Have you ever imagined visiting the Middle East? It’s not just a desert. It’s a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. If you’re looking for the best Middle East destinations, this article is your perfect guide. We’ll explore some of the best places to travel in the Middle East. This will inspire you on your next trip.
Middle East Countries You Must Visit
These countries offer a rich tapestry of history, culture, and incredible sights. They are essential stops for any traveler.
Jordan: A Land of Ancient Wonders
Jordan is a top destination for history and adventure lovers. It holds some of the world’s most incredible archaeological treasures. It also has breathtaking natural landscapes.
- Petra: Known as the „Rose City,” Petra is a complete city. The Nabataeans carved it into the rock face over 2,000 years ago. Its entrance is a narrow gorge called the Siq. This builds suspense before revealing the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Other major landmarks include the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman Theater. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People named it one of the „New 7 Wonders of the World.” This is because of its unique rock-cut architecture.
- Jerash: This is one of the world’s best-preserved provincial Roman cities. The Jerash archaeological site features a grand Hadrian’s Arch. It has a distinctive Oval Plaza. Fifty-six columns surround it. You can also see the famous Colonnaded Street/Cardo Maximus. You can explore the two amphitheaters, the South Theater and the North Theater. They still host events today. These include the famous Jerash Festival for Culture & Arts.
- The Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth. Its incredibly high salt content makes floating effortless. The mud from the Dead Sea is also famous for its therapeutic properties. Many resorts in the area offer spa treatments and mud baths.
Egypt: The Cradle of Civilizations
Egypt is the heart of the Arab world and home to the oldest civilizations.
- Cairo: A city that never sleeps, combining modern and ancient history. You can stand before the Pyramids and the Sphinx, explore its historic alleys in the Khan el-Khalili district, and buy gifts from its bustling markets.
- Luxor: Known as „the world’s greatest open-air museum,” it includes magnificent temples like Karnak and Luxor temples, in addition to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens that tell the stories of the pharaohs.
- Aswan: A beautiful city on the banks of the Nile, famous for its rich Nubian culture.
Morocco: A Blend of Desert, Mountains, and Sea
Morocco is a country that blends desert, mountains, and sea.
- Marrakech: A vibrant city, famous for its bustling markets and red colors. You can enjoy snake charming in Djemaa el-Fna square.
- Sahara Desert: A visit to Morocco is not complete without a trip to the desert, such as the Moroccan Sahara Desert, specifically the Merzouga and Zagora deserts, where you can ride camels and spend a night in tents under a sky full of stars.
- Fes: One of the oldest imperial cities, known for its maze of narrow streets and historic mosques and traditional tanneries.
Palestine: The Holy Land
Palestine holds great religious and cultural importance.
- Jerusalem: A holy city for the three religions, containing historical landmarks like Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You can wander through the alleys of the Old City, which is a unique blend of cultures.
- Hebron: An old and important city, containing the Ibrahimi Mosque.
- Bethlehem: The city where Christ was born, known for the Church of the Nativity, which is one of the oldest churches in the world.
Turkey: Where East Meets West
Turkey is a bridge between Asia and Europe, and its history is rich and diverse.
- Istanbul: The only city located on two continents, famous for the Hagia Sophia mosque and the Bosphorus strait. You can enjoy the beauty of both Ottoman and Byzantine architecture in the same place.
- Cappadocia: A unique tourist destination, famous for hot air balloon rides and its strange rock formations known as „fairy chimneys.” You can explore its underground cities.
Other Places to Explore: History, Nature, and Culture
Besides these main countries, the Middle East is filled with countless other treasures.
Archaeological Wonders
- Baalbek, Lebanon: This historical city contains massive Roman ruins, such as the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, which show the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
- Palmyra, Syria: A massive Roman archaeological city in the desert. Its grand colonnades and monumental arches are a testament to its ancient importance.
- Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia: Known as the „Second Petra” for its similar architectural style, containing Nabataean tombs carved into the rock.
- Leptis Magna, Libya: A magnificent Roman archaeological city, considered one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, located on the coast.
- The Citadel of Aleppo, Syria: One of the oldest and largest castles in the world, with a history spanning back to the 3rd millennium BC.
- Resafa, Syria: An ancient Roman fortress city in the Syrian Desert, with impressive ruins.
- Erbil, Iraq: A historical city considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its ancient citadel at the center.
Nature and Adventure
- Wadi Doa’n, Yemen: Known as the valley of ancient villages, distinguished by its unique mud-brick buildings that reach several stories high.
- Shibam, Yemen: An ancient city known as „the Manhattan of the Desert” for its tall mud-brick buildings that resemble skyscrapers.
- Salalah, Oman: Famous for its unique summer climate (khareef), where it turns into a green paradise with waterfalls and foggy mountains.
- Musandam, Oman: Known as the „Norway of Arabia” for its many sea fjords, where you can enjoy traditional boat trips.
- Liwa Oasis, UAE: A beautiful desert oasis and one of the largest in the region, famous for its high sand dunes.
- The Mesopotamian Marshes, Iraq: A vast wetland ecosystem in southern Iraq, often referred to as a unique „garden of Eden” with a rich biodiversity.
- Qeshm Island, Iran: Famous for its geo-parks, caves, and unique geological formations, including the Valley of Stars.
- Wadi Bajda, Saudi Arabia: A stunning valley known for its unique rock formations and tranquil atmosphere.
Cities and Cultural Gems
- Beirut, Lebanon: The vibrant capital of Lebanon, once known as „Paris of the Middle East.” After the war, the city regained its spirit with a renewed cafe culture and nightlife.
- Al Balad, Old City of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A historically important and ancient city, famous for its traditional buildings made of coral.
- Qadisha Valley, Lebanon: A holy valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it serves as a sanctuary for monks, and is known for its rocky cliffs and dense forests.
- Maaloula, Syria: A unique village where residents still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
- Manama, Bahrain: A modern city with a rich pearl diving history, known for its financial hub and traditional markets.
- The Green, Rolling Hills of Jizan, Saudi Arabia: A region known for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes, offering a different experience from the traditional desert scenery.
Conclusion
The Middle East is a vast world full of adventures. Traveling to the Middle East not only gives you the opportunity to see history, but it also gives you the chance to connect with ancient Arab culture. You can start your journey of learning the Arabic language with the Kaleela app, which will make your experience in these destinations even richer.