8 Things You Can't Miss in Jordan
Jordan is a land of contrasts, where adventure and culture go hand in hand. It offers an impressive mix of unspoiled nature, historical wonders, and a unique underwater world. Whether you’re diving among colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks in the Red Sea, strolling through the Rose City of Petra, or exploring the magical desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan is full of highlights that will fascinate every traveler. In this blog, you’ll discover the top 8 things you shouldn’t miss during your trip to this extraordinary country.
Table of contents
1. Diving in Aqaba among shipwrecks and airplane wrecks
Diving in Aqaba is a unique experience, especially if you’re interested in shipwrecks and exploring marine life. The city, located on the Red Sea, offers an unparalleled underwater world where you can dive among ancient wrecks, including two impressive airplane wrecks lying in the depths. These wrecks—the C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed L-1011-500 TriStar—offer divers the opportunity to explore both inside and around the aircraft. It is one of the few places in the world where you feel as though you are literally diving through history. These wrecks were intentionally sunk but are now completely overgrown with colorful coral and surrounded by vibrant marine life.
The water in Aqaba is crystal clear, with visibility of up to 30 meters, making it ideal for wreck diving. In addition to the airplanes, you can also explore other wrecks, such as the famous Cedar Pride, a ship that was sunk in 1985 and is now a popular dive site. The combination of history, marine life, and coral makes diving in Aqaba an unforgettable experience.
What makes Aqaba so special is the area’s peaceful, unspoiled natural beauty. There are no strong currents, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks or simply admiring the enchanting corals and colorful fish, diving in Aqaba is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
2. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is one of Jordan’s most iconic natural areas. The impressive desert landscape is characterized by gigantic rock formations, sand dunes, and deep gorges, making it a magical place for adventurers. It’s not only a destination for stunning desert exploration, but also a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
You can also stay overnight. You’ll sleep in a traditional Bedouin camp—a unique experience where you’ll spend the night under a starry sky. The camp offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the impressive desert life up close and experience authentic Bedouin hospitality. As the sun sets, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of colors, ranging from golden yellow to deep orange and purple. It’s the perfect moment to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the desert as the stars slowly appear in the sky.
The next morning, for the first time in the silence of the desert, you can watch the sunrise and experience the magical landscape in the morning light. Wadi Rum is the ideal place for a bit of adventure and, at the same time, for a moment of total serenity—and sleeping under the stars makes it even more special.
3. Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in southern Jordan. It is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and dates back to the 6th century B.C. The city is situated in a canyon and was largely carved out of the rock—by hand! Because of the pink hue of the rocks, Petra is also known as the “Pink City.” The rocks take on a beautiful glow at sunrise and sunset as well.
Petra’s most famous monument is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a majestic temple carved out of the rock face. It is famous not only for its architecture but also for the history it embodies. The city was once a thriving trading center, located at the crossroads of trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. Its advanced water management systems and monumental cave dwellings bear witness to the ingenious engineering of the Nabataeans.
Petra is an enchanting experience, from exploring the impressive Siq—a narrow gorge that leads to the city—to hiking up to the High Temple or Ad-Deir, another spectacular hilltop temple. It’s like a journey through time, where you feel as if you’re right in the middle of an ancient story.
4. Floating in the Dead Sea
A visit to Jordan isn’t complete without floating in the Dead Sea. This extremely salty lake is located at the lowest point on Earth, more than 400 meters below sea level. Because of the water’s high salt content, you can float effortlessly—a unique experience you’ll want to have at least once in your life.
The Dead Sea is also known for its healing properties. Its mineral-rich water and black mud have been used for centuries for skin care and relaxation. Many travelers slather themselves with the mud and let it dry in the sun before rinsing off again in the warm, salty water.
Along the shore, you’ll find several resorts where you can enjoy this natural wellness experience in complete comfort. Whether you’re coming for a therapeutic mud bath or just to let your legs float while taking in the impressive scenery, the Dead Sea is magical.
5. Bethany: In Search of the Origins of Christianity
Bethany, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. According to centuries-old traditions, this is the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This makes Bethany a spiritual center for both believers and history enthusiasts.
The archaeological site is located near the border with Israel, in a peaceful valley along the Jordan River. There, you’ll walk past ancient churches, baptismal pools, and ruins from the Byzantine and Roman eras, all carefully excavated and restored. The tranquility here makes it easy to imagine the history.
What makes Bethany special is that it is not only a place of religion but also a place where cultures come together. It is recognized by both the Vatican and the World Council of Churches and attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
A visit to Bethany is impressive, even if you aren’t religious yourself. It’s a place where you can find a moment of quiet, where the past and faith become tangible, and where you realize just how much influence this region has had on world history. Combine your visit with a stop at the river itself, where you can still see pilgrims descending to the water for a symbolic baptism or a moment of reflection.
6. Mount Nebo: a viewpoint overlooking the Holy Land
Mount Nebo is one of the most remarkable places in Jordan. According to the Bible, this was where Moses was first allowed to see the Promised Land before he died. From the summit of this 800-meter-high mountain, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and—on clear days—even Jericho and Jerusalem in the distance.
The atmosphere on Mount Nebo is serene and awe-inspiring. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a modern sanctuary built over the ruins of a 4th-century Byzantine church. Inside, you can see beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes of animals, hunting expeditions, and rural life, offering a glimpse into life thousands of years ago.
Outside, you can walk past the enormous bronze monument symbolizing Moses and the bronze serpent. This work of art refers to a passage in the Old Testament and stands out as a striking silhouette against the open sky.
A visit to Mount Nebo is more than just a stop for a beautiful view. It is a place of reflection, with deep religious significance and historical value. Whether you come for the biblical story, the history, or the panoramic view, Mount Nebo is a place that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a special stop on a tour of Jordan and can also be perfectly combined with a visit to the nearby mosaic city of Madaba.
7. Jordan’s Local Cuisine
A trip through Jordan isn’t complete without fully savoring the local cuisine. Food plays a central role in Jordanian culture and is inextricably linked to hospitality. From homemade dishes to bustling markets and cozy street stalls, you’ll taste the rich flavors of the Middle East everywhere you go.
An absolute must-try is mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. This festive meal consists of slow-cooked lamb in a yogurt sauce, served with rice and flatbread. It’s often eaten on special occasions, but you’ll also find it on the menu at many traditional restaurants.
Don’t miss out on the mezze table either. These are small dishes meant for sharing, such as hummus, moutabal (smoked eggplant purée), tabbouleh, falafel, and warm rolls fresh from the oven. It’s a fun, flavorful experience and the perfect way to try a variety of tastes.
In the towns and villages, you’ll find plenty of small bakeries and stalls where you can enjoy freshly baked sweets like knafeh or baklava, along with mint tea or strong Arabic coffee. You’ll also find plenty of Medjool dates at these stalls—this is the best variety of dates you can find.
Jordanian cuisine is simple and full of character, featuring plenty of local herbs, olive oil, lemon, and fresh vegetables. Whatever you choose, dining in Jordan is much more than just a meal. It’s an experience, a time of togetherness, and an introduction to the country’s warm spirit.
8. Amman: A Vibrant Capital Full of Contrasts
Amman is the cultural and economic heart of Jordan, and a city that immediately welcomes you with its vibrancy and friendly atmosphere. It’s where your journey begins, but it’s certainly a destination in its own right. In this dynamic capital, the old and the new blend seamlessly. You can stroll right from modern shopping streets and trendy coffee shops to ancient ruins and traditional markets.
One of Amman’s highlights is the Citadel, located on one of the city’s seven hills. Here you’ll find impressive ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. From the Citadel, you’ll also enjoy a stunning view of the city.
Down in the city center lies the Roman theater, an imposing 2nd-century structure that is still used for events and concerts. Nearby, you can stroll through the old part of town, where the scent of spices, coffee, and freshly baked bread greets you in the souks.
Amman is also the perfect place to sample Jordanian cuisine. Enjoy mezze, freshly fried falafel, or a steaming plate of mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. Whether you’re staying for a short time or taking a little longer, Amman is the perfect introduction to the country: welcoming, lively, and full of stories.
Your Trip to Jordan with EWDR
Are you ready to pack your bags and explore Jordan? At EWDR, we offer a 10-day trip that gives you the perfect blend of diving and culture. You’ll spend five days diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea near Aqaba and explore some of the region’s most beautiful dive sites. You’ll also visit all the highlights mentioned—from Petra to sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum.
Check out the full itinerary here!
