The first place that comes to mind when you think of great beaches and ancient Roman ruins is undoubtedly Italy. If you want both of these things, plus a lot more adventure and interest think a couple thousand miles further east – to the Middle East.
- Jordan David Bjorgen / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
One of the best preserved and most interesting Roman ruins is in the small ancient city of Jerash located in northern Jordan. The city was devastated by an earthquake in 749 AD and then others in following years which resulted in large portions of the city being buried for underground for centuries only to be rediscovered and excavated in the last 200 years. While significant damage was done by the earthquakes the buildings were actually protected from centuries of wear and weathering by being buried and did not suffer the fate of being razed and built over that many other ruins did.
- Jordan, Temple of Dusharesarcher10 (Dennis) / Travel Photos / CC BY-SA
The excavation has been careful and meticulous leaving the original ruins of the Roman city of Gerasa a great place to explore just outside the modern city of Jerash that replaced it as a population center. Best of all, this can be done without waiting in long lines for your chance to get to the observation point to snap a picture as is most often the case in Rome.
While in Jordan take some time to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The port city of Aqaba boasts a short but impressive beach on the Red Sea which in addition to sunbathing and windsurfing will give the opportunity to snorkel and see fish not found elsewhere in the world. With entirely different species from common Mediterranean and Caribbean variety it is not to be missed.
Jordan’s official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken making it an easy place to get around for English speaking tourists and is probably the safest country for tourism in the Middle East. You will have the opportunity to experience all of the Middle Eastern culture as well as see the types of things typically thought of as Europe fare.
While you are there, consider a stop at Petra to see the buildings carved directly into the stone cliffs as an added bonus you will not find anyplace else. This is why Jordan makes such a unique stop – it allows for many things found commonly in Europe, but adds in a visit to the Middle East and the things unique to that part of the world. Visit Encounters Travel for tours of Jordan to find all of the other secrets of this small friendly country.
