8 things you shouldn't miss when you're traveling in Jordan
Jordan is a country 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, walking through the rose-colored 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 wrecks and aircrafts
Diving in Aqaba is a unique experience, especially if you are interested in wrecks and discovering underwater life. The city, located on the Red Sea, offers an unparalleled underwater world where you can dive among ancient wrecks, including two impressive aircraft wrecks lying at the bottom of the sea. 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 like you are literally diving through history. These wrecks were sunk artificially, 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 planes, you can also discover other wrecks, such as the famous Cedar Pride, a ship that was sunk in 1985 and is now a popular diving location. The combination of history, underwater life, and coral makes diving in Aqaba an unforgettable experience.
What makes Aqaba so special is the peaceful, unspoiled nature of the area. There are no strong currents, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Whether you explore the wrecks or simply admire the enchanting corals and colorful fish, diving in Aqaba is an adventure you will not 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 is not only a destination for beautiful desert exploration, but also a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
You can also stay overnight. You will sleep in a traditional Bedouin camp, a unique experience where you spend the night under a starry sky. The camp offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the impressive desert life up close and to experience true 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 is 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 little 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 7 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 BC. The city is located in a gorge and was largely carved out of rock by hand! Due to the pink glow of the rocks, Petra is also known as the ‘pink city’. The rocks also take on a beautiful glow at sunrise and sunset.
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 its history. The city was once a thriving trading center, located at the crossroads of trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria. The advanced water management and monumental cave dwellings are testament to the ingenious architecture of the Nabataeans.
Petra is an enchanting experience, from exploring the impressive Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the city, to hiking to the High Temple or the Ad-Deir, another spectacular temple on a hilltop. It is like a journey through time, where you feel like you are in the middle of an ancient story.
4. Floating in the Dead Sea
A visit to Jordan is not 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. The high salt content of the water allows you to float effortlessly—a unique experience that you will want to have at least once in your life.
The Dead Sea is also known for its healing properties. The mineral-rich water and black mud have been used for centuries for skin care and relaxation. Many travelers cover themselves in mud and let it dry in the sun before rinsing off in the warm, salty water.
Along the shore, you will find several resorts where you can enjoy this natural wellness experience in complete comfort. Whether you come for a therapeutic mud bath or just to float on your back while looking out over the impressive landscape, the Dead Sea is magical.
5. Bethany: searching for 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 ancient traditions, this is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This makes Bethany a spiritual center for believers and those interested in history.
The archaeological site is located near the border with Israel, in a peaceful valley along the Jordan River. You can walk past ancient churches, baptismal pools, and ruins from Byzantine and Roman times, all carefully excavated and restored. The tranquility that reigns here makes it easy to imagine the history.
What makes Bethany special is that it is not only a place of religion, but also of connection between cultures. 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 are not religious yourself. It is a place where you can pause for a moment, where the past and faith become tangible, and where you realize 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: viewpoint over the Holy Land
Mount Nebo is one of the most special places in Jordan. According to the Bible, this was the place where Moses first saw the Promised Land before he died. From the top of this 800-meter-high mountain, you have 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 impressive. At the top of the mountain, you will find a modern sanctuary built over the remains of a 4th-century Byzantine church. Inside, you can see beautifully preserved mosaics depicting scenes of animals, hunting parties, and peasant life, which offer a glimpse into life thousands of years ago.
Outside, you can walk past the enormous bronze memorial 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 panorama, Mount Nebo is a place that will stay with you. It is 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. Jordanian cuisine
A trip to Jordan isn’t complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Food plays a central role in Jordanian culture and is inextricably linked to hospitality. From homemade dishes to lively markets and cozy street stalls, you can 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 is often eaten on special occasions, but you will also find it on the menu of many traditional restaurants.
Don’t skip the mezze table either. These are small dishes that you share, such as hummus, moutabal (smoked eggplant puree), tabbouleh, falafel, and warm rolls fresh from the oven. Cosy, tasty, and perfect for trying different flavours.
In the cities and villages, you will find plenty of bakeries and stalls where you can enjoy freshly baked sweets such as knafeh or baklava, and tea with mint or strong Arabic coffee. You will also find many medjoul dates at these stalls, which are the best type of dates you can find.
Jordanian cuisine is pure and full of character, with extensive use of local herbs, olive oil, lemon, and fresh vegetables. Whatever you choose, eating in Jordan is much more than just a meal. It is an experience, a moment of togetherness, and an introduction to the warm soul of the country.
8. Amman: vibrant capital city full of contrasts
Amman is the cultural and economic heart of Jordan, and a city that immediately welcomes you with its liveliness and friendly atmosphere. It is the place where you begin your journey, but also a destination in itself. In this dynamic capital, old and new come together seamlessly. You can walk from modern shopping streets and trendy coffee shops to ancient ruins and traditional markets.
One of the highlights of Amman is the Citadel, located on one of the city’s seven hills. Here you will find impressive remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. From the Citadel, you also have a beautiful view of the city.
Down in the city center is 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 smell of spices, coffee, and freshly baked bread greets you in the souks.
Amman is also the place to get acquainted with Jordanian cuisine. Enjoy mezze, freshly baked 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 an ideal introduction to the country: hospitable, lively, and full of stories.
Diving in Jordan with EWDR
Are you ready to pack your bags and discover Jordan? At EWDR, we offer a 10-day trip that combines diving and culture in perfect harmony. You will dive for five days in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea near Aqaba and discover some of the most beautiful dive sites in the region. You will also visit all the highlights mentioned: from Petra to sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum.
View the full itinerary here!
