Our guide to Jordan

As a result, Jordan is country that sits both literally and figuratively at the crossroads between the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Hailing at once from the Mediterranean and Arabia, it is one of few places on the planet where you can discover lost kingdoms, swim amongst vibrant reefs, explore crumbling ruins and hunker down in the desert all in just a few short days.

Jordan for history and culture

Jordan’s rich history is prevalent in every corner of the country. In its cities, grand amphitheaters sit cheek by jowl with Crusader castles and Christian mosaics while in the countryside, rural life is played out to the tune of tradition.

From the moment you arrive in Amman, home to the ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules and a spectacular 6,000 seat ancient theater, you will be greeted by the boundless hospitality for which the country is renowned. The gateway to Jordan is a vibrant and bustling city where old meets new; home to labyrinthine souks, Byzantine churches, countless museums and ancient temples.

A short drive north of Amman lies Jerash, the most astonishing Roman city in the Middle East, making it the perfect destination to indulge in a spot of culture on a day trip from the capital. Renowned for its mighty Corinthian columns, the recently excavated ancient city is an archaeological wonder with a fascinating history dating back over 6,500 years.

Taking the King’s Highway towards Petra is undoubtedly the more scenic route from Amman but this simple, unassuming byway passes by some of the country’s most extraordinary sights. Along the route, bide some time at the Crusaders’ castles of Kerak and Shobak for the perfect way to sate culture seeking appetites. Petra is arguably the jewel in the crown of Jordan’s ancient offering. This 2000-year-old Nabatean city, carved pristinely into red-rose rock, is the stuff Indiana Jones is made of and a simply breath-taking sight. Beating the crowds by visiting early in the morning or witnessing the Treasury illuminated by candle light after nightfall is bound to be a highlight of your trip.

Jordan for the great outdoors

While a remarkable nine tenths of Jordan is desert, pockets of the country are green and fertile. In northern Jordan, Ajloun is an area of verdant, rolling hillside, cloaked in Mediterranean woodland and dotted with flowers of every color and kind. The historic Ajloun Castle, perched atop Mount ‘Auf, is well worth a visit to gain a fascinating insight into the evolution of Jordan’s cultural landscape.

Further south, the Dana Nature Reserve or Dana Biosphere is a mecca for hikers. This incredibly fragile yet mighty ecosystem is amongst the rarest in the world. A patchwork of desertscapes, tiny oases, craggy mountains, wooded uplands and home to a myriad of plant, bird and mammal species, Dana is an unrivaled destination for adventurers looking for an eco-escape.

Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan and the real showstopper of Jordan’s natural world. Following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia as you explore its vast red rust dunes, weathered sandstone formations and charming Bedouin camps is bound to completely unforgettable.

Jordan’s most famous stretches of water are simply unmissable too. At the port town of Aqaba, snorkeling sits top of the bill and exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs of the famed Red Sea is a scuba paradise. The Dead Sea on the other hand, is, as its moniker suggests, void of life. Yet, as the lowest point of Earth, and a stone’s throw from the site of Jesus’ baptism, it is a particularly significant point of interest in Jordan.

Jordan for families

Children of all ages are welcomed with open arms in Jordan. From snorkeling in the Red Sea to camel riding in Wadi Rum, Jordan is an adventure playground for kids. While hiking activities tend to be orientated towards families with older children, a night under the stars in the desert is an adventure fit for the entire family. Only a short flight from London, and benefiting from very little time difference, Jordan is perfect for active families wanting to squeeze in an adventure into a half term or Easter break.

Jordan for romance

For an intrepid honeymoon, look no further. While Jordan is perhaps not the most obvious place to spend a post- nuptial vacation, it could offer adventurous couples the perfect way to celebrate. Ticking Jordan off the bucket list on the vacation of a lifetime, complete with romantic moments under the stars and private candlelit dinners in the desert makes for an unforgettable escape.

Off the beaten track in Jordan

Traveling to Jordan is all about the experience. It is worth bearing in mind that in the cities, hotels tend to be international chains and boutique properties are harder to find. Yet combining five-star accommodation with local options elsewhere or a short stay in a desert camp is the perfect way to get under the skin of the real Jordan. Year after year, hotels continue to open their doors yet accommodation still tends to be quite basic.

Jordan's cuisine

In Jordan, chickpeas take center stage. Everything from falafel to hummus is piled high on delicious mezze platters, complete with lashings of baba ghanoush, olive oil and served with freshly baked flatbread. The national dish, Mansaf, is a must-try. Consisting of rice, vegetables and lamb, cooked in a sealed underground oven, the dish is a totally delicious nod to the many influences that complete Jordan’s culinary offering. At some point during your stay, you will no doubt be offered a cup of Bedouin tea or coffee, and as a true reflection of Jordanian hospitality, you can expect infinite refills of this sweetened tea steeped in aromatic sage. Jordan also produces its own wine yet it is worth noting that while available in many restaurants, alcohol is expensive.

Culture & etiquette in Jordan

Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Its cities are remarkably modern while rural areas maintain a unique traditional character and ooze boundless Middle Eastern charm. Conservative dress should be respected as you travel through the country, and keeping shoulders and knees covered is considered a sign of respect. Respecting local customs is key to a successful vacation in Jordan so spending some time researching some of the country’s cultural nuances will be appreciated by local people.

When to go to Jordan

Temperatures soar in the summer, so we would recommend going in the spring between March and May or as the heat of summer subsides between September and November. Winters can be quite wet and very cold while some areas can even see snow during the colder months. Read our best time to visit guide.

Getting to and traveling around

Jordan is particularly easy to navigate around and many of its key sites are within a two or three-hour drive of one another. Conveniently, is possible to fly direct to Jordan from London taking only around five and a half hours and there are routings from major European, North America and Southeast Asian hubs.

Combinations with Jordan

Thanks to its compact size, Jordan is a brilliant stand-alone destination. This being said, it can be paired perfectly with Oman for the ultimate Middle Eastern adventure. While Oman’s beaches are somewhat better, it is also home to stunning landscapes and is perfect for active travelers looking for world class hiking and cultural discovery too.