Jordan is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Middle East – a country where ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes and natural wonders all come together in one unforgettable trip!!
From the lost city of Petra, carved into pink sandstone cliffs, to the endless red dunes of Wadi Rum Protected Area and the crystal waters of Aqaba on the Red Sea, Jordan feels like a journey through completely different worlds in just a few days.
It’s a destination that combines adventure, culture and history – where you can walk through ancient Roman ruins in the morning, float in the Dead Sea in the afternoon, and sleep under a sky full of stars in the desert at night.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer road trip, Jordan is raw, authentic and incredibly memorable – the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave!!
WHERE IS JORDAN?
Jordan is located in the Middle East, between:
* Saudi Arabia (south & east)
* Iraq (northeast)
* Syria (north)
* Israel & Palestine (west)
It also has access to the Red Sea through the city of Aqaba.
It’s a small country but extremely rich in history, deserts and natural wonders.
AIRPORTS AND ACCESS FOR VISITORS
Jordan is very accessible for travelers, especially from Europe and the Middle East, with most international visitors arriving through its capital region.
- Main Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): This is the main international gateway to Jordan, located about 30-45 minutes from Amman.
✔️ Most international flights arrive here
✔️ Best airport for accessing Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
✔️ Easy taxi and transfer connections available
- King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): The one I used, located in the south near Aqaba.
✔️ Best if you want to start your trip in the Red Sea area.
✔️ Useful for combining Aqaba + Wadi Rum + Petra route. I flew to Aqaba airport which is very convenient if you want to visit Petra and you don’t have many days to spare! I arrived in Aqaba and headed directly to Petra!
✔️ Fewer international flights compared to Amman
Visa & Entry
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Amman airport OR enter visa-free if you buy the Jordan Pass (highly recommended)
This (Jordan pass) is what most travelers use.
✔️ Includes visa fee (so you don’t pay separately on arrival)
✔️ Includes entry to major attractions like Petra
✔️ Saves money if you’re visiting multiple sites
You must stay at least 3 nights in Jordan to benefit from the visa waiver.
Angel’s tip: Greek citizens need a visa and can issue on arrival. No pre-visa needed
BEST TIME TO VISIT
March – May (Spring) → BEST OVERALL
- Perfect temperatures (20-30°C)
- Green landscapes (rare in Jordan!)
- Ideal for: Petra, hiking & sightseeing, desert tours in Wadi Rum Protected Area
September – November (Autumn) → ALSO GREAT
- Warm but not extreme heat
- Perfect sea conditions in Aqaba
- Less crowded than spring
Summer (June – August)
- Very hot (often 35–45°C+ inland)
- Petra & desert can feel intense
- Better for: Red Sea (Aqaba) and early morning activities only
Winter (December – February)
- Cooler weather (5-15°C in some areas) but great temperature but Petra (not too hot not cold)
- Can be rainy in Amman
- Desert gets cold at night. Angel’s tip: I visited end of February and weather was good overall but indeed desert was cold at night.
- Still possible, but not ideal for full outdoor trips
Best time: March-May
Second best: Sept-Nov
Summer: too hot inland
Winter: colder + unpredictable
GETTING AROUND JORDAN
There is no real train network, so transport is mainly:
* Private drivers (most comfortable option for 3-day trips)
* Car rental (best for flexibility)
* JETT buses (budget-friendly between major cities)
* Taxis in cities like Amman
Angel’s tip : For a short itinerary (Petra – Wadi Rum – Aqaba), most people choose a private transfer or guided tour, because distances are long and timing matters. I had a driver, Omer who was so well organized & gentle. As a local, he knew all the places that we needed to go and we didn’t lose time trying to find our way, get lost or worry about anything – price was slighly higher than renting a car! (DM for contact details!)
AQABA to PETRA: approximately 2 hrs by car
1st DAY
Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan, famous for being carved directly into pink sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago.
It was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom – a powerful trading civilization that controlled important routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.
Why it’s so special
* Entire city carved into rock (not built with bricks)
* Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1812
* One of the New 7 Wonders of the World
* Iconic filming location (Indiana Jones)
Main highlights in Petra
* The Siq – a narrow canyon entrance leading into the city
* The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – the most famous monument
* Royal Tombs – carved facades in the cliffs
* Monastery (Ad Deir) – huge structure reached by a long hike
* Panoramic viewpoints – overlooking the valley
The treasury
HOTEL: I stayed in a hotel that is within walking distance to Petra’s entrance; very convenient! If you stay further away you will find a taxi easily. The best in Petra is Movenpick resort (we went there for a drink at night).
WHAT TIME TO START: We started early in the morning around 08:00 am and all day was dedicated to exploring the city.
OPENING HOURS: 06:00 am to 16:00-18:00 pm depending on the season.
DURATION: Many devote 2 days to explore the entire ancient city, we spent 1 whole day & we were there for 6-7 hrs. It was sufficient I think.
ENTRANCE: 50 JD for 1 day per person above 12 yrs old – cash or card, have your passport with you!
CURRENCY: 1 JD (Jordanian Dinar) = 1.20 EUROS =1.41 USD
The main sites & the route we took: Visitors’ centre – entrance to the SIQ – Treasury – Street of Facades – Roman Theatre – Royal tombs – Colonnaded street – Museum – Path to the Monastery – Monastery and back.
Angel’s tips :
- Buy the local head scarf as a souvenir but also as a protection from the sun & accessory for the photos (you can buy it at the entrance & they will help you wear it properly).
- In order to find the spot on the right photo ask around you; otherwise look above to find the path leading there! You pay 20 JD to sit there & take a photo.
- Sunglasses and comfortable shoes is a must.
- Have a light jacket with you, as it can be a bit chilly early in the morning.
- Petra by night: There is an event some nights (Monday – Wednesday – Thursday 08:30-22:30 pm) in Petra. Siq & Treasury are decorated with candles everywhere, creating a very romantic ambiance. It is totally worth it to enjoy the scenery if you can schedule to be there. 17JD above 10 yrs old. Unfortunately I arrived on a Friday & I missed it!
- Petra has no Wi-fi
- There is WC in a few spots, just have wet hankies with you.
2nd DAY
Omer picked us up from our hotel in Petra around 08:30 am & we visited the Little Petra or Siq Al Barid. No entrance fee.
Little Petra is a smaller, quieter version of Petra, located just a short drive from the main site (8 miles far from Petra). Carved into the same pink sandstone cliffs, it was believed to be a suburb where traders and caravans once stopped before entering the main city of Petra.
It was nice & exploring it took us about 1 hour. Today, it offers a much more peaceful experience – with narrow canyons, carved facades and fewer crowds – making it the perfect introduction or add-on to Petra!! It’s a great spot to explore slowly, enjoy the atmosphere and imagine life along the ancient trade routes.
After that, we headed to Wadi Rum desert where we arrived 2 hrs later. The hotel had free transportation. A pick-up truck was waiting for us at the parking area, at the entrance of Wadi Rum and drove us to the camp we would be staying.
Wadi Rum Protected Area is a vast desert landscape in southern Jordan, famous for its dramatic red sand, towering rock formations and endless open horizons. Often called the “Valley of the Moon,” it feels almost otherworldly – like stepping onto another planet!!
It has been home to Bedouin communities for centuries and is best explored by 4×4 jeep, camel ride or an overnight stay in a desert camp under a sky full of stars. Wadi Rum is also known for its cinematic scenery, featured in many films thanks to its surreal, Mars-like landscape.
I arrived at the hotel “MEMORIES AICHA LUXURY CAMP” & I was so impressed of what they had managed to “build” in the middle of nowhere!
One of the most unique desert stays in Wadi Rum Protected Area, offering an unforgettable glamping experience in the heart of the desert. Surrounded by dramatic red dunes and rock formations, the camp combines comfort with an authentic Bedouin atmosphere. Guests stay in dome-style or tented suites, many with panoramic views of the desert and sky. I chose a dome-style and it was magical!
At night, it becomes truly magical – with zero light pollution, traditional dinners and some of the clearest stargazing you’ll ever experience.
We booked through the hotel a jeep tour where they drive you to the hot spots of the desert. We returned a few hours later, full of amazing photos & memories and had a delicious local dinner at the hotel.
Later, free of charge, the hotel had arranged stargazing night for 2 hours under the stars close to the hotel for everybody that wanted to attend.
It is an amazing camp with great breakfast, dinner, kind staff and clean properties. But fyi, there are many camps in the desert, some more traditional, others very simple or luxury. Angel’s tip: The panoramic luxury tent we chose to stay, is totally worth it, as you get the feeling that you are sleeping under the stars!
Notes:
- Have sunscreen with you.
- No wi-fi and very limited mobile reception at the desert.
- Some other camps have parties with local music at night instead of stargazing.
3rd DAY
I woke up in the middle of the desert with mixed feelings since I was so happy I had this amazing experience but unfortunately I had to leave!
Early in the morning I had a camel sunrise tour with the help of a kind Bedouin (Bedouins are the locals of Wadi Rum). After the tour (approx. 1 hour), we got back to the camp to have breakfast and get ready to return to the entrance of the desert where Omer was waiting us!
From Wadi Rum last stop –> Aqaba city. Duration : 1 hour drive.
We had to spend the day in Aqaba since our flight was in the evening. You can walk through old town Aqaba’s colourful markets, visit the Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque and if weather is permitting, you can swim at the beach and do snorkelling! Angel’s tip: I was not impressed by Aqaba, don’t spend too much time there, a few hours were sufficient for me! 
Final stop for my trip, AQABA AIRPORT to ATHENS GREECE with a big smile and a wonderful experience in my heart!
Jordan I loved you! Next time: Amman and Dead sea!
For more pictures and details check my posts, guide & reels on Instagram!
IG: explorewith.angel