Jordan Travel Guide

Nestled between Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a remarkably peaceful country in a region often defined by instability. Its safety, hospitality and cultural richness make it an exceptional destination for travellers.

Visitors will find two of the Middle East's most iconic landmarks. The first of them is the rose-red ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the other is the breath-taking desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, which is known for its towering sandstone mountains and red dunes.

Layered with millennia of history, Jordan is a land where Nabataean stonemasons, Biblical prophets, and Lawrence of Arabia all left their mark. From Roman ruins and Byzantine mosaics to Crusader castles and desert fortresses, the country has a deep and varied historical tapestry.

Despite its ancient roots, Jordan is also a modern nation with a well-developed infrastructure, a dynamic business and arts scene, and a wide range of luxury hotels, restaurants and shopping options. The contrast between the ancient and the contemporary is part of what makes the country so compelling.

Although relatively small, Jordan boasts incredibly diverse landscapes. The fertile Jordan Valley runs along the kingdom's western edge and includes the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth's surface, renowned for its high salt and mineral content. East of the valley, population centres such as Amman, Madaba and Karak sit atop a highland plateau rich in archaeological heritage. Beyond this lie the vast eastern deserts, home to unique wildlife and remote Bedouin communities.

Jordan also provides access to the Red Sea at Aqaba, where coral reefs and vibrant marine life make for excellent diving and snorkelling, a lesser-known but rewarding aspect of the country's natural beauty.

Though major sites such as Petra and the Dead Sea are well-travelled, many of Jordan's lesser-known historical and natural wonders remain blissfully uncrowded, offering visitors a deeper and more intimate connection to the region's past and present.