The staggering and diverse landscapes of Jordan blend with the rich tapestry of traditions and culture, making it one of the most surreal places to visit in the Middle East. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, located on the cusp of Asia, Africa, and Europe, has been the cradle of ancient civilisation. Some of the oldest humanoid statues have been unearthed in villages near its capital, Amman.
Look beyond the ancient Rose City of Petra, the Biblical Jordan sites, and the iconic Dead Sea adventures and explore some of the most beautiful places in Jordan. Visit the ruins of Jerash and the towering Citadel of Amman, hike the verdant Dana Biosphere Reserve and the rugged canyons of Wadi Mujib, camp at Wadi Rum, marvel at the mosaics of Madaba, cruise in the Red Sea and feel the healing vibes of the Dead Sea. We have curated a list of the ten most beautiful places in Jordan, the land of breathtaking natural wonders where time seems to stand still.
Best time to visit the beautiful places in Jordan
Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit Jordan and the season for wildflowers. You can head to destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea, plan your hikes, and camp outdoors. Autumn (September to November) also sees a lot of tourists, especially to Aqaba and the Red Sea. The temperatures start soaring in summer while winters are wet and cold.
Explore more of the Hashemite Kingdom with our guide to the best things to do in Jordan.
Reaching Jordan
While the Queen Alia International Airport is approximately 36 km from Downtown Amman, the Amman Marka Airport is a civil unscheduled airport in the capital. The King Hussein International Airport is operational in Aqaba, near the Red Sea.
Visiting the most beautiful tourist places in Jordan
Petra
Mysterious, dramatic, and full of hidden secrets, the 2000-year-old Rose City, hewn out of sandstone, is one of the most beautiful places in Jordan. The sheer epic setting of the ancient capital of the Nabateans, built into the rocky outcrop with incredible fissures and formations, is breathtaking. Trek through the Siq into the narrow meandering paths carved into the mountains to see the Treasury, hike up to the monastery, explore the Royal Tombs, be mesmerised by the temples and theatres, get lost in the caves, and chat with the Bedouins. While Petra is ethereal during the day, it gets even more surreal at night, lit by thousands of candles, lending an unreal glow to the magical city.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
Best hotels: Petra Moon Luxury Hotel, and Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort Petra.
How to reach: King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about 128 km away.
Book your stay at Petra Moon Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Petra Moon Hotel via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Hayat Zaman Hotel And Resort Petra via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hayat Zaman Hotel And Resort Petra via Agoda.com
Dead Sea
The Salt Sea is not just one of the most beautiful places in Jordan but the saline waters are all about wellness, healing, and body beauty, packed with over 20 rich minerals. Floating in the Dead Sea, especially during sunrise or sunset with a magical mud pack on your body for about ten minutes is an incredible experience and a natural spa treatment. Besides this iconic experience, you can also pamper yourself with several spa treatments in the resorts around the region. Located in the Jordan Rift Valley and about 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea region is also a favourite for hikers to trek along the Wadi Mujib Canyon. Visit the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex with an observation deck and a museum or hike around the cliffs. You can also head to the Thermal Springs of Hammamat Ma’in and drive to Madaba, feasting on incredible scenery.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November.
Best hotels: Movenpick Resort and Spa, Dead Sea, and Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Spa.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport is about 52 km away.
Book your stay at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa via Agoda.com
Wadi Rum
The dreamy lunar landscape of Wadi Rum can make you go weak in your knees. Camp here overnight with the Bedouins, surrounded by the soul-stirring landscape of the Valley of the Moon, where mammoth rock formations stand against the mighty sandstone cliffs.
Narrow gorges and wild canyons give you company, while crimson sunsets make the red sands blush further. Do some stargazing, go on long hikes, explore caves with prehistoric art, listen to local folktales, camp at luxurious bubble tents, or simply fall in love all over again.
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Best time to visit: October to April
Best hotels: Bubble Luxotel Wadi Rum, and Sun City Camp Wadi Rum.
How to reach: King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba, is about 39 km away.
Book your stay at Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Bubble Luxotel Wadi Rum via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Sun City Camp via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sun City Camp via Agoda.com
Dana Biosphere Reserve
A hiker’s paradise, the breathtaking and diverse landscapes of Dana Biosphere Reserve are one of the most beautiful places in Jordan. From sandstone cliffs to verdant valleys and stark deserts to vast plateaus, this nature reserve in South-Central Jordan gets even prettier in spring with the wildflowers and fall colours in autumn. The rich biodiversity is also home to endemic flora and fauna with over 180 species of birds and 700 species of flora. You can also explore the medieval Dana Village on short guided trails or trek along the 16 km Wadi Dana Trail from the charming stone village of Dana to Feyman Eco Lodge. Another guided trail for experienced trekkers is the 27 km Wadi Ghuweir Trail along spectacular gorges and canyons.
Explore more with our guide to the world’s most incredible hiking trails.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November.
Best hotels: Feynan Ecolodge, and Wadi Dana Eco Camp.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport is about 160 km away.
Book your stay at Wadi Dana Eco camp via Booking.com
Book your stay at Wadi Dana Eco camp via Agoda.com
Jerash
Step back into the Roman era and visit the well-preserved ruins of one of the most ancient cities, Jerash, located 50 km from Amman. comes alive with its formidable gates, towering columns and arches, historic temples and grand theatres, arenas and auditoriums set amidst 200 acres. The crown jewel is the massive oval-shaped Forum with 56 ionic columns, that connects to the fascinating temple of Zeus, through a colonnaded street called Cardo Maximus. You can’t miss the 13-meter tall triumphal Hadrian Arch, built for the Emperor himself.
Take a guided tour of the imperial city and explore the Hippodrome, where chariot races were held, the Temple of Artemis dedicated to the patron deity, the Cathedral, and the Vaulted Gallery among other monuments. Jerash can be explored on a day trip from Amman.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
Best hotels: Jerash Hills Resort, and Mountain Breeze Lodge and Resort.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport in Aqaba is about 60 km away.
Book your stay at Jerash Hills Farm & Chalets via Booking.com
Book yoru stay at Jerash Hills Farm & Chalets via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Mountain Breeze Lodge & Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mountain Breeze Lodge & Resort via Agoda.com
Citadel, Amman
The capital of Jordan is virtually a heritage open-air museum dotted with archaeological sites and is a time capsule of its history from the Neolithic era and Bronze Age to the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. As you climb the fortified Citadel, one of the seven hills of this ancient continuously inhabited city, you cannot miss the colossal Roman Temple of Hercules, dating back to the 1st century, and Ummayad Palace and a Byzantine church. The Jordan Archaeological Museum also houses several artefacts from the prehistoric era, including the double-headed Ain Ghazal statue. Believed to be one of the oldest human sculptures towering over the entire city, this UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful places in Jordan with its beautiful sunsets, timeless spirit and sweeping views.
Best time to visit: November to April
Best hotels: Amman Rotana, Ritz Carlton Amman.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport in Aqaba is about 40 km away.
Book your stay at Amman Rotana via Booking.com
Book your stay at Amman Rotana via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Ritz Carlton Amman via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman via Agoda.com
Wadi Mujib Canyon
The Grand Canyon of Jordan or the Wadi Mujib Canyon is a showstopper, stretching over 70 km over the Mujib River from the Desert Highway to the Dead Sea with jaw-dropping views. A hiking paradise, don’t miss the Siq Trail and the Wadi Mujib Canyon Trail with river crossings as you wade through knee-deep water, navigating whirlpools and following the course of the river. Hike along the cantilevered walkways, traverse the Siq through rocky outcrops and sandstone cliffs, and head to meet the cascading waterfalls at the base of the gorge. This trail usually happens only in summer and needs to be booked with an experienced adventure tour company like Wild Jordan. Besides other adventurous hikes, you can also head to the Mujib Reserve Biosphere, the lowest nature reserve in the world. Don’t forget to make a pitstop on the King’s Highway for some photographs in one of the most beautiful places in Jordan.
Best time to visit: April to October, subject to rain.
Best hotels: Ma’in Hot Springs Resort, and Mujib Chalets.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport in Aqaba is about 55 km away.
Book your stay at Ma'in Hot Springs via Booking.com
Book your stay at Ma'In Hot Springs Resort via Agoda.com
Red Sea
The port city of Aqaba beckons with its vibrant spirit, historic monuments, and rich culture but it is the Red Sea that draws the crowds and is one of the most beautiful places in Jordan. Cruise away on a glass bottom boat, relax on the beach, soak in the sun and sand, or indulge in water sports. Head to the Aqaba Marine Park with 7 km of pristine protected coastline and 18 diving sites, including shipwrecks where you can see hawksbill turtles, stingrays, and shoals of fish. The coral gardens are a riot of colours with over 120 forms while there are over 450 fish species.
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Best time to visit: October-November and late January to May.
Best hotels: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea, and Movenpick Aqaba.
How to reach: King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about 10 km away.
Book your stay at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba via Booking.com
Book your stay at Movenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba via Agoda.com
Kerak Castle
Rising majestically over the Wadi Mujib Valley, the imposing Kerak Castle in Jordan is the largest among the Crusader Castles built in the medieval era. Located in Al Karak, about 120 km from Amman, you cannot miss the looming silhouette of this imposing castle perched atop a hill. A warren of stone-vaulted halls, the fortress built in seven levels of endless pathways takes you into the heart of dungeons, while you can explore the chapel, and climb the towers. And like any castle with hidden secrets, a massive door opens into the dark and dingy world of underground chambers, which should not be missed. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, walk on the ramparts along the walls and witness mesmerising views of the Dead Sea. There are not many hotels here but you will find a few guest houses and inns in the town. There are six Crusader Castles and besides Kerak, you must add Shobak Castle to your itinerary as well.
Best time to visit: March-April, and September- October.
Best hotels: Bubble Castle House, and Horses House.
How to reach: King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about 10 km away.
Book your stay at Bubble castle house via Booking.com
Book your stay at Bubble castle house via Agoda.com
Umayyad Desert Castles
These enchanting desert castles seem like mirages, beautiful visions in the hazy arid desert and you find yourself swept away into another realm as you approach them. Built-in the medieval era and spread over the Middle East, there are three important Umayyad Desert Castles in Jordan, including the grand Qasr-al-Kharaneh, Qasr al-Azraq, and Quasyr Amra, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the art and architecture of early Islamic cultures and admire the mosaics, frescos, and stucco carvings as every stone here tells a story. Qasr al-Kharaneh, with its brilliant frescos, is the largest of them all while Quasyr Amra is known for its larger-than-life wall paintings. Qasr-al-Azraq built out of black basalt and with several courtyards, stands surrounded by a moat. The castles can be covered on a day trip from the capital and are one of the most beautiful places in Jordan.
Best time to visit: March-May, and September- November.
Best hotels: Azraq Oasis, and Azraq Rest House.
How to reach: Queen Alia International Airport is about 100 km away.
Book your stay at Azraq Rest House via Booking.com
Book your stay at Azraq Rest House via Agoda.com
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock)
Related: Best Luxury Hotels In Jordan For A Lavish Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Are there any historical or archaeological sites worth visiting in Jordan?
Jordan has several historical and archaeological sites like Petra, Jerash, Citadel in Amman, Crusader Castles, Umayyad Desert Castles, Madaba and other destinations.
-What are some of the picturesque places in Jordan for hiking and outdoor activities?
Wadi Rum, Wadi Mujib Canyon, Dana Biosphere Reserve, and the rugged mountains and canyons around the Dead Sea are some of the picturesque places in Jordan for hiking and outdoor activities.
-Are there any similar desert experiences in Jordan similar to Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum with its lunar landscapes is one of the unique destinations in Jordan and is incomparable to other canyons and deserts. It’s magical to take a four-wheel drive and experience a desert safari while camping under the stars overnight.
-Can I visit the Dead Sea in Jordan and what makes it unique?
The Dead Sea or the Salt Lake is extremely saline and buoyant, and you can float on it. The waters and the mud are packed with minerals and have healing properties.
-What’s the best way to explore Petra, Jordan’s famous archaeological site?
You can take a guided tour, hike through the Siq, trek to the Monastery, visit the Treasury, Royal Tombs and High Place of Sacrifice and most importantly, Petra by night should not be missed.
-Are there any lesser-known beautiful places in Jordan that are off the beaten path?
Umm Qais or Gadara, Shobak Castle, Little Petra, Wadi Bin Hammad, As-Salt and the mesmerising King’s Highway are some of the lesser-known beautiful places in Jordan that are off the beaten path.
-What is the best time to visit Jordan’s beautiful places?
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are the best times to visit Jordan’s beautiful places.
-Can I take guided tours to explore Jordan’s beautiful places?
Yes, you can take guided tours with well-known tour companies like Intrepid Travels, Experience Jordan, Amman Tours, Exodus Travels, Wild Jordan, G Adventures, and Petra Night Tours among others to explore Jordan’s beautiful places.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture ..Read More
