If Jordan has made it to the top of your bucket list, you should be highly enthusiastic and excited about what you will experience on this incredible journey. Jordan is an Arab country located on the East Bank of the Jordan River. It is a country jam-packed full of culture, historical monuments, inspiring natural landscapes, and cuisine that will blow you away.
If you wonder what draws so many people to this beautiful part of the globe, then take a look at the ten best attractions that Jordan offers.
If you are visiting Jordan for the first time, you should get in touch with your ‘Local Destination Expert,’ who will be on hand with invaluable tips, tricks, and advice, as well as local hidden gems and so much more, to make sure you get the best out of your trip, after all, no one knows a country, as well as a local, does.
Jordan is home to some incredible World Heritage Sites, a warm and welcoming nation, and mouthwatering local cuisine, which will captivate you and leave you wanting more.
Jordan may not be as visited as some other Middle Eastern countries, but every year more and more people are learning more about this fantastic destination, which makes it a hidden gem of the region.
So, if you are excited about your future trip to Jordan, here are some inspiring attractions that will keep the excitement looming.
1: Petra
Petra has to be Jordan’s most famous attraction, and you have more than likely heard your friends or family talk about this incredible place if they have visited the country. Believe us when we say Petra’s historical and archeological city is awe-inspiring, and there is not a shred of it that is overrated, unlike some attractions around the world.
The UNESCO site of Petra will blow you away from the instant you arrive, with its rose-colored rocks, rock-cut monuments, including the famous ‘Monastery,’ and the history that goes with it all.
A true wonder of Jordan!
2: Wadi Rum Desert
Also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum desert is a valley (wadi), which is most likely, unlike anything you have seen before on your travels. This landscape is so surreal, you can certainly see why it has an alternative name relating to the moon, and you can easily spend all day here just marveling at the structures and taking hundreds of photographs. However, there are plenty of activities here to keep you busy too.
This is a great tour that takes you to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea while having a Jordanian cultural experience with lots of extras.
3: The Dead Sea
The famous floating Dead Sea is easily accessible and takes about an hour to reach Amman. It is renowned for its saltiness, which enables you to float on the water, and its therapeutic mud and minerals, which have excellent healing properties. The most incredible fact about this lake is that to this day, it is the lowest point on earth due to the land around it rising so much that it prevented the water from continuing to flood the area.
The shores of the Dead Sea are approximately 427m(1400ft) below sea level, which is hard to believe when you’re floating above.
4: Dana Nature Reserve
This Biosphere Reserve is the largest in Jordan and is one of the country’s greatest attractions, with a fantastic landscape dotted with rugged mountains, dunes, and plenty of wildlife to be discovered. This is a nature and wildlife lovers’ haven, considering there are 25 endangered animals here, including the Sand Cat, the Syrian Wolf, the Spiney Tailed Lizard, and the Lesser Kestrel, to name but a few.
In addition, you will spot traditional stone houses, wooded highlands, stony desert, and a variety of flora and fauna, all of which make this a tranquil place to encounter.
5: Madaba
Famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, Madaba is located just 30km (18.5miles) southwest of the capital city of Amman. This is one of the biggest attractions in Jordan because of its well-known mosaic map of the Holy Land, which can be seen in St Georges Church, and is the oldest map of Palestine on record, having been created in 560AD. If history and culture are top priorities for you when visiting Jordan, this has to be an attraction that you add to your list.
6: Mount Nebo
Situated at 710m (2330ft) above sea level, Mount Nebo is famous for being mentioned in the bible as where Moses was allowed to view the promised land before his death. This significant landmark in Jordan is visited by many people each year for its impressive story and its unsurpassable views from the summit. From the top, you can see Jerusalem, Jericho, and a panorama of the West Bank, which make it a popular spot for many reasons.
7: Amman
The capital of Jordan is one of the country’s biggest attractions, with the Amman Citadel, a variety of museums, palaces, and temples to discover, making it an ideal stop-off to learn more about the culture of Jordan. When you visit Jordan, you will arrive in Amman and leave from Amman, so you will have opportunities to take some time to explore all that this bustling city has to offer.
8: Kerak Castle
Kerak Castle is an inspiring landmark in Jordan and is considered a top-rated tourist attraction due to it being one of the largest crusader castles in the Levant. Known for its notable story and historical significance, Kerak dates back to the 1140s, which is truly unbelievable when you look around you. The town of Kerak is located in the south of the country, and upon entry, you will be stunned by the castle that is soaring above the busy town.
A glorious sight to behold!!
9: Ma'in Hot Springs
This resort and spa are some of the best attractions in Jordan, especially at the end of a busy sightseeing adventure. Here you can immerse yourself in thermal mineral hot springs and waterfalls, just 74km (64miles) south of the capital city. One of the most unusual features of this peaceful area is that it is situated 2664 (866ft) below sea level, and it has been a popular place for healing treatments since Roman times. What a perfect way to end your Jordanian journey.
If you fancy some relaxation and rejuvenation after your trip, consider this Wellness tour in Jordan.
10: Jerash
Jordan is renowned for ancient ruins, especially considering its vast history. Hence, a trip to Jerash has to be on the cards to delve deeper into the Jordanian culture.
The ruins here sit high up at 500m (1640ft), giving you a panoramic view over the city below, and the ruins themselves are considered the most well-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. You will be kept busy by the number of statues, plazas, columns, and ruins of temples here, so allow enough time to get fully engrossed in this ancient site.
For a fantastic trip that incorporates both Amman and historical Jerash, check this out.
