10 reasons you should visit Jordan

10 reasons you should visit Jordan
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In a country brimming with history, modern indulgences and epic landscapes, 10 reasons is really just the beginning

The country of Jordan is one filled with variety, offering everything from rich history in ancient sites to a stylish city life in the capital of Amman. From its hospitable people to the welcoming weather, here’s why this destination needs to be on your travel bucket list.

1. Surrounded by red-ringed mountains, this archaeological and historical city of Petra is a must. Once home to the Nabatean people, this “lost city” sat empty for several centuries until a European traveller re-discovered the site in the early 1800s. It soon captivated people and opened the floodgates for travellers to explore the fascinating city carved from rose-coloured stone. Described by UNESCO  as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage", it has been featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and The Mummy Returns


2. Despite consisting mainly of desert, Jordan’s weather doesn't consist of year-round summer. In Amman you can experience all four seasons - summer, fall, winter and spring. Come in the summer to take advanteg of its many rooftop bars, and in the winter for the chance to explore its hilltop ruins amid some snowfall.

3. The Jordanian food scene is a delicious spread. A fine mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, there's plenty to sample, from popular mezzes such as hummus and falafel, to traditional-favourite mansaf, lamb with dried yogurt and rice, you won't be leaving hungry. There's a robust fine-dining scene in Amman as well, with everything from French to Italian and even Armenian.

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4. Beyond Petra, aspiring historians have much to explore. Jordan is home to several significant attractions, including a Roman theatre, the Temple of Hercules and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers right in the city of Amman, plus the Greco-Roman city of Jerash and Crusader castles perched on hilltops found throughout the country.

5. No trip to Jordan is complete withour a soak and a float in the Dead Sea. As one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, you can float effortlessly on its surface and slather youself with its mud that has shown to have healing properties as a result of the high levels and concentration of minerals and salts. 

6. Try some dark-sky tourism at the Dana Biosphere Reserve and see the stars like never before. Set up camp and explore the landscape throughout the day, then stay up late to stargaze. Stars aren't the only think to look out for, though, as the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife from across three continents - Asia, Africa and Europe - and, spanning 320sqkm, is Jordan’s largest nature reserve.


7. The Jordanian people are kind and welcoming, giving off a natural warmth and always willing to lend a hand. From simply helping out with directions to inviting you over for a cup of tea or coffee, expect to be treated like a memner of the family wherever you go. 

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8. Swap your usual camping experience for glamping in Wadi Rum. The Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp (00962-3-215 7070, wadirumnightluxury.com) is located in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage-protected desert, with igloo-shaped tents kitted out with cosy beds, Bedouin sofas and a awe-inspiring views of the Wadi Rum landcape. It will give you the chance to follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia - but in high style.

9. From its trendy rooftop bars and dining to contemporary art galleries and hip hotels (check out the W's funky interpretation of Petra) Amman may be ancient, but it doesn't lack when it comes to cosmopolitan city life

10. Aqaba's seaside charms make for a place where you can kick back, relax and work on topping up your tan. On the shores of the pristine Red Sea, there are beach resorts aplenty for decompressing or having fun with water activities, and the diving is world-class.