Jordan is a land of incredible contrast. Its stunning 1,000-kilometer Red Sea coastline is punctuated by coral reefs, volcanic islands and coral reefs. The dramatic desert landscape, rolling waves of the Dead Sea and mountains. The Jordan Valley, whose fertile land provides most of the country’s fruits and vegetables, and the lush oasis of Wadi Rum, with its red dunes, sandstone cliffs, oases and rock paintings. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best places in Jordan to visit. Our list of ten incredible Jordan travel destinations will give you unforgettable experiences.

Number 10. Madaba

Madaba clings to the side of the famed King’s Highway, which runs through dusty desert hills and Jordan’s historic heart. Aside from its gold-gilded mosque and spiked minarets, the town is also home to some awesome ancient mosaics from the Umayyads. A bunch of old Roman ruins are scattered throughout the town, along with Byzantine artwork in Saint George Cathedral’s alcoves and chapels. In the fading Ottoman houses along the main drag, you can get spicy Jordanian mezze and smoky shisha.

Number 9. Aqaba

Except for the Dead Sea, Jordan’s only waterfront is found in Aqaba, its only port city. Often referred to as the window onto the Red Sea, Aqaba has long been an important destination for the country. You can tour the 14th-century Aqaba Fort or stay in luxurious, five-star resorts ranked among the best in the world in Aqaba. The settlement of Ayla, from the sixth century, is of particular interest because it has been remarkably well preserved. Aqaba is also a popular destination for people who want to learn how to scuba dive and take guided dives in the Red Sea.

Number 8. Dana Nature Reserve

This Jordanian nature reserve is undoubtedly one of the best places to hike and enjoy the scenery. Dana, a 15th-century village that has remained largely intact, boasts a few accommodation and dining options, should you decide to stay overnight. Visiting the Dana Nature Reserve is primarily about hiking, and climbing up and down slot canyons and valleys. Stunning views and exceptional photography opportunities can be found throughout the pristine landscape.

Number 7. Amman

In addition to being the capital of Jordan, Amman is the largest city, the cultural centre, and the centre for trade. It is almost certain that you will spend some time in Amman during your trip to Jordan. Many Roman ruins can be found in Amman, including the large Roman Amphitheatre and the Nymphaeum. There are several important local structures at the Citadel, including the Roman Temple of Hercules and the large stone Ummayad Palace. In the city below, you can hear and see an amazing display if you’re at the palace for the muezzin call of prayer.

Number 6.  Desert Castles

East of Amman, in Jordan’s Eastern Desert, there is a collection of castles worth exploring. Most of these structures were built by the Umayyads for defence and as a place to stay for the Kaliffs. As a result of this network of castles, the Umayyads were able to survive and thrive in the desert. A single day of driving can take you to several of these desert castles. A loop can lead you to Qasr Al-Hallabat’s black rock and mosaics, Hammam as Sarah’s ongoing archaeological site, and Qasr Amra’s incredible frescoes.

Number 5.  Jerash

Almost as many visitors flock to the ruined city of Jerash as to Petra’s legendary rock-cut temples, a testament to the rich history that still thrives there. This city of towering colonnades and ancient forums, fascinating temples turned into Byzantine churches, and great plazas are hailed as one of the most amazing Roman provincial towns still existing today. Stand where merchants from the Med once showcased their wares, or imagine the hubbub of camel caravans arriving here straight from the dunes of the great Arabian sand sea.

Number 4. Dead Sea

While most of Jordan is landlocked, it does have a small piece of coastline along the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, located 430 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level, and the salinity level is extremely high. In addition to its historical and religious significance, the Dead Sea is believed to have been the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Also, it’s a great place to relax, as the water is rich in minerals and high salinity makes it easy to float. A luxury resort at the northeastern end of the Dead Sea is the best way to experience the sea. A spa treatment can be enjoyed here, as well as watching the sunset and the city lights of Jerusalem at night.

Number 3.  Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum of southern Jordan is certainly one of the region’s most awesome natural wonders, scorched by the Arabian sun and glowing deep orange and red. Located on the eastern fringes of Aqaba, the famous valley is carved into rocky limestone escarpments. There are bluffs of rock-ribbed mountains; mythical Nabatean petroglyphs hide in the nooks and crannies; camels groan, and climbers swing tenuously from ropes around the hoodoos. It’s hardly a surprise that this was chosen as the backdrop to one Lawrence of Arabia back in 1962!

Number 2. Al-Maghtas

On the eastern edge of the country, close to the Israel-Jordan border, Al-Maghtas is a dust-caked collection of small dig sites and uncovered buildings that are considered to be one of the most important biblical relics to be found on the entire Jordan River. The UNESCO-listed site, which has become a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians (think papal visits in recent decades), is believed to have been where Jesus was baptized. The spot also boasts Jewish and Christian religious remains, Roman constructions, and Orthodox monasteries from the Ottoman and Mamluk eras.

Number 1. Petra

A must-see in Jordan is the ancient city of Petra, which is now considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Petra, also called the Red City or the Rose City, was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom before becoming part of the Roman Empire. The settlement was abandoned and forgotten for centuries by the Western world, but it was rediscovered in the 19th century. You can tour Petra today through the sandstone canyon known as Siq, entering the ancient archaeological park. There is a magnificent Treasury after the Siq, which may have been a temple or a royal tomb rather than a treasury.

Other significant ruins include the Roman Theatre, The Monastery and the Street of Facades, a huge canyon bordered with the facades of assorted tombs.