Desert Castles

Jordan, Middle East

The Desert Castles of Jordan, a group of stunning architectural gems from the Umayyad period, are known for their striking beauty and historical significance. Notable sites include Qasr Amra, famous for its exquisite frescoes, and Qasr al-Hallabat, renowned for its grandeur and ruins. Exploring these castles also reveals beautiful desert landscapes and the mesmerizing Bedouin culture, making it a unique destination that combines history, art, and stunning scenery.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Region

Vibe

History

Airport

Bar Yehuda

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Desert Castles

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Qasr Al-Kharrana

Explore a unique desert castle with stunning architecture.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Qasr Amra

Admire the UNESCO-listed frescoes in this historic site.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Wander through Qasr Al-Mushatta

Discover the remains of a grand Umayyad palace.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour Qasr Al-Hallabat

Experience fascinating Roman and Umayyad ruins.

No booking required
5

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Desert Castles Route

Take a scenic road trip to explore multiple castles.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the ruins of Qasr Al-Sheikh Hussein

Discover lesser-known ruins with historical significance.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography at Qasr Al-Kharrana

Capture stunning architectural details and landscapes.

No booking required
8

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Picnic near Qasr Amra

Enjoy a relaxing picnic while surrounded by history.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Jordanian Dinar

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Arabic

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Mansaf

Traditional lamb dish with yogurt sauce. (National dish)

Maqluba

V

Upside-down rice and vegetable dish.

Falafel

VE

Deep-fried chickpea balls, popular snack.

Kanafeh

V

Sweet pastry soaked in syrup, cheese-filled.

Zarb

Slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a pit.

Phrases to learn

English

Arabic

Hello

Marhaban

(Mar-ha-ban)

Yes/No

Naam / La

(Nah-am / Lah)

Thank you

Shukran

(Shook-ran)

Excuse me

Afwan

(Ahf-wan)

How much?

Kam?

(Kam)