In Ukraine, the Middle East has a contradictory reputation. On the one hand, it is known for bloody wars and revolutions. On the other, places like Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh and Turkey’s Antalya are top destinations for Ukrainian tourists looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
But there is Middle Eastern country that defies these stereotypes, offering surf and turf, ancient cities and modern accommodations, and both religious sights and secular recreation. This is the Kingdom of Jordan, with nearly 10 million people.
Jordan attracts visitors with its World Heritage Sites. But visitors shouldn’t overlook its friendly population, tasty food, and fantastic landscapes.
And Ukrainians can get a visa upon arrival in Amman, the country’s capital. Moreover, if the tourist has a “Jordan Pass” sightseeing package, entrance to the country is free. Additionally, if you arrive through Aqaba, there is also visa-free entrance.
Sea and desert
While Jordan may not be a top destination compared to some regional neighbors, it has plenty to offer visitors.
Jordan’s main port, Aqaba, is a tourism hotspot on the Red Sea. It offers numerous beaches, the most famous of which is Berenice Beach. Visitors can swim both in the sea and pools. Scuba diving is also goof near Berenice, an area famous for its colorful reefs and beautiful marine life. Aqaba is also an interesting place geographically: Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel are all just 10 kilometers away.
Jordan’s Al-Khazneh, or “The Treasury” of the Ancient Arab Nabatean Kingdom city of Petra, was built at the beginning of the 1st century AD. (Alyona Nevmerzhytska)
For those looking to spend time in the water, but less keen on the exertion of swimming, will undoubtedly be attracted to Jordan’s Dead Sea. In reality, it isn’t a sea, but an extremely saline lake. The salt content of the water is so high that no plant or animal can survive in the water.
But that has an advantage: you float. The water is so salty that it pushes you to the surface. Visitors can relax floating lackadaisically on the water while enjoying a good book. Also many claim that the Dead Sea mud has healing properties, and spa services are in high demand here.
For a drier, but no less exciting experience, visit the Wadi Rum desert. Often called the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum offers Martian land landscapes featuring red sand and breathtaking canyons. In fact, the American film The Martian was shot in this desert.
This harsh landscape is, in fact, inhabited: a few hundred Bedouins still call Wadi Rum home. And visitors can also admire the wild camels and goals that roam free in the desert.
There are also opportunities to stay overnight in Wadi Rum. Many camps that offer all the needed facilities — bathrooms, showers, and Wi-Fi. And locals will also offer visitors a dinner cooked in the traditional Bedouin way.
Ancient sites
Jordan also has much to offer history buffs. The country’s main attraction is the ancient city of Petra, one of the so-called New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is unknown precisely when Petra was built, but the city began to prosper starting in the 1st century B. C. The ancient city is hidden behind soaring cliffs. To reach it, one must pass through a narrow one-kilometer gorge, called the Siq, on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage — a journey worth experiencing even without Petra.
At the end of this long path, visitors catch their first glimpse of Al Khazneh, the Treasury, Petra’s most famous monument. The Treasury also has a cinematic heritage: the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was shot here.
Another breathtaking building — the largest monument in Petra — is Ad Deir, the Monastery. Locals will offer donkey rides up to the ancient building.
Visitors to Petra generally stay in the town of Wadi Musa, about a 10–15 minute walk to the ancient city.
Another ancient attraction is the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized according to the Christian tradition. Many pilgrims and believers visit every day to dip in the river’s holy waters.
Modern and ancients
But Jordan’s offerings don’t end on the coast and in remote parts of the country. Amman, the Jordan’s capital, also has much to delight visitors. With over 5 million residents, Amman is above all a bustling, noisy, modern metropolis.
Visitors should check out the Kind Abdul I Mosque with its sky-blue dome and the Amman Citadel, an ancient historical site in the center of this modern city.
Less than 50 kilometers away from the capital is another must-visit attraction: the city of Jerash. The drive there will take less than an hour, but will transport you 2,000 years back in time.
Jerash is Jordan’s largest and most interesting Roman ruin. Its imposing ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples, and theatres will provoke visitors to envision the city as the ancient Roman imperial center it once was.
Even the most casual fan of archaeology will enjoy a half-day at the site. But be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen in the warmer months, as there is little shade.
Know before you go
Visitors to Jordan have the perfect opportunity to relaxation and active exploration, to refresh and recharge from their busy lives. However, they should be aware that travelling to the country’s sites may take more time than anticipated because aspects of the tourism of the infrastructure is not well-developed. Visitors will likely need to take taxis to get to some sites.
The local currency, the Jordan Dinar (JOD), is quite expensive, at a rate of 0.7 JOD to the dollar.
Broadly speaking, Jordan is safe country and very welcoming. There will be many moments when the country’s magic will seep into your soul. Jordan will welcome you, challenge you, and widen your worldview.
How to get there: Turkish Airlines tickets on the route Kyiv – Aqaba – Amman – Kyiv cost roughly 550 euros. Dinner in a restaurant will cost 15–20 euros. Hotel prices depend on the city, but the average is around 50 euros
