Things To Do
in Al Fuḩayş
Al Fuhais, often spelled Fuheis, is a hill town in Balqa Governorate, just northwest of Amman. The town sits among olive groves and limestone houses, offering a gateway to Jordan's central highlands. Visitors experience warm Jordanian hospitality and a growing cafe culture that blends Arab and Levantine flavors.
Surrounded by scenic viewpoints and handy day trips to Madaba and the Dead Sea, Fuheis makes a calm base for exploring central Jordan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive at Al Fuḩayş and are greeted by the tranquil rise of the surrounding hills. A friendly guide leads you through the narrow stone streets to introduce local customs. You settle into a charming guesthouse overlooking terraced olive groves.
After a light mezze lunch, you join a village elder for a walking tour of ancient farmlands and hidden springs. You learn about traditional irrigation channels that sustain the orchards. By mid-afternoon, you pause for mint tea at a family-run café beneath a centuries-old oak.
As dusk falls, you gather around a communal table for a hearty Mansaf dinner cooked by a local host. The fire crackles while storytellers share folk tales of the region’s founders. You end the night stargazing on the guesthouse terrace, lulled by the soft chirp of cicadas.
At sunrise, you step into dew-glazed olive groves to help with the harvest. Under a golden sky, you shake branches and collect fruit in woven baskets. A local farmer explains the significance of each olive variety and shares ancestral harvesting songs.
You tour a family-run olive press where fresh oil flows into clay jars. Guided by an expert, you taste several grades of extra-virgin olive oil, noting subtle herbaceous and peppery notes. A regional chef demonstrates how to blend oil with za’atar and freshly baked bread.
As the sun sinks, you join villagers for a mezze feast highlighting the day’s pressed oil. Laughter and music fill the courtyard as you sample warm olives marinated in sumac. You end the evening around a low table, illuminated by lanterns and punctuated by gentle conversation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment (monthly) | $350-600 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $0.60-1.00 |
| 🧺Weekly groceries | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local culture and hospitality
- Compact town with easy access to Amman and nearby sights
- Reasonable costs and good value for money
- Pleasant mountain scenery and a calm pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer amenities compared with big cities
- Smaller selection of services and shops
- Language barrier in some spots
- Seasonal travel changes due to weather
- "مرحبا" - Hello
- "كيف حالك؟" - How are you?
- "من فضلك" - Please
- "شكراً" - Thank you
- "أين الحمام؟" - Where is the bathroom?
- "هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟" - Do you speak English?
- "نعم" - Yes
- "لا" - No
- "أحتاج المساعدة" - I need help
- "كم السعر؟" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Al Fuḩayş
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow alleys, stone facades, and open courtyards provide timeless texture for street photography and portraits.
Sweeping panorama over olive groves and terraced hills, ideal for golden hour photography.
Paths among ancient olive trees with soft light filtering through branches, great for close-ups and landscape shots.
Food in Al Fuḩayş
Al Fuḩayş Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national dish of lamb cooked in a thick yogurt sauce and served over rice; best enjoyed at a traditional restaurant or family gathering.
Must-Try!
Sumac-flavored roasted chicken with onions on flatbread, a quintessential Jordanian comfort dish.
Lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions; a hearty, vegetarian-friendly staple.
Crispy chickpea falafel served with creamy hummus and warm pita on street corners or in casual eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small weekly market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and bread. Great for sampling olives and seasonal fruits.
Vibrant markets offering spicy sauces, tahini, sweets, and grilled street foods; ideal for an immersion into Levantine flavors.
Stalls near town centers where you can taste and buy local olive oils and freshly made cheeses.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous 'Salam' or 'Marhaba'; it is common to offer tea or coffee to guests and accept politely.
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites and rural areas. Use the right hand for giving and receiving items; avoid public displays of affection in rural areas.
Small talk about family and health is common; avoid sensitive political topics in informal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Al Fuḩayş
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 10–15% is customary if service is not included. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest dinar is appreciated.
Cash in Jordanian dinars is widely accepted in small towns. Larger restaurants, hotels, and shops may take cards; ATMs are available in Amman and larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with high UV; mornings are best for outdoor activities, and keep hydrated. Evenings are cooler and pleasant for outdoor dining.
Mild temperatures with comfortable hiking conditions; foliage and olive harvest vibes make for colorful photography.
Cool to cold, with occasional rain and rare snowfall on higher ridges. Layered clothing is essential; many outdoor trails remain accessible.
Blooming landscapes and green hills; perfect for hikes, markets, and al fresco dining.
Al Fuḩayş at Night
Hiking in Al Fuḩayş
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic 2–4 hour hike along limestone ridges with views over olive groves and the valley.
Popular viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas of the Jordan Valley and beyond.
Several interconnected trails through limestone hills suitable for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Al Fuḩayş by plane.
Main international gateway to Jordan, located near Amman; about a 30–60 minute drive to Fuhais depending on traffic.
Smaller airport in the Amman region historically used for domestic and regional flights; not the primary international hub.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents in Jordan, including Fuhais, with a diverse mix of Sunni and other traditions.
Jordan hosts a significant Christian minority; Fuhais has historical Christian communities and churches.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Jordan, with local clubs and informal games in towns like Fuhais.
Common in schools and community centers; often organized league play.
Hilly terrain around Fuhais makes for popular road and trail rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Al Fuḩayş.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy mujadara, falafel, hummus, grape leaves, and stuffed vegetables; request dairy-free yogurt sauces if needed and ask about meat-based stock in soups.