1. Explore the ancient city of Petra
Let’s be honest – you can’t go to Jordan and leave a visit to Petra off your to-do list, it’s one of those bucket-list destinations that everyone wants to see at least once in their lives! Petra is over 2000 years old, and as well as the iconic temple carved into the cliff-face (which is surprisingly simple and undecorated when compared to the outside), there’s an entire city to discover. Our top tip: The site is much, much bigger than you might expect so give yourself at least two days to explore it all properly.
2. Go diving in the Red Sea
If there’s one spot that constantly comes up as one of the best places on the planet to go diving, it’s the Red Sea. Head down to Aqaba, in the south of the country, where the desert meets the coastline, and the diving is sublime. Don’t worry if you’ve never strapped on a tank and a regulator in your life, as there are lots of PADI-approved diving schools all along the coast who are happy to take both experienced and novice divers out on excursions.
If you get bored of life under the waves, you can mess around on top of them, with some great water sports on offer too. The hotels and resorts along this stretch of the coast are excellent, and you’ll find everything you need for a great holiday in Jordan.
3. A desert adventure with the Bedouin
The nomadic Bedouin people have lived in this part of the Middle East for hundreds if not thousands of years, and they have a wonderful reputation for hospitality. They welcome visitors and are happy to tell you all about their lifestyle over a cup of sweet tea. The best place to meet the Bedouin people is at Wadi Rum. It’s best to go through a guide who will introduce you properly to these proud people.
4. The Valley of the Moon
Wadi rum, or Valley of the Moon, is one of those special places that’s a little off the usual tourist trail but is well worth the excursion if you want to see the untamed and wild beauty of Jordan at its best. The cliffs are spectacular, and the sand dunes truly epic – this is everything you ever imagined Jordan would be. Because you’re so far away from major cities, the night sky is unadulterated by light pollution, giving you a chance to see the stars in all their incredible glory. If you want to see the Wadi from a completely different perspective, book a hot air balloon trip, and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera!
5. Indulge in a spa treatment at Ma’in Hot Springs
Around 64 miles from Amman and well below sea level, you’ll find the remarkable thermal springs of Ma’in. Apparently, King Herod is said to have dipped his toes in the hot springs and the spot has been a favourite of the rich and famous since Roman times. The water bubbles up into a total of 109 hot and cold springs throughout the valley, and the water is heated up to a scorching 63°C by underground lava fissures. The baths are said to help everything from circulatory conditions to joint and muscular pains, but we think it’s just a fabulous way to pamper yourself and unwind during your holiday to Jordan!