There are crystal clear waters and good conditions for recreation. Thanks to the mountains, Aqaba has a special microclimate: you can swim all year round; in the winter months the water temperature does not drop below +22 °C, but in the summer the real heat comes only in the afternoon.
For temperature-sensitive tourists, it is better to come to Aqaba in autumn, winter or spring: summer can be too hot.
- Do you need a Jordan visa to travel around the country when entering through Aqaba?
- Do I need to get a visa to Jordan when flying to Aqaba via Amman?
Search for air tickets to Amman (the nearest airport to Aqaba)
Transport
Hundreds of yellow private taxis ply the streets picking up tourists and locals; they are all practically the same, except that some cars are equipped with air conditioning. It is better to agree on the fare in advance, before boarding.
Minibuses connect residential areas of Aqaba with the city center. Passengers can board and disembark anywhere along the route, with stops in Aqaba available upon request. The central station is located opposite the police office on King Talal st, less than 10 minutes walk from the center (Ayla square, Al-Hussein Bin Ali Mosque).
Maps of Aqaba
Weather forecast
Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water
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Cuisine and restaurants
The Italian restaurant Casalingo at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay (South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area; opening hours: 18:30 to 23:30) has a modern Mediterranean design and features a wood-fired pizza oven. Casalingo offers traditional Italian dishes, seasonal dishes, excellent pizza and a fine selection of wines. The dishes are prepared by an Italian chef. Visitors can eat on the terrace or in the air-conditioned room.
The Red Sea Grill at Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba (not to be confused with the first one, located on King Hussein St, P; opening hours: 19:00 to midnight) is open only during the summer and serves fresh seafood. For example, grilled fish and shellfish combined with Afro-Arab cuisine. Add to this a wonderful view of the Gulf of Aqaba from the restaurant terrace.
In the city center you can find take-out food - hummus, falafel, shawarma.
Alerzal or Al-Erzal (Aqaba Gate complex) is a Lebanese restaurant where you can taste national cuisine and Mezza combined with seafood and grilled meat. This is the best Lebanese restaurant in Aqaba, which has two rooms - on the water and on land. The specially equipped Harmattan Boat offers a sophisticated lunch or dinner cruise around the bay, where you can see the beautiful coral of the Red Sea (with a dive instructor on board).
One of the city's most famous restaurants is located at The Royal Yacht Club. Here you can find seafood cuisine at prices comparable to Western ones. Service is fast. Open - for dinner only.
Not far from the Yacht Club, behind McDonald's, there is an excellent 35 Degrees East (longitude of Aqaba), which opens only after noon. European food is prepared very well here, including steaks and seafood. Prices are European, higher than in other restaurants in Jordan. Also notable is the Syrian Palace restaurant (Raghadan Street, Hayl al madina, on the right side of the Al Shuala Hotel).
Aqaba is a duty-free zone and is partially isolated from the rest of Muslim Jordan. Many shops offer a wide selection of inexpensive alcohol and cigars.
Beaches of Aqaba
Most of the beaches belong to hotels, the rest are publicly accessible, and mostly locals relax on them. In the northern part of the city the beaches are sandy, closer to the south they are rocky, with coral reefs close to the shore.
Aqaba Hotels
The most luxurious hotels in Aqaba, with an international audience and cuisine, are Movenpick Resort and Intercontinental. But the resort also has a lot of budget hotels - without much chic or glitz, but a clean room and a hearty breakfast are guaranteed.
A little advice that applies to all hotels in Aqaba: rooms overlooking the sea, of course, look more prestigious than those overlooking the streets, but since the sea is located in the south, the constant sun in a “sea” room can be very hot.
The Tala Bay luxury complex has opened 9 km from Aqaba with its own 2 km long beach, private estates, infrastructure and hotels. One of them is already operating - Radisson SAS Tala Bay.
Diving in Aqaba
There are 6 scuba diving centers in Aqaba offering training according to the standards of the PADI, SSI or BS-AC associations. Underwater visibility averages 35-40 m. During plankton blooms (April-May), visibility can decrease to 10-15 m, but at the height of summer it reaches 50 m or even more.
The most popular diving center, The Royal Diving Center, located 15 km south of the city, has its own sandy beach with one of the most interesting dive sites. The Al Kazar Hotel's Sea Star Dive Center offers beginner training and night dives upon request. Al Morjan Club has showers, a snack bar, equipment rental and a swimming pool; You can get there by taxi or free bus from the diving center at the Al Kazar Hotel.
In total, the resort has about 30 noteworthy dive sites, which are easily reached by boat. Many reefs are very close to the shore, so you can enjoy the underwater world there lightly, armed with just a mask and snorkel. Even beginners can find an interesting and easy dive there.
Guides in Aqaba
Entertainment and attractions of Aqaba
The fortress near the embankment in the city center, the archaeological excavations on the Tell al-Khalifa hill, the Aqaba Research Station Aquarium, the Museum of Antiquities adjacent to the fort, as well as the museum in the house of Hussein Ben Ali, the great-grandfather of King Hussein.
One popular destination for winter tourists looking for an inexpensive holiday is Jordan. Aqaba is the country's only seaside resort. The city is famous for its centuries-old history, numerous attractions, unique climate, beaches and coral reefs. What kind of holiday should you expect in Aqaba? You will learn this from our article.
This resort is located in the very north of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea. Three hundred thirty-five kilometers separate it. Aqaba has a border position on the political map of the world. The Israeli resort of Eilat is very close by. And across the waters of the bay you can see the Egyptian Taba. But a holiday in Aqaba is not like a holiday in Israel. There is no seal-like relaxation there, as in hotels in Egypt with their “all inclusive”. Aqaba attracts young and active people who prefer active recreation. Since there are so many attractions around, it’s simply a sin to spend all your days on the beach.
How to get to Aqaba
The easiest way to reach the resort is from Amman (Jordan) to avoid any misunderstandings at the border. Aqaba is located more than three hundred kilometers south of it. You can cover this distance on state-owned JETT buses. They are very comfortable and arrive in Aqaba at the Movenpick Hotel on King Hussein Street. An alternative to the state carrier is the private company Trust International Transport. Its buses arrive at Annahda Street. Travel time (regardless of the carrier) is four hours. From Aqaba you can get to the city of Irbid, as well as to Nuweiba (Egypt). In total, eleven flights depart from Amman to the southern resort: five by a state company and six by a private company. You can get around Aqaba by taxi (they are yellow) or minibuses. Stops at the latter are at the request of the passenger, at any point along the route. The taxi fare should be negotiated with the driver in advance.
When to go to Aqaba
What makes the climate of this seaside resort unique? The mountains protect it from the north not only from cold winds, but also from the desert breeze. Therefore, the climate here is not similar to the arid weather full of temperature contrasts for which Jordan is famous. Aqaba is attractive because you can swim and sunbathe here all year round, even in winter. The water temperature in the bay never drops below +22 degrees, which allows the development of corals. But we'll talk about them later. In the meantime, it should be mentioned that in summer there are no temperature extremes in Aqaba. The heat begins to suffocate the city only in the afternoon hours. Of course, heart patients and hypertensive patients should prefer a winter holiday at a resort in Jordan. The peak season occurs twice a year: in spring and autumn. It is in the off-season that the weather is comfortable in all respects. If you are most attracted to swimming in the Red Sea, then choose autumn for your trip. The average water temperature fluctuates around + 27 degrees.
Where to stay
Aqaba hotels have their own specifics. It is rare to find an all-inclusive program in them. This is not Egypt, but Jordan. Aqaba Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort 5, Intercontinental, Movenpick and other luxury resort hotels offer their guests only a buffet included in the price of their stay. Read below about where to have lunch, dinner or just a snack. There is no shortage of budget hotels in Aqaba. They do not amaze with oriental luxury and stucco in the rooms, but you are guaranteed a clean room and a hearty breakfast. For a sea view here, as at other resorts, you will have to pay extra. But there is one nuance that summer tourists should take into account. The sea in Aqaba is located in the south. Consequently, the sun will shine mercilessly on such expensive rooms all day long, and no air conditioning will save you from the heat.
Jordan, Aqaba: prices
A huge hotel base allows everyone to choose accommodation to suit their taste. The Kempinski Hotel is probably the most expensive. A night in a standard room in this hotel will cost eleven thousand rubles. On average, “five” companies (“Movenpick”, “Double Tree by Hilton”, “Marina Plaza Tala Bay” and others) offer housing for six to seven thousand rubles per day. An excellent option, where the price-quality ratio is ideal, are Aqaba hotels with four stars. These are Days Inn Hotel and Suites (from 4,660 rubles), Golden Tulip (3,700), Jaafko (3,600) and others. At the resort you can also stay in budget hotels, which, of course, are not located on the first line from the sea. As an example, you can indicate “Plaza Maswada” (2,800 rubles). Aqaba is a city in Jordan declared a duty-free zone. This feature of the resort allows you not only to make inexpensive purchases, but also to purchase cheap cigars and alcohol. The choice of these goods in the city is really wide.
Jordan, Aqaba: sea
To be honest, most people go to the resort to sunbathe and swim. The beaches of Aqaba are sandy and pebble-rocky. The former are located in the northern part of the city, and the latter in the southern part. The lion's share of the beaches is fully owned by hotels on the first line. There are quite convenient coastlines owned by the municipality. Entrance there is free, and equipment (umbrellas, sun loungers and sun loungers) can be rented. Aqaba is a city in Jordan where the municipal beaches are well equipped. There is a shower, a toilet, lifeguards are on duty, there is a cafe, sometimes right on the shore. If you are not an Islamophobe and you don’t dislike the company of local residents, you will have a good time on this beach. If not, for a small bribe you will be allowed on the coast owned by a hotel. You won't find anything particularly chic there. It’s just that in cafes and bars on the shore the prices will be much higher. The Red Sea is wonderful here. The water is very clean, with excellent visibility. The tides are not too pronounced. In the south, coral reefs come close to the shore.
Diving in the Gulf of Aqaba
The resort has six scuba diving training centers, and they issue BS-AC, SSI or PADI diplomas. There are about thirty dive sites located in the immediate vicinity of the coast. And this makes Jordan (Aqaba) attractive for lovers of scuba diving.
What kind of sea is off the coast of the resort? During the period from April to May, when plankton blooms, visibility under water decreases to twelve meters. But if you come to Aqaba in the summer months, the transparency of the sea reaches 50 m. Many coral reefs in the south of the city come so close to the shore that there is no need to hire a boat. You can admire it lightly - only with a snorkel and mask. But if you want to get serious about diving, there's nothing better than coming to The Royal Diving Center. This center also has its own sandy beach. Beginners will be brought up to speed at the Sea Star Dive Center. This school is located in the Al-Kazar Hotel.
What to see in Aqaba
Mysterious Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ - all this is the country of Jordan. Aqaba is a young resort. But it developed from a very ancient settlement, which is at least six thousand years old. At first the Edomites and Nabataeans lived there. Then the city became part of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the route of pilgrims to Mecca passed through it. The Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks - all left behind a cultural mark. Here are the ruins of the oldest Christian church in the world. The ancient city stood on a rocky promontory, which is now called Tell al-Khalifa Hill. There you can see artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations. During the Crusades, a military fort was built by European knights. It was maintained in “working condition” for centuries, and therefore the Mamluk Fortress has survived to this day. Next to this citadel there is a historical museum.
In the vicinity of the resort there is Lot's Cave. According to biblical legend, it was from here that the righteous man and his daughters watched the death. In Lot's cave you can see a Byzantine church decorated with mosaics and several ancient tombs. Reviews also recommend visiting Wadi Mujib, a gorge declared a national park. The extreme southern position of the resort will not prevent you from getting to know the country called Jordan. Excursions from Aqaba to Petra ($170 per group), Amman ($50), to hot springs, the Wadi Rum desert or to the holy places where Christ revealed himself to the people last only one daylight hours. The border position of the resort makes possible forays into the near abroad - to Israel (Eilat, Jerusalem), to the island of the Pharaohs (Egypt).
Jordan is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East, considered the safest and most civilized of the Arab countries. There are many unique historical monuments, impressive landscapes, access to the Dead Sea and the excellent resort town of Aqaba. Let's take a look at the best attractions in Jordan. There will be photos and descriptions too :). I counted nine of the most important attractions, but of course there are many more.
A map with the sights of Jordan will be at the end of the article.
9. Aqaba
Aqaba, with its idyllic setting and warm climate, is one of the region's top resorts. The city is located on the shores of the Red Sea, surrounded by the medieval city of Ayla. Aqaba is home to pristine sandy beaches, diverse marine life and excellent hotels with world-class amenities. Of course, the main entertainment in Aqaba is diving. After all, this is the Red Sea, with its coral reefs and fish of all colors of the rainbow.
Resort holidays in Jordan are expensive, but surprisingly, last year in November and early December, Russian tour operators offered very interesting prices for holidays in Aqaba. You just need to know when to go to this country. Let me remind you that Russians do not need a visa to Jordan; more precisely, they issue one immediately upon arrival for 30 days, which is especially pleasant.
Aqaba borders Eilat (Israel). Just 15 km and you are already in another country. I think it’s a good idea to visit two countries in one trip.
8. Jerash
Located a few tens of kilometers from Amman, the city of Jerash is the second most popular destination in Jordan. This is a very ancient city, whose history goes back thousands of years. Jerash boasts Roman heritage and attractions such as Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome and the Jerash Archaeological Museum.
Every year (in July) a large festival of culture and art is held in Jerash, which attracts connoisseurs from all over the world. The festival lasts for two whole weeks and amazes with its scope.
7. Dead Sea
Located on the border of Palestine and Jordan, the Dead Sea is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon and the lowest point on the surface of the planet. The sea has an incredible level of salinity. The Jordan Valley includes only a small part of the sea, but this does not prevent you from enjoying all its beneficial properties, relaxing at one of the resorts and admiring the beautiful sunsets.
The Dead Sea coast on the Jordan side is literally strewn with hotels of all different classes. Popular resorts: Amman Touristic Beach, O Beach, Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea (in the Swaymekha area), Dead Sea Spa Hotel - a large complex.
6. Dana
Comprising many granite and sandstone cliffs, Dana Nature Reserve is the largest in the country. The location is ideal for hiking and photography due to its sweeping canyons and spectacular valleys. Be sure to stock up on your camera and you will be guaranteed fantastic pictures.
There are several exciting routes (from 1 to 6 hours) throughout the reserve. Travelers can come here for a few days and stay in a tourist camp or campsite.
5. Madaba
Madaba is a small town 40 km from Amman. The main value of Madaba is the grandiose mosque and mosaics from the Umayyad and Byzantine eras. The most famous mosaics are the map of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Surprisingly, Madaba is the only Christian city in Jordan.
If you are planning to come to Madaba for a few days, then be sure to visit the hot waterfalls of the Hammamat Main resort.
4. Wadi Rum
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is Jordan's largest desert and features breathtaking peach-colored sand dunes. Travelers will definitely be fascinated by the unique colors and lunar landscapes of the place. You can explore the region on an off-road vehicle or camels, and spend the night in a camp admiring the countless stars.
You can go to the “sandbox” (as the locals affectionately call Wadi Rum) on a guided tour for 30 euros. The excursion in Russian “” starts from Aqaba. The drive is only an hour, but it is better to go to the desert in spring or autumn. This is the most pleasant time for a walk. The duration of the excursion is 3 hours.
3. El Mujib
The El Mujib or Arnon River is one of the most remarkable features of the country. Around the river, in the Wadi Mujib area, there is a reserve that is the lowest in the world - it is located at a depth of 500 meters. The place has stunning scenery and biodiversity. A visit to the reserve will be interesting for all active travelers.
2. Amman
Amman is the cultural, political and financial capital of Jordan and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. The city is full of historical and modern attractions.
On a hill above the modern city are the ruins of the Citadel, including the Temple of Hercules, Byzantine churches and Roman theaters. Travelers should also explore the city's traditional markets, especially those who enjoy authentic oriental products.
1. Petra
Ancient Petra - the pearl of Jordan! Considered the country's best attraction, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra was lost for centuries and rediscovered at the beginning of the 19th century. The archaeological park contains many amazing monuments, including a treasury, a Roman theater, a monastery, as well as countless burial halls, temples and gates.
“Petra” literally means “stone,” and indeed, the entire city was hewn from stone by its patient inhabitants. It is better to come to Petra for two days to thoughtfully and with pleasure see all its treasures. If you don’t have much time, it is better to book a tour in Russian in advance. With "" in 4 hours you will get acquainted with all the sights of Petra and listen to an interesting story from the guide. Please note that there are additional costs (transport and tickets).
There are two international airports in Jordan - in Aqaba (named after King Hussein) and Amman (named after Queen Alia). Aqaba is designed for resort tourism and is more suitable for those who come to Jordan to relax on the Red Sea. From Aqaba you can go to Petra and Wadi Rum.
Amman Airport is the country's main air gateway. It is more suitable for travelers who want to improve their health on the shores of the Dead Sea, as well as for hunters of historical attractions. Local airlines fly between the two cities; travel time is only 1 hour. The cost of a one-way flight is about 4,500 rubles. A round trip ticket will be cheaper.
At the southern outskirts of Jordan, stretching along the coast of the northern Red Sea, is located one of the most picturesque cities in this country - Aqaba. It stands on the bay of the same name and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
This place has a long history, it was conquered by various conquerors, which led to a change of cultures (the culture of Roman times, pre-biblical and biblical times, the Crusades, the Egyptian Mamluk sultans, the Arabs). The area was originally used as a trading port, intended to transport goods from the Red Sea to the Far East. It occupied a favorable location and played an important role for sea and land trade routes.
Nowadays Aqaba is a resort city and the only seaport of Jordan, which attracts many tourists all year round. For them, this picturesque city, reminiscent of an oasis in the surrounding desert, offers advantages including: magnificent natural sites, sunny weather, a wealth of historical and cultural sites that are ideal for walking in the fresh air.
List of attractions and interesting places:
It is better to start your journey around the city from the embankment stretching along the Gulf of Aqaba. Here you can see a fantastic panorama of the bay and the entire city, as well as the other side, where Israel is located.
Not far from the amazing beauty of the embankment, in the central part of the city, a majestic mosque will certainly catch the eye of travelers, its name is Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque. The building is snow-white, built according to Muslim canons. Everything here is hospitable and friendly, you must visit the mosque after taking off your shoes, covering your head and shoulders with clothes, you cannot interrupt a person praying, photography is allowed, excursions are conducted in Russian.
Location: Al Malik Husayn.
Flagpole, flag of the Arab Revolution – Arab Revolt Flagpole
One of the main attractions of the city is the flagpole, This is the Flag of the Arab Revolution, in memory of the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1916. The huge flag is visible not only from any part of the city, but even from the neighboring country - Israel, and even Egypt.
Mamluk fort (Mamluk fortress)
Not far from here is the Mamluk Fort, or Mamluk Fortress, rising on the shores of the Red Sea and surrounded by palm trees, one of the main historical monuments. It was built to protect the port and ships from the raids of nomads who encroached on the port during the heyday of the Roman Empire. Quite often altered by the Mamluks in the 16th century.
Its appearance is mesmerizing - semicircular towers on the sides of the square fortress, whose area is approximately 250 km²; unique inscriptions made in the Middle Ages and reminiscent of the times of the last Islamic dynasty are still visible on the walls. The fortress is currently being restored, but it is always open to visitors. The Mamluk fort is a most picturesque place; it is very suitable for creating wonderful photographs as a souvenir of your holiday in this wonderful country.
In ancient times, on the site of the modern city of Aqaba, stood the Islamic city of Ayla, which once belonged to the Roman Empire. In ancient times, there was a road leading to the north of the country here, it passed between the rocks. That is why the city received the name Aqaba - from the ancient “Akabat Ayla”, meaning “Passage of Ayla”.
In biblical times, during the reign of King Solomon, there are references to it as a crossroads of trade routes from Europe, Africa and Asia. Now right in the center of the modern city, any traveler can see the archaeological excavations. The gates and city walls, various towers, structures and a mosque are already open to view.
The museum contains exhibits that are several thousand years old, these are exhibits from the 7-12th century BC, as well as the oldest example from 4000 BC and a collection of coins. The museum is located near the Mamluk fort and flagpole.
The city beach of Aqaba attracts with its accessibility, proximity to the center, and you can meet many local residents there. The only negative is that the roadway is very close, which interferes with a quiet rest.
South Beach of Aqaba consists of several beaches. These places are better suited for a relaxing holiday, unlike the Central Beach, since it is almost never crowded here, because the recreation areas are quite wide. Some of the best diving spots can be found among these beaches.
Aqaba Marine Park is attractive to divers and all tourists who are fans of water sports. The park is a closed area, has a complex of coral reefs, diving is very interesting, there are both daytime and nighttime, and new diving sites continue to be explored.
Equipment can be purchased directly on the spot - in the park's shops, and you can also hire a diving instructor. There is a local restaurant and shops for purchasing souvenirs. You can just swim and enjoy the sun.
For family tourists coming with children, it will be interesting to visit the Aquarium of the Marine Science Center, which is a nature reserve (admission is paid). It is located next to the port and the Flag of Aqaba. It contains all the flora and fauna of the Red Sea.
There is a large swimming pool on site, which represents the bottom of the bay. In the museum, located on the territory of the scientific center, tourists admire exhibits of sea inhabitants. Guests will also enjoy amazing entertainment, including feeding marine inhabitants. There are restaurants, shops with souvenirs and pearl jewelry.
Diving Center - Deep Blue Dive Center
Since 2008, a company has been operating in Aqaba, providing high quality services to hundreds of divers, its name is Deep Blue Dive Center. Training is provided here at all levels, from beginners to experienced divers.
Tourists easily make their first test dives with the center's qualified staff. A high standard of safety, quality service, maximum attention to clients, the beauty of the Gulf of Aqaba, the unique and captivating Red Sea - tourists will encounter all this at the Deep Blue Dive Center.
Location: Al Nahda St. P.O.Box - 208.
There are many diving spots in the Gulf of Aqaba; the most popular among tourists is the place called “Japanese Gardens”. This name comes from the fascinating appearance of black coral bushes; such formations appear already at a depth of five meters. Divers dive to a maximum depth of 20 meters and observe a unique view of the underwater world of the Red Sea with its rich flora and fauna. All divers' dives are carried out under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
To attract diving tourists, 32 years ago they decided to sink a Lebanese cargo ship off the coast of Aqaba. Its wreckage is located at a depth of 25 meters, approximately 130 meters from the coastline, on the Rainbow Reef and Japanese Garden coral reefs.
The sunken ship is truly a fantastic sight. Divers with good experience have the opportunity to examine the surface of the ship, study the remains of a sunken ship, as well as the flora and fauna of the Red Sea.
Location: street.
Right in the center of Aqaba you can find: a vegetable market, a meat market, a fish market, restaurants and numerous shops with an excellent selection of handmade clothes, carpets, glassware, ceramics, wall decorations.
The Aqaba Gold Market is widely known; those interested can purchase gold and silver jewelry. And book lovers are advised to go to bookstores, with a huge selection of books. You cannot ignore the famous handmade carpets, which can be purchased in the shops starting from the very embankment of this beautiful seaside city. It is important to note that Aqaba has received duty-free status; accordingly, goods are much cheaper than in other Jordanian cities.
"Aqaba!" - Peter O'Toole exclaimed in the epic film "Lawrence of Arabia". For some reason, this exclamation comes to mind when mentioning the only resort in Jordan on the Red Sea. The city is beautiful. A particularly impressive panorama opens from the Gulf of Aqaba: the expanse of water and the picturesque corner of the Hashemite Jordan Kingdoms against the backdrop of cinnamon-colored desert mountains. Aqaba offers its guests any type of holiday: beach, educational, active. All year round, wonderful weather, fascinating coral reefs, and the opportunity to engage in various water sports attract fans of drive holidays to the Jordanian Red Sea coast. A cozy resort town Families with children and those who like to combine beach relaxation with sightseeing are increasingly choosing this place.
Video review of the Aqaba resort.
Popular beaches of Aqaba
The exotic beauty of Aqaba attracts people of all ages who crave bright sunshine, clear seas and beautiful views of the mountains stretching into the water. Depending on their preferences, vacationers choose one of three beaches: the northern (North Beach Area), where most hotels are located, the middle (Middle Beach Area) and the southern (South Beach Area). Active tourists have diving clubs, water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and other “adrenaline” entertainment at their disposal. Coastal coral reefs are as good as those in Egyptian resorts, but there are fewer vacationers in Aqaba, so admiring the colorful world of marine flora and fauna is much more pleasant. During the day you can swim with turtles and dolphins, and during a night dive watch the hunting of underwater predators: crabs, lobsters and others. For those who prefer to “keep their feet dry”, but also want to see the inhabitants of the deep sea, there are boats with a glass bottom.
Attractions of Aqaba
You can break up your idleness on the beach with sightseeing in the ancient town. Five and a half thousand years ago, Aqaba played a significant role in the economy of the region. It was an important junction of land and sea trade routes, a kind of gateway between East and West: the Babylonians, Persians, Nabateans, Byzantines and Romans. Fort Aqaba even today proudly rises with fortress walls with round towers at the corners. It has witnessed many civilizations, served as a military installation and a caravanserai for pilgrims to Mecca. The arched entrance leads into the courtyard to the vaulted chambers. The inscription in Arabic confirms that the fortress was built during the reign of the Mamluks in the 14th century. Not far from the fort is the Archaeological Museum, which houses a large collection of Bronze Age artifacts.
The main attraction and symbol of Aqaba is a giant flagpole topped with the flag of the Arab Revolt, which is visible from neighboring states. It is interesting to explore the ruins of the ancient Islamic city of Ayla, where archaeological excavations are still ongoing.
Sights of Jordan within walking distance
Beachfront Aqaba is a convenient starting point for day trips to Jordan's iconic sites. The Wadi Rum desert is only 55 kilometers from the resort, but the trip can take two days. Enchanted by the stunning “cosmic” landscapes, which served as the location for the filming of a number of cult films, tourists stay overnight in Bedouin tribes to spend longer among the red sands and watch the sunrise.
A two-hour drive from any hotel in Aqaba is the main attraction of Jordan - Petra. Carved from red sandstone, the “Pink City” is mesmerizing. And although the hike between the towering cliffs along the famous Petra Canyon may seem tiring, the ancient architectural masterpieces that open to the eyes of travelers are worth it.
In the bay near Egyptian Taba there is Pharaoh's Island with a preserved medieval citadel. The fortress was visited by Lawrence of Arabia. It is interesting to go on a sea excursion and explore a small island. But returning to Aqaba also leaves an unforgettable impression: the view of the city from the bay is stunning.
Evening entertainment in Aqaba
Evening walks along the shore are pleasant. Traditionally, local residents gather on the embankment, socialize, smoke hookah, play backgammon, have dinner, drink coffee, watching the sun set over the Gulf of Aqaba and night follows day. Fishermen return with their catch, the smell of fried fish mixes with the aroma of freshly ground coffee... The cuisine in Jordan is tasty, satisfying and inexpensive. In the center of Aqaba they prepare good hummus, falafel, and shawarma. In restaurants on the shore you can taste fish with rice and tomatoes, fresh seafood, and traditional Afro-Arab dishes. Includes magnificent panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Note to tourists: any cafe or restaurant has wi-fi - that’s understandable. Free wi-fi is available throughout the city - that’s nice.
There is no nightlife as such in Aqaba. The only disco is open on the territory of the Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort 5* hotel.
Shopping, souvenirs
Jordan maintains a rich heritage of crafts. You can bring unique souvenirs from the country: kilims (handmade carpets), miniature mosaics, painted ostrich eggs, bottles with intricate patterns made of colored sand, beads and Bedouin silver jewelry. The market street, where spices, sweets and other “joys of the east” are sold, is located behind the main mosque. Aqaba is a duty-free zone, which is also nice.
Holidays in Aqaba
Framed by magnificent sandy beaches, amber mountains and shimmering desert, Aqaba is like a golden glow. The resort impresses with its relaxed atmosphere, pleasant climate and convenient location not far from the main attractions of Jordan. It's no surprise that the place is becoming increasingly popular. Here you can spend a fantastic holiday, and at any time of the year with guaranteed beautiful weather. Aqaba is a worthy alternative to Egyptian resorts. Come and see!
