Welcome to Jordan

Jordan is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world — and only about 4 flight hours from Germany. On an area barely larger than Bavaria, the Hashemite Kingdom combines breathtaking diversity:

• Petra — the Nabataean city carved into pink rock is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on earth
• Wadi Rum — the vast desert landscape that served as a backdrop for "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Martian," and "Dune" offers overnight stays under the clearest starry sky you've ever seen
• The Dead Sea — the lowest point on the earth's surface (430 m below sea level) lets you float effortlessly on the water thanks to 34% salt content
• Aqaba on the Red Sea — world-class diving and snorkeling spots with coral reefs just meters from the beach
• Jerash — one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities outside Italy, rivaling Pompeii
• Biblical Sites — from the baptism site of Jesus on the Jordan to Mount Nebo (Moses' view) to the Crusader castles
• A legendary hospitality — Jordanians are considered the most hospitable people in the Middle East. "Ahlan wa sahlan" (Welcome) is more than a phrase

Jordan is an island of stability in a turbulent region. The country is ruled by King Abdullah II, who pursues a moderate, Western-oriented policy. Tourism is a key economic sector, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. The security situation is exceptionally good for the entire region.

What makes Jordan unique is its compactness: You can hike through the 2,000-year-old rock city of Petra in the morning, float in the Dead Sea at noon, drive through a Mars-like desert landscape in the afternoon, and sit under a starry sky with Bedouin tea in the evening, leaving you speechless. And all of this in a single travel day.

Jordan can be divided into five travel regions. Despite the compact size of the country, they differ significantly:

Amman & Surroundings

For whom: City explorers, culture lovers, gourmets
The capital Amman surprises with an exciting mix of ancient and modern: The Citadel and the Roman amphitheater lie in the midst of bustling activity, Rainbow Street pulses with cafés and galleries, and the souks of Downtown are filled with the scent of spices and freshly baked bread. In the surrounding area, the mosaic city of Madaba and the biblical Mount Nebo beckon.

Petra & Wadi Rum

For whom: Adventurers, history fans, photographers
The most spectacular region of Jordan: Petra, the Nabataean city carved into pink sandstone, is worth a trip on its own. Just two hours south stretches Wadi Rum — a surreal desert landscape of sandstone towers, natural bridges, and red sand, best experienced by jeep tour and overnight stay in a Bedouin camp.

Dead Sea & Jordan Valley

For whom: Wellness travelers, nature lovers, pilgrims
The lowest point on earth offers a surreal bathing experience: You float effortlessly in the hypersaline water. On the eastern shore are luxurious spa resorts that utilize healing mineral muds. Additionally, there is the baptism site of Jesus "Bethany Beyond the Jordan," the canyon hike in Wadi Mujib, and the hot springs of Ma'in.

Aqaba & Red Sea

For whom: Divers, snorkelers, beach vacationers
Jordan's only coastal town on the Red Sea offers year-round warm water (21–28°C) and amazing coral reefs right off the coast. The Japanese Garden and the Cedar Pride wreck are among the best dive sites in the world. Aqaba is also the gateway to Wadi Rum.

North Jordan (Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais)

For whom: History enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers
The greenest region of Jordan surprises with pine forests, olive groves, and springtime blossoms. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, the fortress of Ajloun is a sturdy Crusader castle, and Umm Qais offers a breathtaking view over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

1. Hike through the Siq to Petra — The 1.2 km long, narrow canyon leads you between 80-meter-high rock walls before the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is revealed in pink light at the end. One of the most magical moments travel has to offer. → Chap. Petra
2. Float in the Dead Sea — Lie on the water with a newspaper without sinking: At the lowest point on earth (430 m below sea level), the water is so salty that swimming is physically impossible and floating is the only option. → Chap. Dead Sea
3. Spend a night in Wadi Rum — Sleep in a Bedouin camp under the clearest starry sky you've ever seen. Beforehand: Jeep tour through a Martian landscape of red dunes and massive sandstone towers. → Chap. Aqaba & Wadi Rum
4. Climb the Monastery Ad-Deir in Petra — 800 steps up to the largest facade in Petra (48×47 meters). The view from above over the Edom Mountains is worth the effort a hundred times over. Best in the afternoon when the sun casts a golden glow on the facade. → Chap. Petra
5. Eat Mansaf — the Jordanian national dish — Lamb in fermented yogurt sauce (Jameed) on a mountain of rice and thin bread, topped with roasted almonds and pine nuts. Traditionally eaten with the right hand. → Chap. Food & Drink
6. Stroll through Jerash — The best-preserved Roman provincial city outside Italy: An oval plaza, an 800-meter colonnaded street, two theaters, and the Temple of Artemis — all almost completely preserved. → Chap. North Jordan
7. Canyon in Wadi Mujib — Wade, climb, and swim through Jordan's "Grand Canyon": The Siq Trail leads through a narrow gorge with waterfalls directly into the Dead Sea. You will definitely get wet. → Chap. Dead Sea
8. Sunset at the Citadel of Amman — Let your gaze wander over the city from the ruins of the Temple of Hercules as the white houses are bathed in golden light and the call of the muezzin rings out from a hundred mosques. → Chap. Amman
9. Dive in the Red Sea — In Aqaba, coral reefs await right off the shore. Highlight: The wreck of the Cedar Pride, a deliberately sunk freighter now overgrown with vibrant marine life. → Chap. Aqaba
10. Experience Petra by Night — On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, the Siq is illuminated by 1,500 candles, and Bedouin music echoes in front of the Treasury. Kitschy? Maybe. Unforgettable? Definitely. → Chap. Petra
11. Buy the Jordan Pass and save — The smartest purchase of your trip: For 70–80 JOD, you get free entry to over 40 attractions (including Petra!) AND the visa is included. Easily saves 100€+ per person. → Chap. Practical A–Z
12. Drink Bedouin tea in the desert — The sage-flavored, sweet black tea tastes nowhere as good as in the desert, from a soot-blackened kettle, cooked over an open fire, served by a smiling Bedouin. → Chap. Food & Drink

Jordan has a predominantly dry, sunny climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures vary greatly depending on altitude: Amman (800 m) is significantly cooler than the Jordan Valley or Aqaba.

Best Time: March–May and September–November

The ideal travel time for all regions:

• March–May (Spring): Perfect! 20–28°C in Amman, wildflowers in the steppe, pleasant temperatures in Petra and Wadi Rum. The desert is not yet scorching hot, the Dead Sea already warm enough.
• September–November (Autumn): Equally ideal. The summer heat has broken, clear air, fewer tourists than in spring, lower prices. October is the insider tip.

High Summer: June–August

In Amman 32–38°C, in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea over 40°C, in Petra unbearably hot (38–42°C). Wadi Rum becomes a furnace. Only conditionally recommended for Aqaba (diving) and the Dead Sea — with lots of air conditioning.

Winter: December–February

Amman: 5–12°C, rainy, occasionally snow (!). Petra: daytime 10–15°C, cold at night. Aqaba and Dead Sea: pleasant 18–22°C, sunny — the perfect winter escape. Wadi Rum very cold at night (0–5°C). Warm clothing is a must.

Climate Table: Amman

Climate Table: Aqaba / Dead Sea

Jordan is not a budget travel destination — prices are significantly higher than in Egypt, Tunisia, or Morocco. But with the Jordan Pass and the right strategies, costs can be well managed.

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025/2026)