🇯🇴 JORDAN

@danielazzip

After visiting this wonderful country, here are my top places to visit in Jordan, from the most popular to the least popular. Check the blog for more tips and guides! 1️⃣ Popular sites 2️⃣ Hidden gems

Azraq Wetland Reserve
Place
"Not far from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve we have the last point on this list - Azraq Wetland Reserve, a migratory stopover for birds from three different continents, turning it into a top place to visit for bird watchers. You will be able to enjoy the area as you walk by the boardwalks"
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve - Visitor Center
Place
"Did you know that there is a Wildlife Reserve in Jordan, where you can visit the endangered species that live in the desert wadis? Here you will find oryxes, gazelles, ostriches, onagers and houbara bustards in fenced enclosures, and have the opportunity to go on a safari jeep"
Qasr al-Kharaneh
Place
"And finally, on the line of castles, I could not leave this list without mentioning the desert castles or Qasrs (palaces or castles). One of the oldest in the region and the most popular desert castle in Jordan is Qasr al-Kharana. This one was never used for military purposes."
Qasr Al-Abd قصر العبد
Place
"Next on the list of castles is the lesser known Qasr Al-Abd. The ruins of this incomplete Hellenistic palace can be visited in Wadi al-Seer, around 18km away from the centre of the capital Amman. There are other attractions in the area in case you want to further explore it."
Shobak Castle
Place
"Both Shobak and Karak castles have a lot in common. Shobak was built in 1115 AD by Baldwin I, the same Crusader King that built Karak Castle later in 1142 AD. Being the first Crusader fortress in the area (Oultrejourdain), it was originally known as Mont Realis (Montreal)"
Château d'Al-Karak
Place
"Built in 1142 AD by the Crusaders and used later as a Mamluk fortress, Al-Karak, Karak or Kerak is another popular castle in Jordan, specially for being one of the largest in the country, containing a museum, plenty of rooms, stables, a church, dungeons and dark chambers, as well as narrow pathways "
Ajloun Castle
Place
"Ajloun Castle, also known as "Qalʻat ar-Rabad", is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) castles in the country and it contains a museum on site. This was an important site in the defence against the Crusaders, thanks to it's strategic location on a mount with views over the Jordan Valle"
Pella
Place
"Since we're talking about ruins, I need to include Pella on this list. Also located Northwest (roughly 45km from Jerash), not far from the Jordan River, Pella was, just like Gadara, a city built in the Hellenistic period, and it's exceptionally popular among archaeologists. "
Gadara
Place
"if you have extra time and would like to explore the area, in Umm Qais you will be able to visit the ruins of an ancient Hellenistic city called Gadara - name that the locals still use up to this day to refer to the area. These ruins include Roman tombs, two theatres, the very popular Byzantine chur"
Wadi Bin Hammad
Place
"You've probably never heard about this Wadi before, and it's very likely because of the popular Wadi Mujib, that is considerably more impressive and of course, most popular. Since it's still quite a hidden gem, you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the place without the crowds."
Little Petra
Place
"Siq al-Barid (Cold Canyon), also known as Little Petra, it's as the name suggests, a much smaller version (and by much smaller I mean much much smaller) of the big Petra, and yes, it gets cold up here as the sun hides behind the walls of the canyon."
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Place
"If you've done some research about Jordan, you've probably come across Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve at some point. This is the largest Nature Reserve in the whole country, with loads of fauna and flora to explore, as well as stunning views all over."
At-Tafilah Highway
Place
"While Kings Highway makes it to the list of many Jordan guides, At-Tafilah Highway (number 60) stays in the shadows thanks to it - and I am actually quite sad it does. This was a road I never saw on any article about Jordan, but I just couldn't ignore its beauty as we drove past."
Kings Highway
Place
"Kings Highway (also known as highway 35) is one of the main routes in Jordan, and it' well know for it's curved roads, scenic views and it's importance in the trading history of the country. The road starts about 1h10min drive north of Aqaba (around Tassan) and goes a long way up north the country"
As-Salt
Place
"Never heard about it? I'm not surprised. This is, in my opinion, the most underrated city in Jordan. As-Salt, also known as Al-Salt or just Salt, it's a city on a hill, full of beautifully aligned houses, narrow streets with gorgeous views and an incredible atmosphere."
French Fortress
Place
"I bet you have never seen this place before - and unfortunately, that goes for me too. Believe it or not, I have done a ton of research on this country before traveling there (as I always do) and not even once I saw this place on any type of guide, book or webpage about Jordan. NEVER."
The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ
Place
"And to finish the list, we have another religious attraction, that will be a point of interest for anyone interested in biblical history, specially Christians. As the name indicates, here was the place where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist. "
Monte Nebo
Place
"Mount Nebo is one of the most popular religious sites in Jordan. This is told to be the place where Moses from the Bible saw the Promised Land and died without entering on it. On the site you will have a stunning view towards what was the Promised Land, as well as the Memorial Church of Moses"
Madaba
Place
"Madaba is not as popular as other locations such as Jerash and Amman, specially because it has a lot less to see. Prices are much lower here, so it's a perfect place to find accommodation if you're on a budget. The most popular attractions are it's prominent Mosque and the the Greek Orthodox Church"
Wadi Mujib
Place
"Wadi Mujib is another beautiful place to visit in Jordan, and it's the perfect location for the adventurous travellers. If you love outdoors, this will be the place for you, as you explore the river canyon through a hike where you will get a bit wet, but the breathless views will make it worth it."