Ma'in Hot Springs

Natural hot mineral springs and waterfalls in a dramatic gorge between Madaba and the Dead Sea

Ma'in Hot Springs (also written Hammamat Ma'in) are a series of thermal waterfalls and mineral springs in a steep-sided canyon about 30 km south of Madaba and 58 km east of the Dead Sea. Multiple springs feed warm water (32–63°C depending on the source) down waterfall cascades into pools below. The visual effect of steaming hot water falling into a verdant canyon in the middle of an arid landscape is striking.

The springs have a long history of therapeutic use: Romans, Byzantines, and the medieval Islamic world all regarded them as medicinal. The ancient site of Callirrhoe, used by Herod the Great in the last year of his life, is in this same wadi — a fact that gives the hot springs unusual historical depth.

Today the springs are accessed through a small resort development with indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a simple restaurant, and changing facilities. Day visitors are welcome. The outdoor waterfall pool, where natural mineral water cascades directly into an open pool, is the best part. The water is sulphurous, which some find off-putting and others therapeutic.

Visiting Ma'in as a half-day from the Dead Sea is straightforward by rental car. The canyon road from the plateau is scenic; allow time on the way back to stop at Madaba for the mosaic map in St George's Church, only 8 km from the springs.

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A story
Callirrhoe — the ancient Greek name for these springs — was where Herod the Great came in the last year of his life, suffering from a painful and ultimately fatal illness. The historian Josephus records that Herod ordered his whole body submerged in warm oil in a bath here, in a desperate attempt at a cure. It did not work. The springs were healing the sick long before Herod; the Romans had a full bathing complex here.