Free Jordan Valley Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Jordan Valley with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Jordan Valley
Jordan Valley photo 2
Jordan Valley photo 3
All photos

Explore Israel's Jordan Valley for Roman ruins, fertile farms, desert landscapes, birdlife and dramatic views along the Jordan River.

The Jordan Valley is Israel's long, low eastern corridor, extending south from the Sea of Galilee through the fertile Beit She'an Valley and along the Jordan River towards the northern Dead Sea. It forms part of the Great Rift Valley, a geological trench that continues through the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. The landscape changes markedly along its length: water-rich fields and springs surround Beit She'an, while farther south the terrain becomes warmer, drier and more austere, with date plantations, limestone escarpments and broad views towards Jordan.
Read more about Jordan Valley
The region is best understood through its contrasts. Beit She'an and its surrounding valley have abundant springs and productive farmland, whereas the lower Jordan Valley has an intensely arid climate and relies on irrigated agriculture. Small rural communities, kibbutzim and moshavim cultivate dates, vegetables, fruit and field crops. The Jordan River itself is narrower and less wild than many visitors expect, but its historic and religious importance is considerable, and several viewpoints reveal the striking difference between the green valley floor and the dry hills rising on either side.
Beit She'an is the principal historic centre. Its National Park preserves the substantial remains of Roman and Byzantine Scythopolis, including a colonnaded street, theatre, bathhouses and monumental public buildings. Around the valley, springs, archaeological sites and lookouts provide a slower alternative to Israel's major urban destinations. Mount Gilboa, on the western edge of the wider valley, offers elevated views and walking opportunities, while the Jordan River and nearby reservoirs attract birdwatchers, cyclists and visitors interested in agricultural landscapes.
The valley's history reflects its location between the Mediterranean highlands and the lands east of the Jordan. Ancient roads, imperial frontiers, religious traditions and modern state boundaries have all shaped the area. The Jordanian border runs along much of the eastern edge, and some places commonly associated with the broader Jordan Valley lie in the West Bank or Jordan rather than within Israel; travellers should check access arrangements and maps carefully. The region rewards visitors who allow time for its archaeology, geology, rural life and changing light rather than attempting to treat it as a short stop between larger destinations.

When is the best time to visit Jordan Valley?

Best: April, October–November · 23–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1760
February1950
March2240
April (best)2620
May3010
June330
July360
August360
September3310
October (best)2920
November (best)2330
December1950

Getting to and around Jordan Valley

How to get there

The Jordan Valley is most commonly reached by road from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth or Tiberias, depending on the section being visited. Beit She'an, at the northern end of the valley, is accessible by bus from several northern towns, while the southern Jordan Valley is more dispersed and is generally approached by road from the Jerusalem or northern Dead Sea directions. Ben Gurion Airport is outside the region and is the principal international gateway; Ramon Airport, also outside the region, is relevant mainly for journeys farther south. Routes near borders and areas with special access arrangements should be checked before departure.

Transportation

A car provides the greatest flexibility because archaeological sites, springs, farms, viewpoints and nature areas are spread across a long, lightly populated corridor. Buses serve Beit She'an and some larger communities, but rural services are less frequent and may not connect conveniently with attractions. Cycling is possible on selected local roads and trails, though heat, limited shade, traffic and border-related restrictions require careful planning. Walking is best undertaken on marked routes with sufficient water. Do not assume that every road or track along the Jordan River is publicly accessible.

Best attractions in Jordan Valley

The Jordan Valley's attractions combine major archaeology with open landscapes and working countryside. Beit She'an National Park is the principal historic site, presenting the remains of Roman and Byzantine Scythopolis through its theatre, colonnaded streets, bathhouses and civic buildings. Nearby springs and green agricultural areas provide a striking contrast to the dry slopes around the valley. Mount Gilboa, on the western side of the wider Beit She'an Valley, offers marked walks and expansive viewpoints across the Jordan Valley, although conditions can be hot and exposed. Farther south, rural roads pass date plantations, irrigated fields and communities shaped by modern farming. Birdwatching is rewarding around suitable wetlands, reservoirs and river habitats, particularly during migration seasons, while cycling and walking are best pursued on recognised routes away from restricted border areas. Belvoir Fortress, standing on a high ridge above the valley, adds a strong medieval dimension, with its defensive walls and views explaining its strategic position. The attraction landscape is therefore less about a continuous chain of tourist facilities than about reading the relationship between water, agriculture, ancient routes, imperial remains and a sensitive modern frontier.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Jordan Valley

The defining historic landmark of the Jordan Valley is Beit She'an National Park, where the surviving scale of Roman and Byzantine Scythopolis can be read in its theatre, columns, bathhouses and monumental streets. The site is especially significant because Scythopolis was the leading city of the Decapolis and occupied a strategic position beside fertile land and routes through the valley. Belvoir Fortress, known in Hebrew as Kochav HaYarden, crowns a ridge east of the Galilean hills and is one of the region's most commanding medieval remains; its concentric defences and elevated outlook reveal why the site mattered during the Crusader period. The Jordan River is a geographical and symbolic landmark rather than a single monument, forming the valley's eastern spine and the international boundary in much of the area. Mount Gilboa adds a natural landmark on the western margin, with high ground overlooking the agricultural plain and the Jordanian escarpments beyond. Together these places express the valley's central themes: water and aridity, empire and frontier, agriculture and strategic height.

Show more landmarks

Explore Jordan Valley on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Jordan Valley

Dining in the Jordan Valley reflects Israel's broad Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food culture alongside the produce of a hot agricultural region. Beit She'an has the greatest choice of cafés, bakeries, casual restaurants and everyday eateries, while smaller communities may offer limited options or dining connected to accommodation and local businesses. Dates, vegetables, fruit, herbs and olive oil are important regional products, and roadside stalls or farm shops may sell seasonal produce when available. Expect dishes such as salads, grilled meats, vegetables, hummus, breads and dairy products rather than a single cuisine unique to the valley. Rural meals and kibbutz dining can provide a useful introduction to local ingredients, but arrangements often require advance checking. In the valley's hotter southern areas, carry provisions when visiting dispersed sites, as restaurants and shops can be far apart. Israeli coffee culture, fresh bakery goods and simple picnic meals suit the region's archaeological and outdoor itineraries.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Jordan Valley

Nightlife in the Jordan Valley is modest and generally centred on cafés, casual restaurants, hotel or guesthouse dining and community life rather than dedicated clubs. Beit She'an provides the broadest choice of evening places, with local eateries and cafés that are more active than those in the surrounding rural settlements. In kibbutzim and moshavim, evenings tend to be quiet, with social activities organised locally and access to food or drink depending on the accommodation. Visitors should not expect a concentrated bar district or late-night entertainment across the valley. Alcohol is available in many Israeli restaurants and shops, subject to local licensing and opening arrangements, while some religious or community settings may have different practices. For a fuller nightlife programme, travellers generally need to continue to larger towns outside the region rather than treating the Jordan Valley as an urban evening destination.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Jordan Valley

Nightlife in the Jordan Valley is modest and generally centred on cafés, casual restaurants, hotel or guesthouse dining and community life rather than dedicated clubs. Beit She'an provides the broadest choice of evening places, with local eateries and cafés that are more active than those in the surrounding rural settlements. In kibbutzim and moshavim, evenings tend to be quiet, with social activities organised locally and access to food or drink depending on the accommodation. Visitors should not expect a concentrated bar district or late-night entertainment across the valley. Alcohol is available in many Israeli restaurants and shops, subject to local licensing and opening arrangements, while some religious or community settings may have different practices. For a fuller nightlife programme, travellers generally need to continue to larger towns outside the region rather than treating the Jordan Valley as an urban evening destination.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Jordan Valley

Shopping in the Jordan Valley is practical and locally oriented rather than centred on large retail districts. Beit She'an has the region's main high-street shops, supermarkets, bakeries and everyday services, while smaller settlements provide limited provisions. Seasonal farm stalls and produce outlets may sell dates, vegetables, fruit and other goods from the irrigated valley, although availability and payment methods vary. Visitors can also look for Israeli staples such as olive oil, tahini, halva, wine, spices and packaged foods, choosing reputable shops for labelled products. Rural guesthouses, visitor centres and craft sellers may offer small selections of local or regional gifts, but retail provision is not dependable at every attraction. Plan food and water purchases before travelling into the more dispersed southern valley, where settlements and shops are farther apart. For antiques, fashion and a wider choice of galleries or specialist retailers, larger cities outside the immediate region are more suitable than the Jordan Valley itself.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Jordan Valley, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Jordan Valley essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Israeli new shekel, abbreviated ILS or commonly written NIS. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Beit She'an, petrol stations, supermarkets and established visitor facilities, although small rural businesses, roadside stalls and some markets may prefer cash. Keep some shekels available for incidental purchases and places with weak mobile reception. Exchange rates are not fixed for visitors, so check current rates through a bank or card provider rather than relying on informal conversions.
Safety
Normal precautions against theft, sun exposure and dehydration are appropriate, but the valley also presents outdoor and geographical considerations. Summer heat can be severe, archaeological surfaces offer little shade, and flash flooding is possible in seasonal channels after rain, even when conditions are dry at the visitor's location. Drive cautiously on rural roads and follow signs near military installations, border fences and restricted areas. Political and security conditions can change, particularly near the West Bank and international border, so consult current official travel advice before setting out.
Emergency Situations
Israel's national emergency numbers apply in the Jordan Valley: call 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance and 102 for fire and rescue. Give the precise road number, junction, archaeological site or marked trail location, since addresses can be hard to identify in rural areas. For a serious outdoor incident, contact emergency services promptly and avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger. Mobile coverage varies, so download maps, carry water and tell someone your intended route when travelling away from settlements.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress for heat and sun while keeping shoulders and knees reasonably covered when entering religious or memorial sites. Follow instructions at archaeological parks, do not climb fragile ruins and never remove artefacts or stones. Respect private farmland, kibbutz property and local communities by using designated roads and parking areas. Photography near border infrastructure, military positions, checkpoints or security installations may be restricted. Tipping in Israel is customary in restaurants and for some services, but it is not a special Jordan Valley requirement; check the bill and local practice.
Local Tips
Beit She'an works well as a northern base, particularly for combining archaeology with the valley's springs and countryside. Early mornings are the most comfortable time for outdoor visits, while winter and spring generally offer milder conditions and greener fields. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars because the Jordan Valley lies on an important migration route, but access to wetlands and reservoirs may be controlled. When planning a route, distinguish carefully between Israel, Jordan and West Bank locations, as a place visible across the valley may not be reachable by the same road or under the same regulations.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloمرحبا[Marhaba]
Goodbyeوداعا[Wada'an]
Yesنعم[Na'am]
Noلا[La]
Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك[Min fadlik]
Thank youشكرا[Shukran]
Excuse me/Sorryعفوا[Afwan]
How are you?كيف حالك؟[Kayfa halak?]
Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟[Bikhair. Wa anta?]
Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟[Hal tatahaddath al-ingliziyya?]
I don't understandلا أفهم[La afham]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود رؤية القائمة، من فضلك[Awad ru'yat al-qaimah, min fadlik]
I don't eat meatلا آكل اللحم[La akul al-lahm]
Cheers!في صحتك![Fi sihtak!]
I would like to pay, pleaseأود الدفع، من فضلك[Awad al-daf', min fadlik]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!نجدة![Najda!]
Go away!ابتعد![Ibt'id!]
Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة![Ittasil bil-shurta!]
Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب![Ittasil bi-tabeeb!]
I'm lostأنا ضائع[Ana da'i']
I'm illأنا مريض[Ana marid]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...أود شراء...[Awad shirā...]
I'm just lookingأنا فقط أنظر[Ana faqat anzur]
How much is it?كم ثمنه؟[Kam thamanuh?]
That's too expensiveهذا مكلف جدا[Hatha mukallaf jiddan]
Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟[Hal yumkinuka khafdh al-si'r?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?كم الساعة؟[Kam al-sa'ah?]
It's one o'clockالساعة واحدة[Al-sa'ah wahida]
Half past (10)نصف الساعة (10)[Nisf al-sa'ah (10)]
Morningصباح[Sabah]
Afternoonبعد الظهر[Ba'd al-zuhur]
Eveningمساء[Masa']
Yesterdayأمس[Ams]
Todayاليوم[Al-yawm]
Tomorrowغدا[Ghadan]
1١[Wahid]
2٢[Ithnayn]
3٣[Thalathah]
4٤[Arba'ah]
5٥[Khamsah]
6٦[Sittah]
7٧[Sab'ah]
8٨[Thamaniyah]
9٩[Tis'ah]
10١٠[Asharah]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?أين ...؟[Ayn ...?]
What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟[Ma huwa al-'unwan?]
Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟[Hal yumkinuka an turini (ala al-kharita)?]
When's the next (bus)?متى سيكون الباص التالي؟[Mata sayakun al-bas al-tali?]
A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)[Tadhkirah (ila ....)]

History of Jordan Valley

Early Settlement and the Rift Valley Environment

The Jordan Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the watercourses, springs and natural corridor offering reliable resources in an otherwise challenging environment. Neolithic remains at sites such as Gesher, south of the Sea of Galilee, provide evidence of early settled communities and technological change. The valley's position within the Great Rift Valley also made it a route between the Levantine highlands and regions east of the Jordan. Its landscape has always required adaptation: permanent settlement concentrated around springs and cultivable soils, while movement, trade and seasonal use connected the valley with neighbouring uplands.

Canaanite and Israelite Periods

Beit She'an developed as an important settlement during the Bronze and Iron Ages, when the valley formed part of a strategic lowland corridor. Egyptian influence is recorded in the wider region, and biblical traditions associate the area with Israelite and Philistine history. The valley's political importance came from geography as much as from its settlements: armies and merchants moving between the coast, Galilee, the hill country and the Jordan crossings had to negotiate this eastern route. Archaeological layers at Beit She'an preserve evidence of the succession of cultures that controlled or influenced the site.

Scythopolis and Roman-Byzantine Prosperity

Under Hellenistic and Roman rule, Beit She'an became Scythopolis, the principal city of the Decapolis and the only one of that group west of the Jordan River. Roman rebuilding gave the city a theatre, colonnaded streets, bathhouses, temples and civic monuments. Its position near fertile land and major routes supported a prosperous urban centre. The city continued to flourish in the Byzantine period, when Christianity shaped its public and religious life. The earthquake of 749 CE severely damaged Scythopolis, and the monumental ruins visible today preserve the scale of this ancient urban phase.

Islamic, Crusader and Mamluk Frontiers

After the Byzantine period, the Jordan Valley remained part of successive Islamic states and continued to function as a route between Syria, Palestine and the eastern Mediterranean. The region's fortifications and crossing points acquired renewed importance during the Crusader period, when control of the Jordan approaches formed part of wider struggles between Crusader and Muslim powers. A prominent surviving reminder is Belvoir Fortress, built by Crusaders on a high ridge overlooking the valley and later captured by Saladin's forces. Ottoman administration subsequently incorporated the valley into a long-lived imperial system centred on rural agriculture and regional routes.

Ottoman Agriculture and Changing Communications

During the Ottoman era, settlement remained concentrated around springs and cultivated pockets, while much of the valley was sparsely populated compared with the hill country. Agricultural production included cereals, grazing and garden crops suited to local water supplies. The valley's strategic role persisted as roads and later modern communications linked northern Palestine with the Jordan River crossings and inland Syria. Ottoman-era remains are less monumental than those of Roman Scythopolis, but the period helped shape land use, village patterns and the agricultural geography inherited by the twentieth century.

Kibbutzim, Irrigation and Modern Settlement

From the 1930s onwards, Jewish agricultural communities were established or expanded in the Beit She'an and Jordan valleys, including kibbutzim and moshavim that developed intensive irrigation and collective farming. Drainage, water management and new agricultural methods changed areas that had previously been seasonally flooded or difficult to cultivate. After the establishment of Israel in 1948, the valley became a frontier region alongside the Jordanian border, and communities combined agriculture with strategic and social roles. Today, date palms, vegetables and other crops remain central to the local economy.

The Jordanian Border and Contemporary Access

The 1949 Armistice arrangements and the 1967 war altered the political geography of the Jordan Valley, while the Israel-Jordan peace treaty of 1994 established an international border and a framework for cooperation. The boundary now runs along much of the valley's eastern side, although the wider term Jordan Valley is also used for areas in the West Bank, whose legal and administrative circumstances differ from those of Israel proper. Visitors encounter this layered geography through border fencing, controlled roads, military areas and changing access rules, making current mapping and official guidance essential.

Jordan Valley in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Jordan Valley

The closest regions to Jordan Valley, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Israel
More of the region

Explore more of Israel

Discover Israel, a country where ancient history and modern culture meet, offering a rich tapestry of religious significance, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes.

Explore Israel
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Jordan Valley

Discover Jordan Valley with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering comprehensive coverage on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty of Jordan Valley with Evendo, your free, all-in-one travel guide app. Plan your trip effortlessly with detailed information on attractions, restaurants, and experiences.

  • History and travel essentials of Jordan Valley
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to locate nearby attractions and services
  • Curated local tips for a more authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Jordan Valley? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This app-based travel guide is designed to make your visit to Jordan Valley unforgettable. From the historical wonders of Beit She'an to the serene landscapes of the Jordan River, Evendo has you covered.

Discover the best attractions like the ancient ruins of Pella and the scenic beauty of Gan HaShlosha National Park. For food enthusiasts, Evendo guides you to top restaurants such as Tawahin Al-Hawa and Makluba, offering authentic local flavors.

But that's not all! Evendo provides detailed information on shops, bars, nightclubs, hotels, tours, and activities, ensuring you don't miss a thing. With rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, planning your trip has never been easier.

Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. Features like the 'Near me' option help you explore what's around you in real-time, making your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

Download Evendo now and embark on an unforgettable journey through Jordan Valley. With global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo is your gateway to the world.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.

Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.