Jordan

Situated in the heart of the Middle East, it is bordered by Israel, Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Its official language is Arabic, and it lies on the east bank of the famous River Jordan. It played a crucial role in many Biblical stories due to its proximity to Israel and is most famous for the city of Petra: the lost Nabatean capital that has since been rated as one of the seven wonders of the world. Its capital, Amman, is located in the centre of the country and is a crucial landmark on the journey between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Jordan is medium-sized with a population of around 10 million.

Being in the heart of the Middle East and with 90% of the country covered by desert, Jordan’s weather can reach extremes. During the summer months of June, July, and August—specifically in desert areas —temperatures can soar as high as 40 degrees during the day and drop as low as 4 degrees when the sun sets. Many people prefer travelling during spring and autumn, when temperatures are a little milder, so it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly.

The modern state of Jordan is relatively young, having been officially recognised as the “Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan” in 1946. However, the history of the region that we today call Jordan is quite simply staggering. Having been inhabited for at least 500,000 years, it is one of the oldest in the world. The Canaanites occupied it for much of the Bronze Age, whose desert knowledge and ability to smelt copper made them a rich civilisation. This was enhanced by Amman, the capital, which was located along a vital trade route between the sea and the rest of the Middle East. It is also the supposed location of the walk across the desert in the Bible, with Moses guiding his people across the Jordan River before dying in the country and not reaching the promised land. Jordan fell to the Babylonians when Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem and the surrounding area, becoming part of a series of the most powerful empires in the world, including the Romans, Persians and Byzantines. The Arabs conquered it during the 8th century, and it was then the scene of many crusader battles, before becoming a part of the Ottoman empire for the majority of the next 500 years. This changed when Lawrence of Arabia visited the area and launched his famous ride across the desert, with the state of Trans-Jordan and then Jordan formed following the First World War Settlement.

The best way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. Jordan has a vast range of food and mezes to try. Whether it’s passing by a food stall or having a traditional sit-down Jordanian meal, you’ll be sure to indulge in the unique flavours and aromas. As Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world, Jordanians always find a way to integrate this delicious, and some believe medicinal, ingredient into their authentic cooking. Along with the two main herbs, Sumac and Za’atar, which are grown wild in Jordan, yoghurt is also a very popular ingredient. It is included in their national dish, Mansaf, which Jordanians believe symbolises generosity in their culture.

Considered a great place for kids to have fun and try new things, it provides access to two stunning bodies of water: Aqaba, excellent for watersports, and the Dead Sea, offering the chance for children to float and play in a completely safe environment. The capital, Amman, has a dedicated children’s museum, while kids interested in history are sure to enjoy the wonders of the lost city of Petra. Older children may also appreciate the Bedouin experience in Wadi Rum, which lets you sleep under the stunning desert night sky.

No visit to Jordan would be complete without a trip to Petra, an ancient, abandoned city carved into the mountainside and nicknamed the ‘Rose City’ for its pinkish walls. The Dead Sea is a fascinating place, the lowest point on Earth and home to water so salty that you can float on it. Aqaba is excellent for those who like active holidays with a series of great watersports opportunities on offer. The chance to see the celestial sky from a traditional desert village in Wadi Rum should not be missed.

Its nightlife varies, depending on where you go, with the more rural areas like Petra being pretty quiet and the large cities like Amman and Aqaba being excellent. The best place to have a party is the capital, Amman, where visitors can find a multitude of different clubs and pubs offering drinks and dancing throughout the evening. This is slightly less concentrated than in some other cities, but the best place to head is Rainbow Street and the surrounding area. Aqaba also has a large number of nightclubs and bars in the port area, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a drink overlooking the Red Sea.

When visiting, be sure to seek handcrafted goods, such as jewellery, traditional Arabic knitting and various other trinkets. They can be found throughout the country, and the royal family funds a foundation to ensure that local people benefit from tourism, meaning that you can be confident that your money is helping those who made it. Amman in particular is very good for shoppers, with the famous Rainbow Street especially good. Jordan is also home to several free zones, meaning visitors don’t have to pay tax on purchases, ensuring excellent deals throughout the country.

The focal point of any Jordanian village is the coffee house, where specially brewed teas and strong Arabic coffees are part of the Jordanian staple diet. When the weather is not too hot, coffee houses and street stalls will serve “sahleb”, a thick milky drink made with cinnamon and coconuts and sprinkled with nuts. Whilst drinking alcohol is forbidden under Islam, you will find alcohol being served in hotels and upmarket restaurants, especially those catering for tourists.

If you are looking for culture and history, then Jordan will more than satisfy your appetite. To start with, the ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s most iconic sights, with the Treasury carved from the red rocks and standing over 40 meters tall. Other historical/religious sites that must be seen include the Desert Castles, Jerash, which is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities outside of Rome, and the site on the River Jordan where Jesus is said to have been baptised.

Diving in Aqaba, Jordan, the gateway to the Red Sea, offers a breathtaking experience featuring pristine coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, and warm hospitality. The calm, clear waters provide visibility of up to 30 meters, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Aqaba’s underwater world is renowned for its vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, and unique artificial reefs, including the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the Cedar Pride wreck, and even a submerged tank. With year-round sunshine, easy shore access, and a growing eco-conscious dive community, Aqaba guarantees an unforgettable diving adventure where the desert meets the sea.