6 Rising Destinations In Jordan That Are Off The Beaten Path

(By Rana Abu Alhala)

Though visitors flock to Jordan's famous treasures, Petra and the Dead Sea, there are some amazing, off-the-grid places to visit as well that have not yet been discovered on the traveller radar. These hidden gems will give visitors a more personal, authentic experience of Jordan's rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and renowned hospitality.

These lesser-known destinations offer smaller crowds and a true experience of Jordan's deserts, hidden canyons, ancient villages, and unexplored terrain—things that cannot be felt in the buzzing tourist areas. As travellers look for new ways to step outside of the ordinary, to have experiences that are immersive and meaningful, these six emerging destinations have the ultimate mix of excitement, stillness, and serious connectivity to the breathtaking, timeless, welcoming beauty of Jordan.

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Umm Qais:

Umm Qais is an underappreciated, serene hilltop town that holds Jordan's past and views. A location often placed in Jerash's shadow, this hidden beauty is littered with Roman ruins, with an amphitheatre, colonnaded sidewalks, and a surviving western part of an ancient Decapolis city. What makes Umm Qais distinctive, though, is its panoramic view, with enough visibility on a clear day, you'll see the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Yarmouk River Valley all at once! With fewer friends to compete with, and an enchanting, windswept rusticity, it has just the right amount of  and charm as to feel like time has been reverted, so it fits the traveller searching for culture and silence.

Ajloun Forest Reserve:

Nestled in the rolling highlands of northern Jordan, the Ajloun Forest Reserve is a lush, surprising reprieve from the country’s desert-dominated geography. A true hidden gem, this eco-sanctuary features oak, pistachio, and wild strawberry trees, the perfect destination for environmentally-conscious individuals to enjoy a cooler climate with quiet trails. Whether you’ll be trekking through dense woodlands, discovering rare wildlife hosts, or savoring the sunset over the highlands, Ajloun offers a calming contrast to Jordan’s more recognizable tourist sites. Sleep in charming eco-friendly lodges, sample local cuisine, and experience the best-kept secret of Jordan green, serene, and soul-nurturing.

Dana Biosphere Reserve:

Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's hidden gem, a stunning collage of mountains, canyons, and desert cliffs that feels utterly otherworldly. Eden is the largest reserve by area in Jordan and an oasis of wilderness for hikers, explorers, and anyone simply looking to escape the touristy route in search of tranquility. A refuge for endemic and rare wildlife and hundreds of years of civilization, Dana retains a simple beauty that is raw and humbling, deservedly unforgettable. Whether you find yourself hiking the trails or simply immersed in silence, this is where Jordan's wild character lies.

Shobak Castle:

Located in the uncultivated terrain of south Jordan, Shobak Castle is a rare find which shows the country’s Crusader era without the throngs of tourists torturing Petra. Built in the early 12th century by Baldwin I of Jerusalem, Shobak is a massive edifice that towers above a hill with hardly a sweeping view of the desert surrounding it. While it lacks the majesty of Petra, it has a raw, untouched beauty that any lover of history can appreciate. Ramble through broken archways, hidden passageways, and ancient markings and you will feel as though you’ve discovered a forgotten moment in time. If you have already visited and wished to go beyond the touristy itineraries, Shobak is indeed a peaceful, medieval wonder just waiting to be experienced.

Al-Salt:

Nestled in the rolling hills northwest of Amman lies Al-Salt, a delightful fusion of history, heritage, and hospitality that seems to fly under the radar of conventional tourism. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its preserved Ottoman stone architecture, Al-Salt is an open-air museum of golden limestone buildings and narrow passageways, all infused with traditional Levantine life. What you get in Al-Salt is comparable to an authentic cultural experience, from the lively atmosphere of local souks and family-run restaurants to local residents, many of whom will eagerly share their family values and culture. If you are looking for a taste of true Jordan, unspoiled by mass tourism, Al-Salt is a soulful detour you will cherish long after your journey has ended.

Azraq Wetland Reserve:

The Azraq Wetland Reserve, hidden away in Jordan's eastern desert, is literally an oasis or what appeared to be a mirage. Once a haven for migratory birds, this wetland area has been salvaged from near collapse and is now home to endangered species such as the Azraq killifish, myriad herons, egrets, flamingos, and some boardwalks feel like you are walking across the water, lends a peaceful spot of serenity, and is a stark contrast to the expanse of desert which surrounds it. The vast wetlands are not just a refuge for wildlife; it appears that it was really a lesson in human neglect and nature's resurgence, as well as the most surprisingly enchanting spot in Jordan for the inquisitive traveller.

Rana Abu Alhala is the CEO of Plan B Travel & Tourism

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