The Middle East, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking scenery, provides a wealth of attractive sites for tourists looking for an amazing adventure. From ancient treasures to modern marvels, the region entices adventurers with its unique features.
Global Compass is here to tell you everything that you need to know regarding the best Middle Eastern travel destinations, each with its own unique blend of tradition, beauty, and friendliness.
Shibam: the Desert’s Manhattan
Shibam is a 7000-person hamlet in the middle of nowhere that is home to nine-story mud-brick houses. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Manhattan of the desert,” though I don’t particularly enjoy these analogies.
Shibam, in contrast to other very significant locations in Yemen, is situated in the Hadhramaut region, which is comparatively safe and has direct flights from Cairo, Egypt.
The Syriac Old City of Damascus
Everything in this place is quite ancient.
Established in the second millennium BC, Damascus is undoubtedly one of the oldest towns in the world. It served as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, one of the most significant caliphates in history, from 661 to 750, spanning from Spain to Iran.
Magnificent Islamic architecture in Esfahan
The most spectacular city in Iran is Esfahan, and its mosques—which feature enormous domes and breathtaking ceilings with ornate mathematical forms—are without a doubt the most striking structures in the Middle East.
One of the oldest cities in the area, Esfahan has long been the center of a scholarly and affluent intellectual community, and it was frequently likened to Athens and Rome for its significance and impact in this region of the world.
By Iranian standards, Esfahan is a shockingly clean, bright, and contemporary city today, home to some of the most intelligent and well-educated people in the nation.
Jordan, Petra
Because of its rock-like constructions, the stunning city of Petra, which is roughly 240 kilometers south of Amman, the capital of Jordan, is important to archaeologists. It is a Wonder of the World that stretches back to the fourth century BC, and you should put it on your bucket list.Wadi Musa is the park’s entrance, and visitors take a trail into the Siq, a gorge created by tectonic plates that split the mountain in two. What an entrance—snaking along a trail with towering rock faces above your head. This route may be familiar to you from Harrison Ford’s 1989 adventure movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Iran | Abyaneh
The red mountain village of Abyaneh is one of the most strikingly attractive settlements in the Middle East. This settlement, which dates back at least 2,500 years, is one of the oldest in Iran and is nestled charmingly in the Karkas mountains.
The fact that the residents of Abyaneh continue to follow old, pre-Islamic rituals is what makes the area so special. They continue to wear traditional attire and speak their native tongue. The women’s outfit, with its white floral wraps, is particularly striking.
The red clay that was used to cover the dwellings in Abyaneh gives the town its crimson color, which helps it blend in with the surrounding landscape. In addition to strolling about the streets and taking in the architecture, tourists can walk to underground cave homes and the ruins of an old castle.
Iran’s Qeshm Island
The largest island in the Persian Gulf is Qeshm, a picturesque island in Iran. Its strategic location in the Strait of Hormuz has made it an essential hub for trade and navigation for ages, inspiring invasions by the Dutch, French, and Portuguese.
Being a free zone, Qeshm enables citizens of most nations to obtain a visa upon arrival. Explore Qeshm island for its abundance of unusual geological vistas, rich craft traditions, and easy accessibility.
Qeshm Island is home to a wide variety of natural phenomena and was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2017.
Israel’s Tower of David
The Tower of David, one of the most recognizable silhouettes in Jerusalem’s skyline along with the Temple Mount, is a must-see Middle Eastern historical site.
The citadel actually dates back to medieval times, despite being named for the biblical David, king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah. The First Temple (1006–586 BC), the Hasmonean Period (141–63 BC), and the Herodian Period (37 BC–70 AD) are only a few of the far older periods whose walls and towers may still be found inside the complex.
The stunning fortress’s strategic location near Jaffa Gate, midway between eastern and western Jerusalem, accounts for much of its enormous historical significance.
Wrapping Up
Each destination offers its own blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, inviting travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Marrakech, the timeless landscapes of Wadi Rum, or the vibrant energy of Beirut, these best travel destinations in the Middle East promise an unforgettable travel experience that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
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