Ajloun Town

عجلون

A charming highland town nestled in the northern hills with cooler climate and beautiful surrounding forests and olive groves. The town provides a peaceful alternative base and serves as the gateway to Ajloun Castle and nature reserves.

Things to do

• Ajloun Castle — Explore this 12th-century Ayyubid fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley with panoramic views and well-preserved towers.
• Ajloun Forest Reserve hiking — Trek through pine and oak forests surrounding the town with marked trails offering cooler temperatures and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
• Olive grove walks — Wander through the terraced olive groves that blanket the hillsides around town, especially beautiful during harvest season in autumn.
• Town market exploration — Visit the central souk to browse local produce, olive oil, herbs, and traditional handicrafts sold by local vendors.
• Viewpoint at town overlook — Stand at the elevated edges of town to capture sweeping vistas of the forested valleys and distant Jordan Valley below.
• Traditional soap-making workshops — Visit local artisans who produce olive oil soap using traditional methods passed down through generations in the region.

Food to try

• Mansaf — The Levantine national dish of tender lamb cooked in yogurt sauce served over rice and bread, often prepared for special occasions in local homes and restaurants.
• Ajloun olive oil — Locally pressed extra virgin olive oil from the surrounding groves, celebrated for its fresh peppery flavor and used in nearly every local dish.
• Fattoush salad — Mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and fresh herbs dressed with lemon juice and topped with crispy pita bread pieces.
• Zaatar bread — Warm flatbread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with the local herb blend zaatar, often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
• Musakhan — Roasted chicken with caramelized onions and sumac served on crispy taboon bread, a traditional Palestinian dish popular in the northern hills.
• Herbal mint tea — Fresh tea brewed from locally grown mint and herbs, served hot and commonly offered as hospitality in homes and small cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Greet with respect and patience — Jordanians value warm greetings and taking time for conversation; rushing through social interactions or transactions may be seen as rude.
• Dress modestly in town — While Ajloun is less conservative than some areas, covering shoulders and knees shows respect for local customs, especially when visiting religious or family-run establishments.
• Accept offered hospitality — It is customary for locals to offer tea or coffee to visitors; politely accepting strengthens the interaction and is considered respectful.
• Visit during olive harvest season — September through November offers a chance to witness family-centered harvest activities and experience the town's most vibrant season with locals engaged in traditional practices.