Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- What Is a Hidden Gem
- Little Petra (Al Beidha)
- Shobak Castle
- Ajloun Forest Reserve
- Umm Qais (Gadara)
- Wadi Bin Hammad
- Desert Castles (Qasr Al-Kharanah and Qasr Amra)
- Iraq Al-Amir
- Dana Village (Alternative Trails)
- Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail)
- Azraq Wetland Reserve
- Map of All Hidden Gems
- Why These Places Matter
- Tips for Visiting Jordan Hidden Gems
- FAQ About Jordan Hidden Places
- Sample Itinerary With Hidden Gems
- Conclusion
- Informative Video
Introduction
✈️ Are you planning a trip to Jordan? Most travelers go to famous places like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. These places are big, popular, and full of history. They are beautiful and special, and many people dream of seeing them. But Jordan has more. There are many other places that are not famous. These places are small, quiet, and not crowded. They are in the mountains, in the desert, or near small villages. They have stories, views, and feelings that most people never see.
When you visit these hidden places, you feel closer to the real life of the country. You see local people, try local food, and enjoy nature without big groups. It feels peaceful and different. It is perfect for people who want to explore more than just the top spots.
Some of these hidden gems are easy to reach. Others take more time or a guide. But all of them give you a special memory. These are the places that make your trip unique. You may not see them on Instagram, but they stay in your heart. In this article, we share 10 amazing jordan hidden gems. They are not crowded. They are calm, interesting, and full of surprise. If you want to see a different side of Jordan, these places are for you. Enjoy your trip to Jordan with us!
📍 What Is a Hidden Gem
A hidden gem is a place that is not famous, but very special. It can be:
- A quiet village with local life.
- A castle with no tourists.
- A nature trail with great views.
- A historical place that’s hard to find.
These are the places where you feel like a real traveler—not just a tourist. On our blog, we have different examples of hidden gems in Mexico and in many other places. Have a look at them!
🏞️ 1. Little Petra (Al Beidha)
Why visit:
Little Petra looks like Petra but smaller and quieter. It has carved rock buildings and narrow paths. You can walk here with almost no people around.
Tips:
- Best time to visit: early morning.
- Entry: Free (included in Petra ticket).
- Great for: photos, peaceful walk, seeing Nabataean art.
📸 If you want Petra-style beauty without the big crowd, this is the place.
🏰 2. Shobak Castle
Why visit:
This old Crusader castle is on top of a hill. It has secret tunnels and great views of the desert.
Tips:
- Entry: 1–2 JOD.
- Bring a flashlight for tunnels.
- Try to go at sunset for golden light.
🏞️ It feels like a small adventure. The castle is not as known as Karak Castle, but more peaceful.
🌲 3. Ajloun Forest Reserve
Why visit:
This is a protected forest area in the north of Jordan. You can walk on marked trails and see green hills, trees, and maybe foxes or birds.
Tips:
- Best in spring or autumn (cooler weather).
- There are simple eco-lodges to sleep in.
- Entry: small fee to support nature.
🌳 If you love nature and quiet, this is a great place to rest.
🏛️ 4. Umm Qais (Gadara)
Why visit:
Umm Qais has Roman ruins with views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The town also has Ottoman buildings and a small museum.
Tips:
- Entry: around 3 JOD.
- Nice cafe with views inside the site.
- Visit on a clear day to see far.
📷 This place is perfect for history lovers and photographers.
🏞️ 5. Wadi Bin Hammad
Why visit:
Wadi Bin Hammad is a green valley with water, plants, and small waterfalls. It feels like an oasis in the middle of dry lands.
Tips:
- Bring sandals or waterproof shoes.
- Easy hike, but your feet will get wet.
- Good in spring or fall (avoid rainy season).
💦 You don’t need a guide, but check weather before going.
🏜️ 6. Desert Castles (Qasr Al-Kharanah and Qasr Amra)
Why visit:
These castles are in the eastern desert. They are old buildings from Islamic times. Qasr Amra has paintings on the walls. Qasr Al-Kharanah looks like a small fort.
Tips:
- Short drive from Amman (1–1.5 hours).
- Entry: small fee.
- Visit both in one trip.
📚 Good for people who like art and history. Almost no crowds.
🏡 7. Iraq Al-Amir
Why visit:
This village is in green hills near Amman. It has an old cave palace called Qasr Al-Abd and a women’s cooperative making local crafts.
Tips:
- Best in spring.
- You can try cooking or pottery workshops.
- Support local women by buying handmade items.
🖐️ You see a different, more local side of Jordan here.
🏕️ 8. Dana Village (Alternative Trails)
Why visit:
Dana is known for its biosphere reserve, but most people hike only the main trail. There are many other quiet paths around the old village.
Tips:
- Stay in the village guesthouses.
- Hike early or in late afternoon.
- Ask locals for less-known trails.
🌄 The landscape is wild and beautiful—cliffs, valleys, and nature everywhere.
🏞️ 9. Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail)
Why visit:
This is a narrow canyon with flowing water. You walk, climb, and sometimes swim through the canyon walls.
Tips:
- Open April to October.
- Entry: about 21 JOD.
- Must be able to swim.
🧗♂️ It’s fun and full of action. But fewer people go here than to Wadi Rum or Petra.
🐦 10. Azraq Wetland Reserve
Why visit:
Azraq is a wetland in the desert. It is home to birds, buffalo, and unique water springs, and it used to be bigger, but much has dried up. It is now protected.
Tips:
- Visit early morning for birds.
- There’s a small museum.
- Easy walk on wooden paths.
🦆 This place shows a different face of Jordan: water and wildlife.
🗺️ Map of All Hidden Gems
If you want to see where each hidden place is, this map will help you. It shows all the spots we talk about in this blog—like Little Petra, Wadi Bin Hammad, Dana Village, and more. You can zoom in, click each name, and plan your own adventure. This map is great for planning your trip. You can check how far the places are from Amman or Petra.
You can also see which spots are close to each other, so you can visit more than one on the same day. It makes your trip easier and more fun. We suggest saving the map on your phone. That way, you can use it offline while you travel. Most of these places are not crowded, so having your map ready helps you feel more free and safe while exploring Jordan’s quiet and beautiful side.
🙋♀️ Why These Places Matter
Many people only visit the famous places in Jordan. These are nice, but they are full of tourists. Hidden places are different. They are more quiet, more local, and more peaceful. You see real life and feel the country in a deeper way. When you visit small places, you help small towns. Local people may run a cafe, a guesthouse, or make crafts. Your visit gives them work and support.
It also helps protect the nature and culture of these areas. These Jordan hidden gems also make your trip more special. You walk alone in old ruins, sit in nature without noise, or meet someone from the village. These moments stay in your heart. That’s why these places are important—for travelers, for locals, and for the future of Jordan.
These hidden places are not only quiet. They also:
- Show you local life.
- Help small towns and families.
- Let you take better pictures with fewer people.
- Make your trip feel more personal.
Going to these gems also spreads tourism to more areas. You help Jordan more that way.
✅ Tips for Visiting Jordan Hidden Gems
Here are some simple tips:
🕐 1. Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March to May): flowers, green hills.
- Autumn (September to November): cooler, good weather.
- Summer (June–August): very hot in desert.
- Winter (December–February): can be cold and rainy.
🚗 2. How to Travel
- Rent a car (best for remote places).
- Or hire a driver for the day.
- Some places have public buses, but not often.
🎒 3. What to Bring
- Water.
- Hat and sun cream.
- Walking shoes.
- Camera or phone for photos.
- Snacks (some places have no shops).
👣 4. Be Respectful
- Dress modestly in villages.
- Don’t leave trash.
- Buy local if you can (food, souvenirs).
💬 FAQ About Jordan Hidden Places
Q: Are these places safe?
A: Yes, Jordan is safe for tourists. Just be careful with nature trails or weather.
Q: Do I need a guide?
A: For most places, no. But some hikes or castles are better with a local guide.
Q: Is Petra still worth it?
A: Yes! You can visit Petra and these other spots to see both the famous and secret sides of Jordan.
Q: Can you travel to Jordan dispite war?
A: Yes, most areas in Jordan are safe to visit despite nearby conflicts in other countries.
Q: Do I need visa to enter Jordan?
A: Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Jordan. Apply online at https://eservices.moi.gov.jo.
Q: Is there a dress code for women?
A: Yes, even tourist women should dress modestly. Cover shoulders, chest, and knees to show cultural respect.
🧳 Sample Itinerary With Hidden Gems (Optional Section)
- Amman + Desert Castles. (Day 1–2)
- Ajloun Forest + Umm Qais. (Day 3)
- Dana Village and trail. (Day 4–5)
- Little Petra + Shobak Castle. (Day 6)
- Wadi Mujib or Azraq Wetland. (Day 7)
These Jordan hidden gems mix nature, ruins, and local culture.
🏁 Conclusion
As you can see, Jordan hidden gems are a must for every traveler in the world. Jordan is more than Petra and the Dead Sea. These places are beautiful, but they are not the only reason to visit. All around the country, there are small, peaceful places waiting to be seen. These hidden gems are full of nature, history, and quiet streets. You don’t need big crowds or busy tourist areas to enjoy Jordan.
When you visit hidden places, you see a more real side of the country. You meet local people, try local food, and walk in places that feel calm and special. You help small towns and families who don’t get many tourists. This kind of travel is good for you, and also good for the local communities.
Many of these places are also easier to enjoy. You can take your time, and you don’t have to wait in line or walk with hundreds of people. You can take photos, sit and relax, and enjoy the moment. The memories you make in these quiet places often stay in your heart longer than the famous ones.
Also, your trip becomes more personal. You create your own path, not just follow the same plan as everyone else. You feel like an explorer, discovering places that are still natural and full of beauty. It makes your travel story more interesting and different from others.
So if you want a trip that is more calm, more real, and more local, visit at least one of these hidden gems. You will learn more, feel more, and bring home a better story. You won’t regret it. Jordan is waiting for you—beyond the guidebooks, beyond the crowds.