Framed by limestone mountains, encased in thick patches of salt, the azure blue of the Dead Sea stands out against landscapes of absolute barrenness. If it is fun to experience weightlessness in its thick waters and get covered in mud with useful virtues, the pleasure will be short-lived. After 20 minutes of bathing, the high level of salt hits the mucous membranes, and a shower with fresh water is a must. The surroundings contain exceptional heritage or natural sites that allow you to fully enjoy your day. Here are some ideas between leisure, sports and culture, less than 30 minutes from the beaches, just to enhance your stay.
Swim in the Dead Sea
Who doesn’t want to effortlessly read a book in the water, try the adventure in weightlessness in a big salt bath? The saltiest sea in the world gives unique sensations. The density of the waters of the Dead Sea causes an Archimedean thrust, which is impossible to fight against. The body floats on the surface, and the slightest movement causes an imbalance. But be careful, between the strong beating sun and the saltiness, it’s not good to stay there too long. Fresh water shower is necessary immediately after swimming. Public and hotel beaches are equipped with them. The Dead Sea still has many merits. Air saturated with bromine and sulfur calms the nervous system. Covering the body with highly mineralized black mud soothes rheumatism and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo or eczema. And besides, they restore the baby’s skin.
Where to swim?
All hotels bordering the northern Dead Sea have free access to the sea for residents. Amman Dead Sea is a private paid beach (€35) with sun loungers, a swimming pool and a restaurant. The public beach is freely accessible and the “showers” (€1) are pipes along the road.
Take in the heights of Mount Nebo
It is on this mountain overlooking the Dead Sea that Moses would die at the age of 120. His exodus from Egypt stops at Mount Nebo, from where he could view the shores of the Promised Land, which God had forbidden him to enter. From its 817 meters, the mountain overlooks the Dead Sea and the oasis of Jericho, the Jordan Valley and, on a clear day, the buildings of Jerusalem above the opposite peaks. The road clings to the side of a rocky mountain, where several herds of goats feed on the meager brush.
The rolling hills as far as the eye can see create spectacular and mesmerizing panoramas. At the top, a small Franciscan community welcomes pilgrims and tourists. They come from all over the world to walk the Land of Moses, enjoy the view and admire the mosaics of the old Byzantine basilica. These were discovered by chance and are among the best preserved in Jordan. Two huge parterres framing the nave depict country motifs. Notably, the man from Africa is held by an ostrich on a leash, while his neighbor in Persian costume is accompanied by a zebra and a domedar.
The memory of Moses and Mount Nebo. Open 8am to 6pm April to October and 8am to 5pm November to March. Entrance: 4.20 euros.
Immerse yourself in the Jordan, the site of Christ’s baptism
In addition to geopolitical issues, Israel and Jordan have long clashed over the exact location of Jesus’ baptism. Jordan seems to have won the battle, based on biblical accounts, historical accounts of pilgrims, and archaeological excavations on the ground. Several churches have been excavated, the oldest of which dates back to the 4th century. The stairs went down to plunge into the Jordan. After the many earthquakes that shook the region in the Middle Ages, the course of the river changed further to the west.
From now on, the stormy river is nothing more than a muddy stream, stretching a lazy groove between the palm and the canyon. It is no less highly symbolic. Pilgrims come here alone or in groups to pray, praise and be baptized. The site also includes Elijah’s Hill, where the prophet ascended to heaven in a fiery chariot. A little further on, a cave converted into a chapel would house Saint-Jean-le-Baptiste. In Bethany, the foundational stories of Christianity materialize, and their power transcends spirituality that does not belong to believers alone.
The place of baptism of Jesus Christ. Open 8am to 6pm April to October and 8am to 4pm November to March. Entrance: 16.50 euros. Mandatory excursion.
Live the adventure in Wadi Mujib
The mountains bordering the Dead Sea are crossed by many grooves, which were formed by the waters. Wadi Mujib is certainly the most spectacular of them all. It is also an ideal excursion to cool off at the lowest point on earth and one of the hottest. The flood from the great desert of the east dug a deep channel through the high plateaus of the Kings Road to rush into the Dead Sea. Access to the canyon is from the outlet, about twenty minutes south of the resorts. A converted pedestrian bridge leads to the river bed, which you climb upstream.
Then towering ocher and pink sandstone cliffs soar skyward and anchor the bustling river. Changing light, rain and wind polished walls, translucent water create a palette of amazing materials and colors. Some moderate difficulties spice up the process. to cross natural pools by following a rope or stone dams by climbing steps. The parade opens at a high waterfall after a kilometer. A curtain of water hides the cave. Descending is done by letting the current take you in the deep parts, with your eyes fixed on the blue of the sky. Appropriate gear is essential for walking in Wadi Mujib with non-slip shoes and shorts or Bermuda shorts. A waterproof bag can be rented at the reception to take your camera.
Wadi Mujib Visitor Center. Open 8am to 5pm April to October. The canyon may close due to weather conditions or if the water level is too high. Prohibited – 18 years old. Entrance: 29 euros.
Source: Le Figaro
