The best traffic-free bike rides around Petra

There are over 20 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Petra listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are designed to help you explore the unique landscapes and historical sites of the region away from busy roads.

The best time for touring cycling in Petra is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the cooler, sometimes rainy, conditions of winter. This allows for comfortable exploration of the desert landscapes and ancient sites.

Yes, there is at least one easy no traffic touring cycling route available, making it suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. While many routes are moderate to difficult, the region offers diverse terrain, including some quieter roads and tracks that are less challenging. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances for a family-friendly experience.

The no traffic touring cycling routes around Petra offer a stunning variety of landscapes. You'll experience wild desert scenery with deep valleys and mountains, the distinctive 'Rose City' sandstone formations, and potentially fertile olive groves and charming hilltop villages. Routes may also provide expansive views of the Wadi Araba Desert and glimpses into the ecologically rich Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond the main site of Petra, touring cycling routes can lead you to several historical attractions. You might encounter sites like Son Real Necropolis or Son Real Dolmen, offering glimpses into ancient history. The region is rich with historical context, from Nabataean structures to Crusader castles like Shobak, enhancing your cycling journey with cultural immersion.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Petra are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate route "Son Serra de Marina – Scenic Road for Cycling loop from Ses Coves" is a great option for a scenic circular ride. Another moderate choice is the "Church of Sant Pere – Sineu Velodrome loop from Petra" which offers a pleasant loop experience.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Petra, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique blend of historical sites and dramatic natural beauty, especially the opportunity to explore away from traffic. The diverse terrain and breathtaking views of the 'Rose City' and desert landscapes are frequently highlighted as major draws.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are several difficult no traffic touring cycling routes. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and longer distances, traversing the more rugged parts of the region. An example is the "Church of Sant Pere – Artà Market loop from Petra", which offers a demanding ride with substantial climbing.

The no traffic touring cycling routes around Petra feature a mix of surfaces. You can expect quality tarmac roads, quiet secondary roads, and some gravel or sand tracks. This variety adds to the adventure and requires a touring bike suitable for mixed terrain, providing both smooth sections and more challenging off-road experiences.

Yes, the region around Petra is rich with natural beauty. Some routes may pass near natural monuments like Font de s’Ermita or offer views of impressive geological formations. The Sharah Mountains provide expansive vistas of the Wadi Araba Desert, and routes often lead to scenic viewpoints where you can appreciate the unique colored sandstone rocks and vast desert landscapes.

While this guide focuses on routes directly around Petra, the broader region of Jordan is well-suited for multi-day touring cycling adventures that can connect Petra with other iconic destinations. Many touring itineraries combine the ancient city with the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum and the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea, though these would typically involve longer, multi-stage journeys rather than single-day no-traffic loops from Petra itself.