Petra Jordan Holidays
Petra
Holidays
One of the greatest archaeological sites on earth — the Rose-Red City of the Nabataeans, carved into the sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan
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Flight Time
5h from UK (direct to Amman)
Best Time
March to May or September to November
Country
Jordan
Suppliers
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Petra Holiday Guide
Petra is one of the greatest archaeological sites on earth — the Rose-Red City of the Nabataeans, carved into the sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. The Treasury, the Siq, the Monastery and the Royal Tombs are all extraordinary. Allow at least two full days.
Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) is unmissable. Little Petra is an excellent addition. The Jordan Pass covers entry to Petra and most other sites.
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Average Temperatures
Jan
12°C
Feb
14°C
Mar
18°C
Apr
23°C
May
28°C
Jun
32°C
Jul
34°C
Aug
34°C
Sep
30°C
Oct
25°C
Nov
18°C
Dec
13°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Petra
The Treasury, the Siq, the Monastery and the extraordinary carved city that make Petra one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on earth.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The Treasury is the most iconic monument in Petra — a breathtaking 40-metre-high facade carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliff at the end of the Siq. Built as a royal tomb in the 1st century BC, it is the most photographed monument in the Middle East and one of the most extraordinary sights in the world. The moment it appears at the end of the Siq is one of the great travel experiences.
The Siq
The Siq is the dramatic 1.2km canyon entrance to Petra — a narrow gorge between towering sandstone walls that winds through the rock to reveal the Treasury at its end. The walk through the Siq is one of the most atmospheric and dramatic approaches to any ancient site in the world. The walls rise to 80 metres in places and the light changes constantly as you walk through.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
The Monastery is the largest monument in Petra — a massive carved facade at the top of a 800-step climb from the main city. Larger than the Treasury and more remote, the Monastery has a raw, dramatic quality that many visitors find even more impressive. The views from the terrace in front of the Monastery are extraordinary. The climb takes approximately 45 minutes.
Petra by Night
Petra by Night is one of the most magical experiences in Jordan — the Siq and the Treasury are lit by 1,500 candles on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. The candlelit walk through the Siq to the Treasury is unforgettable. The experience is completely different from the daytime visit and is highly recommended.
Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs are a series of magnificent carved facades on the eastern cliff face of Petra — the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb are all extraordinary. The facades are best seen in the afternoon when the light is on the cliff face. The Urn Tomb has been converted into a church and has a beautiful interior.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Little Petra is a smaller Nabataean site approximately 8km north of Petra — a miniature version of the main city with carved facades, a narrow siq and a painted dining room (the Painted House). Little Petra is far less visited than the main site and has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. It is an excellent addition to a Petra visit.
Practical Tips
Allow at least two full days to see Petra properly — one day is not enough. The site is large and the distances are significant. The best time to visit the Treasury is early morning (before 8am) when the light is on the facade and the crowds are thin. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the terrain is rocky and uneven. The Jordan Pass includes Petra entry.
Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa is the town adjacent to Petra and the base for most visitors — a range of hotels from budget guesthouses to the excellent Mövenpick Resort Petra and the Petra Marriott. The town has several good restaurants serving Jordanian food. The Cave Bar (in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb) is one of the most atmospheric bars in the world.
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