Rich in historic sites and scenic landscapes, the small Arab Kingdom of Jordan is almost a landlocked country in the Middle East. The small coast of Jordan by the Red Sea with its beaches and coral reefs and the inland Dead Sea are ideal for water sports. Jordan is also home to scenic deserts and highlands, impressive ancient ruins and several nature reserves to visit.
Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan located in a hilly area in the northwest of the country. The Jordanian capital is a major commercial centre with good shopping opportunities, new highways and avenues, modern hotels and resorts. The city is also rich in history and visitors in Amman should explore the beautiful Old Town built of white stone with its wonderful museums, monuments and cultural sites. In addition, Amman is an ideal starting point for trips to other destinations in Jordan.
More Jordan destinations. The famous ancient city of Petra in Wadi Musa in the south of Jordan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing impressive palaces, tombs and other ancient structures carved in the hillside. The Roman ruins of Jerash and Gadara are less visited but also impressive. See also the old castles of Al-Karak and Al-Rabad. The beautiful port city in the southernmost part of Jordan, Aqaba offers plenty of sunshine. The warm, crystal clear waters of the Red Sea around Aqaba are rich in marine life and great for diving and other water sports.
Flights to Jordan are available from many countries around the world and the main airport of the country is the Queen Alia International Airport situated 35 kilometers south of Amman. In addition Jordan has two other international airports: Marka International Airport in East Amman and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. There are good bus connections to Jordan from many cities in the Middle East.
Lively, historic cities, desert nature and fascinating ancient sites in Jordan
The Jordanian landscape is diverse and rich in nature and ideal for trekking: the landscape consists mostly of deserts in the east, highland area in the west, and the Great Rift Valley which separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River. The beautiful nature of Jordan is at its best in places like the scenic Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Reserve and Shawmari Wildlife Reserve. The ultra-saline lake of Dead Sea between Jordan and Israel is also a sight to remember, and offers some beach life as well.Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan located in a hilly area in the northwest of the country. The Jordanian capital is a major commercial centre with good shopping opportunities, new highways and avenues, modern hotels and resorts. The city is also rich in history and visitors in Amman should explore the beautiful Old Town built of white stone with its wonderful museums, monuments and cultural sites. In addition, Amman is an ideal starting point for trips to other destinations in Jordan.
More Jordan destinations. The famous ancient city of Petra in Wadi Musa in the south of Jordan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing impressive palaces, tombs and other ancient structures carved in the hillside. The Roman ruins of Jerash and Gadara are less visited but also impressive. See also the old castles of Al-Karak and Al-Rabad. The beautiful port city in the southernmost part of Jordan, Aqaba offers plenty of sunshine. The warm, crystal clear waters of the Red Sea around Aqaba are rich in marine life and great for diving and other water sports.
Practical information for your trip to Jordan
Jordan has a combination of Mediterranean and arid desert climates, but there are great regional variations. Summers in Jordan are generally hot and dry, while some rain is received during the mild winters. Although it can be considered a year round destination, the best times to visit Jordan are in spring or in autumn when the weather is mild, pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.Flights to Jordan are available from many countries around the world and the main airport of the country is the Queen Alia International Airport situated 35 kilometers south of Amman. In addition Jordan has two other international airports: Marka International Airport in East Amman and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. There are good bus connections to Jordan from many cities in the Middle East.
Photo: loufi, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Jordan can also be accessed by a speedboat or a slow ferry via the port of Aqaba. Some domestic bus connections exist between the major cities, local taxis are cheap, and car rental is available. The highways in Jordan are in good condition but many vehicles are not, so avoid driving after dark.
Safety. Jordan is generally a liberal and safe Islamic country, but use of common caution is advised. Dress modestly when visiting religious and historical sites, and avoid the border areas to Iraq. There have been terrorist attacks in Jordan during the recent years, but generally speaking, traffic in Jordan is likely to be much more dangerous for your health.
History and culture of Jordan
Jordan has a long and a fascinating history, as the country has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Nabataeans, Greeks, Romans, and Arab and Ottoman Empires have all left their mark to the history of Jordan. After the World War I, the United Kingdom ruled much of the Middle East and the area of Jordan as well. The British separated the region of Transjordan out from Palestine. The area gained independence in 1946 and adopted the name Jordan in 1950. King Hussein (1953-1999) led the country for a long time and navigated successfully from pressures from many neighboring and powerful countries. His son King Abdullah II has ruled Jordan ever since and has made some great economic and social reforms in the country.Hospitable society. The majority of the inhabitants of Jordan are today descendants of Palestinian refugees. It is a liberal Arab country where visitors are treated with great hospitality. However, when visiting Jordan the main religion Islam should be respected by dressing conservatively and avoiding drinking alcohol in public places.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Petra (Wadi Musa), Amman, Jerusalem, Eilat, Aqaba
