Lea Petrášová

Meticulously carved from the rose-colored sandstone cliffs, the historic city of Petra stands as Jordan’s most cherished landmark and is an essential destination for travelers globally.

Painstakingly hand-carved from rose-colored sandstone cliffs, the ancient city of Petra is Jordan’s most beloved attraction and a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide. However, this fragile site, once a Bedouin secret, has suffered from overtourism. Consequently, Petra is often listed among the world’s most endangered sites, with visitor numbers soaring to over 1 million annually as of 2019, further exacerbated in the post-pandemic era.

With its wind-whittled landscape, honeycomb tombs and silent canyons blessed by forgotten gods, the ancient city of Petra embraces human history on an epic scale. The breadth of the site, which is sprinkled over numerous mountains, accessed via narrow slot canyons and stretches across dry river beds, means a visit to Petra demands time.

The final twist of the towering walls of the Siq canyon brings the iconic image of Petra: the stunning Treasury in sudden view. This well-trodden trail, which breezes past the Street of Facades and onward to the Monastery, makes for a great introduction to one of the Middle East’s most-visited sights. However, if you dig a little deeper, the din of those half a million annual visitors will start to fade, and the real Indiana Jones experience can begin.

It probably goes without saying that Jordan is an absolutely beautiful country to visit. The nation is rich in history, delectable food, and a vibrant culture to soak in. There are numerous stunning places in Jordan spread throughout this captivating land. For instance, Petra in Jordan is an awe-inspiring site to explore and is often one of the primary attractions for travelers.