3 Best things to see & do in Jordan

At 423m below sea level, the Dead Sea marks the Earth’s lowest elevation on land. The sea is a natural collection point for salts and minerals, with salinity up to ten times that of ocean water – so dense that swimmers float on its surface, while animals and plants struggle to flourish (hence the name).

The sea’s mineral-laden waters ease discomfort from arthritis, soothe fiery skin conditions like acne and eczema, heal allergies and boost circulation so helping with detoxing.

They’ve been revered for their magic healing properties for thousands of years – King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra and King Herod all came to bathe here. No surprise then that the Dead Sea is home to some world-class spas today.

This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site is Jordan’s main attraction. Dating from the 4th century BC, Petra was a Nabataean city of spectacular edifices carved into the cliff faces of the surrounding mountains and gorges.

While Petra’s strategic location was exploited by the Romans and Crusaders, the city was subsequently abandoned and remained a secret to everyone except the Nabataeans until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

The remarkably well-preserved remains of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa – today known as Jerash – lie 48km north of Amman.

Jerash was a Greek city in the third century BC and became a wealthy city under Roman rule. After falling into decline, the city was eventually buried by sands until excavation and restoration during the past 70 years unearthed the remains of some magnificently preserved buildings. Evokes powerful ghosts of Rome.