Soccer, the king of sports
Soccer is the number one sport in Jordan. Young people play it in the streets and in the stadiums, wearing the counterfeit shirts of the great nations or the most prestigious European clubs. The federation (Jordan Football Association) was founded in 1949 and affiliated to FIFA in 1958. The dream of all local fans is of course to see the national team participate in the World Cup finals one day. But unfortunately, the dream is still far away for the moment, as the national team, which plays at the Amman International Stadium (25,000 seats), has to be satisfied with the Asian Cup of Nations... The country has its own league where the Amman clubs dominate. Otherwise, Jordanians follow with attention the Egyptian and European championships (mainly English) and the big matches of the Champions League. And at match time, smoking a narghile or drinking tea while watching the game is a popular moment for the locals, whether in the cafes of the lower city in Amman or in the establishments along the beach in Aqaba.
On horseback or by dromedary, long live the race!
The prestige of the Arabian horse is immense in Jordan and throughout the world. It is sought after for its beauty, speed and endurance. The Bedouins were particularly fond of them, and stealing one from an enemy tribe was a great proof of bravery. Today, maintaining the purity of this breed is not an easy task. In Jordan, the Royal Stables are in charge of this task. International races are sometimes organized in the country and maybe you will have the chance to attend them. They are held in spring and summer in Marka, east of Amman, at the Royal Racing Club. You can also see camel races there.
Tawlah, the traditional game
Tawlah is in fact backgammon. This game of strategy and luck, probably one of the oldest in the world, is particularly appreciated in Southern Europe and, above all, in the Arab countries. Called tawlah in Jordan, it is particularly popular there. It is played at home, in the street, or most often in cafes while smoking a narghile.The coastline, a vast playground
Scuba diving. The Red Sea is known worldwide for the beauty of its seabed and if there is one sport to practice in Jordan, it is scuba diving! The water temperature is pleasant all year round (22°C in winter and 26°C in summer), the absence of strong currents and the excellent visibility provide excellent conditions. The number of clubs installed on the Jordanian coast, although not very large, is an indicator that does not deceive: the twenty or so official diving spots offer unforgettable underwater discoveries! The fauna is impressive, with lion-fish, scorpion-fish and clown-fish. With a little bit of luck, you can also see a turtle, a ray, or even, further out, the impressive but harmless whale sharks (in June and July). The corals are sumptuous and some wrecks are worth the detour, such as the American tank M42 which lies at 6 meters depth (accessible with a mask and snorkel) and the Cedar Pride, a gigantic merchant ship sunk in 1986! You can also be satisfied with a mask and a snorkel and have a nice view of the colorful fauna and flora of the coral reefs
At the southern end of the country, the seaside resort ofAqaba, with its pleasant climate in winter, will be a pleasant stop for diving enthusiasts. The marine park is a real paradise for divers, with hundreds of corals, and a thousand of particularly colorful fish. Finally, unlike the overcrowded resorts of Egypt, the infrastructure along the Red Sea retains a human dimension, allowing travelers seeking relaxation to relax without stepping on each other.
Water sports. Naturally, Jordan's coastline offers many opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. The few water sports clubs in Aqaba offer the possibility of renting the necessary equipment for windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing... These sports can be practiced all year round thanks to the mild local climate.
A nature to discover
In Jordan, there are countless hiking possibilities and there is something for all levels. On foot, one may prefer the reserves of Dana and Wadi Mujib, for the diversity of landscapes, reliefs, fauna and flora, and the quality facilities (in Dana in particular for accommodation, reception, guides). Hikes of a few hours or several days are also possible in Petra and in Wadi Rum
.For those who don't want to walk, you can also go to these splendid landscapes on horseback or on dromedary. The most famous hike is the one that connects Wadi Rum to Aqaba (or vice versa) in a few days, but shorter excursions, especially from Rum, are also available.
Note that the desert can also be crossed by 4X4. Noisy but fast, much less ecological, they allow nevertheless to get out of the busy roads very quickly. You can travel from Aqaba to Rum or from Amman to the castles of the desert.Canyoning and climbing for the adventurous
Canyoning. For those who love thrills, canyoning is for you! Wadi Mujib, which descends from the Hammamat Main hot springs to the Dead Sea, lends itself perfectly to this activity, a mixture of walking, climbing, sometimes swimming... The experience is unforgettable. It is mandatory to hire a guide.
Climbing. The canyons also contain a large number of cracks and climbing routes. Tony Howard is the great figure of climbing in Jordan. This British climber has done a lot to promote the beauty of the rocks of Wadi Rum to climbers all over the world. His book Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum is a reference, he describes 300 climbing routes. You can find this book in bookshops in Amman and Aqaba. Some Bedouins will be able to help you access the routes and advise you. It is preferable to come with your own equipment.
