The rose-colored ancient city of Petra, carved into desert canyon walls, promises breathtaking vistas and an unforgettable romantic couples getaway. This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Petra vacation built for two.

Introduction – Petra, Jordan’s Stunning Ancient City 

Nestled deep inside the rugged desert mountains of southern Jordan lies Petra, an ancient city that seems to defy both nature and time. Petra was the capital of the Nabatean empire over 2,000 years ago, a center for trade and architecture then lost to the world for centuries. Rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, today Petra is Jordan’s most popular travel destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

From January to September 2023 alone, nearly 1 million visitors explored Petra’s wonders. As you enter the narrow canyon known as the Siq, glimpses of intricate building facades carved into pink and red-striped sandstone cliffs begin to emerge. The Siq then dramatically opens up to PETRA, Jordan Adventure’s iconic Treasury building hewn from an imposing rock face and made famous in films like Indiana Jones. Beyond lies an expansive network of tombs, monuments, and amphitheaters from when Petra was a thriving desert metropolis.

Why Visit Romantic Petra

Unlike typical couples vacations limited to lazing on beaches or casinos, Petra offers once-in-a-lifetime adventures set against epic backdrops. Hike windswept mountain trails hand-in-hand viewing unreal landscapes in every direction.

  • Trek high into the Sharah Mountains via the Siq Trail for sweeping views of the entire Petra basin and Arabah Valley beyond
  • Follow winding paths up to the High Place of Sacrifice for an incredible perch above the Royal Tombs
  • Take the hike to Ad-Deir (the Monastery) to stand before an imposing carved sandstone facade over 150 feet tall

Share a romantic candlelit dinner inside an ancient cave with twinkling candlelight.

  • Dine like an ancient Nabatean king and queen reclining on ornate carpets inside the famous Petra Cave Restaurant
  • Sip fine wine accompanied by traditional mezze and meat dishes from the region
  • Soak up the atmosphere lit only by strings of fairy lights and dozens of candles casting a magical glow

Ride horseback through rose-hued canyons at golden hour, your mount’s clops echoing off the coral sandstone.

Petra isn’t just ancient ruins but living history with Bedouins inhabiting nearby caves, descendants of the Nabateans. As you explore tombs over two millennia old adorned with intricate carvings, it’s impossible not to feel awestruck realizing hands and tools made these without modern machinery.

Top Attractions for Adventurous Couples 

One of Petra’s most iconic and romantic experiences is Petra By Night. You’ll walk the mile-long Siq crammed with other travelers by candlelight, initially unaware of the awe-inspiring Treasury facade and plaza awaiting you at the end. Local bedouins scatter to play haunting music, serve hot tea under the stars, and tell stories of their nomadic life.

Hiking is how you’ll see Petra’s most astonishing views. Climb 850 hand-carved steps to twirling mountain peaks on the two-hour Ad Deir Monastery Trail. Enjoy panoramas of the Royal Tombs and Urn Tomb along the way. The High Place of Sacrifice trail takes you even higher with 360° vistas from a peak used for bizarre religious rituals by the ancient Nabateans. 

Horseback and camel riding through Petra add to the adventure, especially for that iconic shot of you two trotting off into the sunset. Many old passageways like the Roman Soldier’s Tunnel are only navigable by livestock or on foot. As you get deeper into Petra, it feels as if you’re discovering the lost city for the first time just as explorer Burckhardt did in 1812.

Best Tours in Petra for Couples

Booking reputable tours in Petra ensures you see the most impressive sites and uncover hidden routes not featured on maps. Jordan is overall extremely safe for tourism but the sprawling ancient city does have isolated cases of petty theft and persistence from locals aggressively selling souvenirs and rides. Knowledgeable guides can fend this off and educate you on the rich history and culture that most signs in the area lack.

Opt for small group tours limited to 10 people or private couple tours over large 30+ person bus groups of boisterous students more common in the summer high season. Custom private trips allow you to do whatever interests you at your own pace with stops for photos whenever you please rather than adhering to a rigid set schedule. Experienced local guides know secret hikes and vantage points with gorgeous views of the Treasury and Monastery that tourists rarely discover on their own.

Many tour companies will even customize trips to match your level of physical activity and interests, whether you want an easy walking tour or a challenging 8-hour hike through the lesser-visited outer siq. Private guides can also arrange special extras like a romantic candlelit dinner in a hidden cave restaurant or a private musical performance in the Roman Theater after it closes to the public.

No matter which tour option you choose, make sure to book in advance online rather than showing up and trying to find a guide last minute, as quality guides sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Checking reviews of tour operators can also help avoid fly-by-night companies and ensure you have a safe, educational, and memorable experience wandering this ancient red rose city.

Where to Stay

Part of an epic romantic getaway is memorable lodging intertwined with the journey and destination. While one night in Amman upon arrival or departure may be necessary, maximize time exploring Petra by staying in accommodations nearby like Wadi Musa village or luxury desert camps just 10 minutes from the visitors’ center. 

Boutique hotels inside Petra like The Cave offer literal cave suites carved into sandstone as the Nabateans lived but with plush modern amenities. Wake at dawn to have Petra all to yourselves while watching the sun slowly set the Royal Tombs ablaze in golden light from your balcony. 

Predominantly wooden structures resembling sets from Arabian Nights transport you back centuries like Petra Guest House and Mujeb Al Saray. Enjoy High Tea on Bedouin carpets within their Turkish tents or watch local musicians by a bonfire at night serenading on traditional instruments. 

Getting to Petra

Most international travelers reach Petra via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman Jordan’s modern capital. Private drivers or hotel transport will shuttle you to Petra in 3 hours. Renting a car allows flexibility for detours at places like Shobak Castle and Little Petra en route. Those short on time can opt to fly into Aqaba as well along the Red Sea with transfers to Petra taking 90 minutes.

Regardless of the entry point, the main access to Petra is through the quaint village of Wadi Musa meaning “Valley of Moses” with reasonably priced lodging and restaurants. From there, shuttle buses frequently commute people the mile to Petra’s entrance while carriages, donkeys, camels, and even Uber taxis also eagerly offer rides. Once inside most navigation goes on foot over mixed surfaces of uneven terrain, sand, stones, and steps.

Trip Planning Tips

Avoid peak seasons between March and May when the weather is most pleasant as hotels quickly fill up.

  • The best times to visit are in the shoulder seasons:
    • Late September through November offer comfortable 60-80°F weather sans rain ideal for outdoor exploration.
    • The winter months of December through February can also be a good time to visit with fewer crowds, although temperatures can get quite cold at night.

Summers hit sweltering 100°F temps making day hikes challenging.

  • If planning a summer trip, be prepared for very hot temperatures.
  • Bring plenty of water, hats, sun protection, and lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Plan indoor activities or water-based excursions during the hottest parts of the day.

Beyond the obvious hat and hiking shoes, pack modest lightweight clothing covering knees and shoulders required at religious sites.

Attire for Visiting Religious Sites

  • Women should bring loose-fitting tops with sleeves and ankle-length skirts or loose-fitting pants.
  • Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
  • Scarves or shawls are handy for both men and women to cover up bare skin when needed.

If Visiting Petra

Physical fitness allows, save spectacle experiences like Petra By Night with candlelit processions through the Siq to closure.

  • Arrive early to walk through the Siq to Petra as the sun is setting for a magical experience.
  • You’ll want to follow sunrise hikes seeing the Royal Tombs and Treasury saturated in glowing pink hues with later itineraries uncovering more of Petra’s sprawling secrets.

Accommodations and Dining

Most hotels include breakfast whereas other meals depend on your camping versus hotel preferences.

  • For maximum flexibility and cultural immersion, consider a mix of camping and affordable hotels.
  • Choose budget hotels and just one splurge night for the overall trip over luxury chains to invest more in excursions, guides, transportation, and mementos from local shops.

Start Planning Your Jordan Adventure Now

Petra deserves to be a top bucket list priority rather than something “I’ll go someday” before crowds and commercialization inevitably increase. Few romantic escapes intertwine adventure, culture, history, and jaw-dropping backdrops like Petra at sunset. Check out tour providers’ destinationeuropeonline as a starting point and let your Jordanian desert reveries wander!

If you are looking to setup your Jordan Tours, feel free to contact us here.