The Dead Sea

Salt crystal formations, Jordan The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, where the accumulation of salt makes for scenery that looks like it is covered with snow. Ralph Braumer / age fotostock;

At the southern border of Jordan (close to Syrian frontiers) is a set of volcanoes extending the massif of Hauran. In the west, wooded and cultivated hills roll down to the fertile valley of the Jordan River. Finally, at the edge of the river, in the deepest fault in the world (the Great Rift Valley stretching from Syria to Mozambique), the Dead Sea 1,385 ft below sea level. The Arabs call it "the upside down country". The road linking Madaba and Zerqa Ma'in opens on to marvelous views of the Dead Sea: the breathtaking slope going from 4,590 ft above to 330 ft below sea level. Zerqa Ma'in (2 miles from the east coast of the sea) lodges some sixty natural basins supplied by thermal sources, the hottest can hit 60°C. One of which forms a 148-ft high hot waterfall. These sulphurous waters have been known for their therapeutic values since Antiquity (you can go for thermal care at Ma'in Spa Village). An absolutely crucial stop in a tour of Jordan is bathing in the Dead Sea. Its salinity being eight times higher than that of oceans, you swim effortlessly; it is a mythical, almost magical place. Our advice: to protect your eyes, as soon as you get out of the sea, rush under the shower (shower rooms in Dead Sea Rest House and on most beaches).