Jordan is one of the most incredible countries in the world. Whenever we are asked to recommend where newcomers to the Middle East should begin, Jordan is the undeniable winner.
Mixing culture, religion, vast desert plains, Red Sea diving, ancient cities and the lowest point on earth – it really is the road trip of a lifetime with so much to offer for active family explorers.
This post is part of our Jordan with Kids series
Here are six highlights every visitor to Jordan shouldn’t miss.
The Dead Sea
What better way to start your Jordan adventure than descending to the lowest point on earth! The salty waters of the Dead Sea are the second saltiest in the world (topped only by Lake Assal in Djibouti) and are famed for the ability to float on water – no matter how hard you try, you cannot swim, you cannot sink!
Now, as fun as it looks, be warned, it’s not for everyone. The salt concentration is 34%, which can prove too much for those with delicate skin. Any scrapes or open parts of your body (be it your mouth, eyes, lady bits) that come into contact with the water will sting immensely. For this reason, it’s not recommended for young children, and I strongly suggest you keep your head above water!
For those not ready to tackle the salty extremes, you may prefer to enjoy the Dead Sea mud instead, which is said to have many healing properties due to its salt and magnesium content. There is a string of luxury resorts that line the Dead Sea coast where you can either opt for a proper luxurious spa treatment or have some fun on the waterfront; coat yourself in the healing mud, then either rinse off with the fresh water provided by the resort or take a dip back into the salty waters.
On a lovely clear day, you will be treated to spectacular views as the sun sets over the Dead Sea and the mountainous backdrop of the West Bank.
Explore Castles along the Kings Highway
Next, we recommend you journey south along the dramatic Kings Highway. There are many stops you could make along the way, the most famous being Karak Castle, but we also really enjoyed the more recently excavated Shobak Castle.
The drive itself is part of the fun – be warned, though – distances are deceptive. Although a “highway” at points, the road is narrow and bumpy and winds slowly through the villages that sit atop the mountain ridges. This is as much a part of the experience as you pick out the brightly coloured houses and stop for random herds of goats or the odd donkey to make their crossing. You need a full day to make the journey south to Petra.
Karak Castle is an ancient Crusaders’ stronghold and is one of the most complete in Jordan, offering many tunnels and partly excavated rooms to explore. Shobak, on the other hand, holds the promise of a secret, unlit passageway leading to the valley beneath, which is likely to excite your little explorers (just be warned it’s a long way back up the hill if you forget to leave someone else the car keys!!)
A local guide can readily assist you along the way; just be prepared to pay small gratuities even if unsummoned help suddenly arrives, the locals are doing their best to make a living, and you will get a far more in-depth experience.
The Lost City of Petra
One of the country’s most famous sites is Petra. Also known as the Rose City – it will be clear why – it is undoubtedly one of the most impressive archaeological sites you will encounter in the world (many of you may be conjuring up images of Indiana Jones at this point!).
Recently declared as one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO site, it has been “hidden” from the world until rediscovered in the 19th Century. However, its origins are believed to date back to the 1st Century AD.
Entrance to the ancient city is by way of a narrow Siq which then dramatically opens up to the carved rock face of the Treasury. Continue on through the bustle of modern-day markets and camels, operated by locals who, until very recently, still occupied the caves of Petra then you will come to the main Petra trail.
There are plenty of sites to explore within the city, including the Great Temple, the Colonnaded Street, the Royal Tombs, the Theatre and the Street of Facades. Unless you are planning to hire a guide (which can be done at the new visitor centre entrance), you are best doing some reading up before you go, as signposting is limited within the site.
Be warned, it’s a lot of walking – well over 7km to get to the furthermost point, the Monastery. Frequent hikers will find it straightforward forward but the relatively unfit and little legs will find it tough going.
There are opportunities to hire animals from horse and cart in the Siq (limited to those less able to walk), through to donkeys and camels on the main Petra Trail to help little legs through the day. Older and larger tourists – please think about your weight before considering this option. Pack good walking shoes, a lot of water – and cash for trinkets along the way!
Plan for at least one full day to explore the main Petra site, staying in the nearby village of Wadi Musa. Time permitting, you should allow an extra half-day to explore Little Petra – Siq Al-Barid. Another impressive rock-carved city just on a much smaller scale sitting around 7km west of the main Petra site. Younger children may prefer Little Petra as there are more opportunities to freely wander and explore the small caves, with only one more challenging stair climb.
Also, look to time your visit for Petra by Night. It is not held every day and requires a separate ticket so plan your leg power, and the timing of your days, around this. You can find more practical Petra planning tips for families here, or check out this guide how you can visit Petra in a day from Amman.
Dive in at Aqaba and the Red Sea
Aqaba is the only seaport of Jordan, an almost entirely landlocked country except for this small town along the Red Sea (the Dead Sea is actually a lake). Due to the calm waters and mild sea temperatures, it’s a great spot for diving, snorkelling or catching a glass-bottom boat. Here you will find over 200 species of coral and 1000 species of fish, as well as stunning warm weather almost year-round.
If you head slightly further south of Aqaba, you will find the delightful seaside township of Tala Bay. More of a French Riviera feel than Middle Eastern; you’re in fact, only 5kms to the Saudi border! Step out onto the jetty at Mövenpick Tala Bay Resort, and you will also see Egypt and Israel in the distance – a spectacular meeting of four countries and a real pinch-yourself moment!
If you are short on time in your itinerary or visiting mid-winter when water temperatures can dip to a chilly 21c, then this is the stop you’re most likely to leave off – but in the warmer weather, visiting Aqaba with kids, it’s a must!
Camp under the stars in Wadi Rum
Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, and set off into the vast plains of the Wadi Rum desert. Punctuated by enormous cliffs, rocky outcrops and narrow canyons – there is far more to the Wadi Rum desert than first meets the eye.
The hardiest may want to try bushwalking and rock climbing, or the younger ones jump on a sandboard and enjoy the giant red rolling sand dunes.
Due to being a protected reserve, you may only enter and be toured around by a local Bedouin guide, but this only leads to an enriched experience. A day trip around the desert’s most famous sites is completed with an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp (for the nervous camper, don’t worry these days they are far more akin to luxury glamping sites!) For families, we recommend Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp for their hospitality and larger sized tents.
After a spectacular sunset, be prepared for one of the stillest nights and star-lit skies you will ever experience. It is hard not to be moved by the enormity of the desert.
Explore Jerash
If time permits, stopping a night or two in the capital Amman is worthwhile. However, our preference for a final stop would be to spend your day north of Amman in the ancient Roman City of Gerasa – modern-day Jerash.
Here you will find the most complete of the Decapolis cities that made up the eastern front of the Roman Empire. A thriving city between the 1st and 3rd centuries, it was all but destroyed after two earthquakes and later completely abandoned in the 12th century. Excavation work began in the 20th century to uncover this remarkably well-preserved site.
Perhaps not the same grandeur and mystique of Petra but you will marvel at the entirely intact amphitheatre, walk the collonaded streets and imagine the action from the Hippodrome.
If you have even longer in Jordan, extend your road trip north to Umm Qais and a further Decapolis city of Gadara with its abandoned Ottoman village.
Top Jordan Road Tripping Tips
- Get a Jordan Pass. If you’re staying more than 3 days, it includes your entry visa and hassle-free entry to most of the country’s most famous landmarks.
- Otherwise, apply for your Jordan Visa in advance, to save time and hassle at the airport.
- The currency is Jordanian Dinar $1USD=0.7JOD; Don’t always rely on ATMs working outside of Amman. It’s wise to cash up at the start of your trip, or USD and Euro are easily exchangeable in larger towns.
- Although driving is quite straightforward, you may prefer to hire a local driver, even if not a fully guided tour, to help navigate the often precarious roads.
- Women should look to dress conservatively; longer trousers and sleeves are appropriate, however full head covering is not a requirement – see all our tips for dressing in Jordan here.
- Not all travel insurance policies will cover you for Jordan. Make sure you check your policy fine print before you travel.
- In the midst of a politically unstable region, sandwiched between Israel and the West Bank, Syria and Iraq, safety is naturally a concern for many. However, throughout recent history, Jordan has always been a moderate in an otherwise unstable region. You can read current safety advisories here from the UK Foreign Office and US State Department.
There is so much more to Jordan, but these are the highlights that you could comfortably fit into one week. Jordan is undoubtedly one of those road trips of a lifetime that will leave a lasting memory for your family.
Before you go… More guides that may help you plan your trip to Jordan
Jordan Guide Book
For a first-timer looking to visit Jordan, we can highly recommend you download the Step Into Jordan Guide & Itineraries.
This handy digital guide is just $19.99USD and includes:
- An interactive downloadable map
- 36 detailed pages of planning guidance
- Multiple suggested itineraries (10, 7 and 3 days)
- Tips from an expert
- Accommodation recommendations
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