Diverse, hospitable and steeped in history, Jordan is a fantastic all-round holiday destination. It appeals to beach lovers and adrenaline junkies, history buffs and culture vultures, foodie fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts.

While Greece and Rome may be considered the behemoths of historical ruins in Europe, Jordan dominates the Middle East with its collection of crumbling temples, impressive churches and ancient cities. Uncover the country’s rich cultural heritage as you tick off Jordan’s time-stamped attractions.

Discover the 6,000-seat Roman theatre and 8^th-century palace in the age-old Amman Citadel. And, of course, no holiday to Jordan would be complete without visiting rose-hued Petra. Hidden among desert canyons, this 2,000-year-old city is an architectural wonder.

After a deep dive into the country’s history, it’s time to escape the desert heat and see Jordan’s natural beauty. Float in the seemingly-impossible Dead Sea, or unwind in the mineral-rich waters of Ma’in hot springs.

First made famous by its appearance in Lawrence of Arabia in 1962, before once again lighting up the silver screen in The Martian in 2015, Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert has become a star in its own right.

Famed for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and burnt-orange dunes, Wadi Rum offers a glimpse into Jordan’s timeless desert. Plus, you can enjoy some truly unique experiences. If you have enough time, we’d recommend spending a night in a traditional Bedouin camp. You’ll gain insight into desert life, tuck into a delicious traditional meal around the campfire fire, and settle down for a night underneath the starlit sky.

Alternatively, a desert safari is another great way of exploring this Mars-like landscape. Setting off from Aqaba, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city and beaches behind, as you head out into the rust-coloured dunes.

At Aqaba – Jordan’s only port to the Red Sea – you can try out a whole host of watersports, from laidback snorkelling to adrenaline-pumping jet-skiing. With year-round sunshine and warm temperatures even in the middle of winter, this spot is the perfect setting for adventures on the water.

What’s more, the Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater life and seascapes. The area remains relatively untouched, so you can look forward to pristine reefs, vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, including turtles, seahorses and damselfish. Diving centres are scattered throughout Aqaba, so you’ll have plenty of choice for booking lessons, renting gear and hiring scuba guides.

For slightly more thrilling activities, why not try some watersports? Kite-boarding and wakeboarding are both very popular, while water-skiing and kayaking are also on offer.

If you want to travel across the country, it’s best plan your Jordan holiday between March and May or September and November. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing at this time of year, while the nights are cool and comfortable. Plus, in April, the north of the country becomes blanketed in gorgeous wildflowers, making for a stunning display. As you would expect, desert-surrounded Petra and Wadi Rum are much hotter than the capital of Amman. Depending on where you are, spring temperatures range between 17°C and 29°C, while warmer autumn sees the mercury hover between 20°C and 32°C.

But, if you’re purely looking to visit Aqaba and relax by the Red Sea, plan your trip between September and March. While the rest of Jordan cools down, this part of the country sees glorious weather. Even in the depths of January, daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, making it a great choice for a winter sun holiday.

The scorching summer months – June to August – are best avoided, as temperatures often reach 40°C.

Visa: You’ll need to buy a visa on arrival, which allows you to stay for up to 30 days
Language: The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time difference: GMT +3 hours
Flight duration from London: Five hours
Capital city: Amman