Things To Do
in Aţ Ţurrah
Aţ Ţurrah is a small rural community in northern Jordan set among olive groves and rolling limestone hills, offering an authentic look at village life away from major tourist hubs. The area serves as a quiet base for day trips to nearby natural reserves and historical sites in the Ajloun–Irbid region. Local architecture mixes simple stone houses, terraced fields and narrow lanes that are atmospheric at sunrise and sunset.
Visitors will find friendly hosts, basic services in the village and larger amenities a short drive away in nearby towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Jordanian dishes like falafel and ful medames. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of Aţ Ţurrah, admiring the unique architecture that showcases the city's rich history. Visit the ancient ruins of the Roman theater, where the echoes of performances still linger in the air.
For lunch, indulge in a hearty meal at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional specialties. Post-lunch, explore the vibrant local markets, where you can haggle for handcrafted souvenirs and spices that reflect the culture of the region. Don’t miss the chance to interact with local artisans, gaining insight into their crafts and stories.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop terrace to enjoy panoramic views of Aţ Ţurrah bathed in golden light. Relish a dinner featuring grilled meats and fresh vegetables, accompanied by traditional music that enhances the atmosphere. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the charm of the town at night.
Begin the day with a cooking class, where you will learn to prepare classic Jordanian dishes such as mansaf and maqluba. Enjoy the aromas and flavors of fresh ingredients as you engage with a local chef who shares the secrets of their culinary heritage. After the class, enjoy the fruits of your labor over a communal meal.
Visit the local museum to delve deeper into Aţ Ţurrah's history, exploring exhibitions that showcase its archaeological significance. Spend time discussing with the knowledgeable staff about the artifacts and their importance to Jordan's past. Following your museum visit, take a leisurely stroll through the artistic districts, appreciating murals and local art.
Enjoy an authentic dinner at a family-run restaurant, where you can taste flavorful mezze dishes while mingling with locals. After dinner, attend a cultural performance featuring traditional dance and music, offering a glimpse into the vibrant Jordanian culture. Reflect on your experiences over a cup of sweet mint tea at a nearby café.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or service ride | $2-7 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🛣️Day trip transport (shared/private) | $15-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Jordanian experience with friendly locals
- Easy access to nearby natural reserves and historical sites
- Excellent seasonal photography opportunities (olive groves, rolling hills)
- Lower tourist crowds compared with major Jordanian destinations
- Limited accommodation and dining options within the village
- Public transport is sparse—a car or arranged transport is useful
- Basic services and healthcare are a short drive away
- Summer can be hot and winters chilly with occasional rain
- "مرحبا (Marhaba)" - Hello
- "شكرا (Shukran)" - Thank you
- "من فضلك (Min fadlak / ik)" - Please
- "كم السعر؟ (Bikam?)" - How much?
- "أين...؟ (Ayn...?)" - Where is...?
- "نعم / لا (Na'am / La)" - Yes / No
- "هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatakallam al-Ingleeziya?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Aţ Ţurrah
Visit one of these nice places.
A hilltop vantage point above Aţ Ţurrah offers sweeping views of terraced fields and stone houses—excellent at sunrise and sunset for golden light.
Patterns of olive trees and low stone walls create textured landscapes ideal for wide-angle and detail shots, especially during harvest season.
Narrow lanes, wooden doors and stone masonry provide intimate architectural portraits and candid street photography opportunities.
Dense pine and oak forests, viewpoints and winding trails give opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom.
If you travel slightly farther, the ruins and cliff-edge views at Umm Qais offer dramatic panoramas over the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee.
Food in Aţ Ţurrah
Aţ Ţurrah Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Jordan's national dish—rice and lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed), often served at celebrations; try it at family-run restaurants in nearby towns or special village meals.
Must-Try!
A layered rice, vegetable and meat dish inverted on a platter so it presents like a cake; common in family kitchens and casual restaurants.
Widely available street or cafe fare—crispy falafel balls with fresh hummus, tahini and pita make a quick, affordable meal in local markets.
A sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios, found at dessert shops and bakery stalls in nearby towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly or periodic market (souq) in the nearest town where farmers sell olives, olive oil, cheeses, fresh produce and simple street foods like falafel and shawarma.
Larger weekly markets in nearby towns offer spices, nuts, homemade sweets and small eateries where you can sample a variety of mezze and grilled items.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered for both men and women in village settings and when visiting religious sites. Women may prefer a lightweight scarf for visits to mosques.
Warm, polite greetings (handshakes between same-gender visitors) are common; hospitality is important and you may be offered tea or coffee—accepting once is polite.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and older residents. Avoid photographing inside private homes without consent.
Be mindful during Ramadan—eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours may be frowned upon; many businesses have modified hours during the holy month.
Safety
Tipping in Aţ Ţurrah
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory—about 10% in restaurants if service isn't included, a small amount for drivers or hotel staff, and rounding up for taxis. For guides and drivers on private tours, 5–10% or a modest cash tip is appreciated.
The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is the local currency; cash is king in villages and small shops, while credit/debit cards are accepted in larger towns and hotels. ATMs are available in nearby towns—carry enough cash for rural expenses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry at lower elevations with temperatures often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F); inland hills stay cooler in mornings and evenings. Carry water, sun protection and plan strenuous outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Mild temperatures and easing of summer heat make autumn a pleasant time for hiking and visiting olive groves; occasional rains may start late in the season.
Cool to chilly with potential for rain; higher hills can be cold and occasionally see sleet or light snow in colder spells—pack warm layers and rain gear.
Arable landscapes come alive with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures—this is one of the best times for outdoor activities, photography and local festivals connected to the harvest.
Aţ Ţurrah at Night
Hiking in Aţ Ţurrah
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mix of pine and oak woodlands with marked trails, lookout points, and wildlife—good for half-day to full-day hikes, nature photography and birdwatching.
Known for its dense oak forests and biodiversity, Dibeen offers quieter trails and shaded routes especially pleasant in spring and autumn.
Trails around the ruins and clifftop area at Umm Qais provide sweeping views of the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, plus a mix of history and landscape.
Informal footpaths through terraced fields and between groves around Aţ Ţurrah—suitable for shorter walks and sunrise/sunset outings.
Airports
How to reach Aţ Ţurrah by plane.
Jordan's main international airport near Amman—about 1.5–2.5 hours' drive depending on traffic; offers international connections and car rental services.
A smaller airport closer to Amman used for regional and some domestic flights; useful for certain connections but with limited international services.
Located in Aqaba on the Red Sea—significantly farther away but an option for some regional itineraries and low-cost carriers; expect several hours' drive to reach Aţ Ţurrah.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly settled Arab Jordanian families engaged in agriculture, small trade and local services—many work olive groves and farms.
Nearby towns and the broader region include families of Palestinian origin; communities are integrated into local social and economic life.
The area includes Muslim majorities with Christian minorities in nearby towns—both communities coexist and are visible in cultural life and local celebrations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Jordan—local teams and youth leagues are commonly followed and informal matches are frequent in towns and villages.
Played at schools and community centers; popular among young people in urban and semi-urban areas.
Horseback riding and traditional equestrian activities have cultural importance, especially in rural areas and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aţ Ţurrah.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common—mezze plates (hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh), falafel, and grilled vegetables. Always ask about broths or sauces made with meat. Carry clear phrases (or a translation card) to explain no meat or no animal stock.
Vegan options exist among vegetable mezze and salads but check for dairy in sauces like jameed. Gluten-free choices can be found (grilled meats, rice dishes) but breads and pastries are common, so communicate needs clearly.
Most meat served is halal in Jordanian villages, and restaurants generally observe Islamic dietary norms; if you have specific requirements, confirm with the cook or owner.