sea’s northernmost tip. You can indulge in a relaxing spa treatment here, watch the sunset over the water, and even catch a glimpse of Jerusalem illuminated at night.
Jerash
Most people envision locations in Europe when they think of Roman ruins. But on the other hand, the city of Jerash is the site of a remarkable collection of Greco-Roman ruins. Hadrian’s Arch, built in the second century, and the Hippodrome, which is one of the smallest Roman hippodromes ever made, are just two of the historical sites that can be seen by tourists who visit Jerash today.
It is highly recommended that you begin your exploration of Jerash at the Jerash Archaeological Museum. This museum is home to an incredible collection of artifacts. In addition, it does an excellent job of explaining the beginnings and growth of the Jerash settlement over many centuries.
Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is a valley in the desert located in the south of Jordan and is famous for its breathtaking scenery. Although there are no permanent settlements in this remote part of the desert, Bedouins and other nomadic tribes can sometimes be seen traveling through the area. Although deserts are typically pictured as dunes, Wadi Rum is home to sandstone mountains and granite cliffs that soar hundreds of feet into the air.
Many of Wadi Rum’s most popular points of interest are natural landmarks, rock formations, and sand and rock with distinctive hues. For example, the Umm Fruth Rock Bridge presents a remarkable sight in person. Because of the area’s unusual reddish-orange colors, which give it an otherworldly quality, several science-fiction films, such as “The Martian,” have been filmed on the grounds to replicate the Red Planet.
You can take tours of places such as Lawrence of Arabia’s house and the natural spring now known as Lawrence’s Spring in Wadi Rum, where Lawrence of Arabia also spent some time.
Petra
Petra, an ancient city, is recognized as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is widely considered to be Jordan’s top tourist attraction. Petra, which has other names, including the City of Roses and the City of Red, served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom before the Roman Empire annexed it.
The Western world had left the settlement for several centuries, during which time it fell into obscurity; however, in the 19th century, it was discovered again. During your trip to Petra, you can explore the ancient archeological park through the Siq, a sandstone canyon. After passing through the Siq, you will arrive at the impressive Treasury, which was not a treasury but rather most likely a temple or a royal tomb.
Conclusion
Jordan is an incredible country with a lot to offer visitors and vacationers. There is something enjoyable for everyone to do, from exploring the ancient city of Petra to taking in the breathtaking natural scenery of Wadi Rum. Our rundown of Jordan’s top 10 tourist destinations has piqued your interest enough to get you thinking about where you want to go on your next vacation.
