Aqaba city in Jordan attractions. Open left menu aqaba
People settled the territory of what is now Jordan several thousand years ago, and monuments from all major historical periods have survived to this day. In its vastness you can see both rock paintings and ancient cities of the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The castles-fortresses from the times of the Crusades are perfectly preserved.
The desert is a real attraction of Jordan. Many monuments are located in its spaces and allow you to examine cultural artifacts, while at the same time studying the life of the Bedouins and admiring the local landscapes. Many places in the kingdom are associated with Christian religious culture and are mentioned in biblical tales. They attract many pilgrims.
Beach holidays are possible in the country all year round. The Red Sea coast is lined with hotels and offers excellent opportunities for diving, snorkeling, sea bathing and water sports. One of the major trends in tourism is visiting spa resorts using the water and mud of the Dead Sea. Many hotels on the coast are equipped with swimming pools with local sea water, which are actively used by vacationers for health and beauty treatments. The best time for a tourist trip to Jordan is spring or autumn.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see in Jordan?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.
The largest city in Jordan, the capital. It has a centuries-old history and many of its monuments, some of which are within the walls of the archaeological museum. Located in close proximity to the Dead and Mediterranean Seas. It is of great economic importance for the country and is an industrial center.
A unique ancient structure - a city in the rocks. Ancient Petra was the capital of a rich kingdom that collected tribute from caravans carrying spices. It gradually went bankrupt when trade routes became sea routes. An example of unique architecture, full of all kinds of mysteries. The unique landscape and buildings have been featured in films several times. This is Jordan's most popular attraction.
The most impressive building in Petra. Mausoleum, completely carved into the rock. It is perfectly preserved, although the façade has the greatest artistic value and expressiveness. Spielberg filmed one of the Indiana Jones films here.
A huge salt lake, water and silt deposits create a healing effect. On the Jordanian coast there are many resorts that use sea water for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. A popular holiday destination for locals and tourists.
Pompeii of the East is a well-preserved remnant of an ancient city. All architectural buildings date back to the times of the Roman Empire. There is an archaeological museum, almost every day there is a theatrical performance based on Roman military scenes, and throughout July the city is the site of an arts festival. A landmark in Jordan, the second most important after Petra.
An ancient city built to repel military attacks. For about five thousand years, there are traces of civilization at this place. He became famous under the Greeks and thanks to the Greeks. Destroyed by earthquake. The ruins are varied: a church, amphitheaters, a forum, some of the buildings have been restored. There is a functioning archaeological museum. From the hill there is a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Remains of buildings of the Greco-Roman city. It is called the Black Pearl of the Desert, as the buildings are made of black basalt - a rarity in ancient architecture. The buildings are well preserved for their age; among them there are two and three-story buildings. A basalt desert begins near the city.
The only seaport and resort in Jordan. Located on the Red Sea coast, the length of the coastline is almost 30 km. Sandy, clean beaches and a rich underwater world make Aqaba a popular resort and diving center. Developed tourist infrastructure, many hotels of different price categories.
The remains of an ancient settlement, which was primarily defensive in nature. Located on a hill above the city, on the Jebel al-Qalaa hill. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient basilica and the Umayyad palace park.
The most significant monument of Roman civilization in the world, one of the most valuable historical monuments in Jordan. A huge, perfectly preserved amphitheater carved into the rock. It still regularly hosts city cultural events (concerts, festivals). Capacity 6000 people.
Located on a hill, next to the Citadel. The collection is significant, represented by monuments from all eras of civilization, starting with the Neolithic. Particularly good are individual collections of sculptures and decorations.
The desert is grandiose in area and expressiveness of landscapes. The landscape is uneven: there are mountains, dips, and crevices. The reddish sand and other rocks created a bizarre landscape that has been used many times in cinema. "The Martian" was filmed here. The place is famous for the preserved rock paintings of ancient people. Now the Bedouins live in the desert.
The famous biblical mountain, the place of the supposed death of the prophet Moses. In memory of this event, a memorial complex was built on the top of the mountain, restored by archaeologists. Now there are memorial signs, a Byzantine church with fragments of an ancient mosaic. Popular with pilgrims and tourists.
It flows into the Dead Sea, dividing Jordan and Israel. The main waterway of the country. Mentioned many times in the Bible. It was in the waters of this river that Jesus was baptized. Place of active pilgrimage. Along the banks and in the immediate vicinity there are many historical monuments from different time periods.
Built in 1184, on top of a mountain, to protect local mines. A powerful military structure, a real fortress. There are forests around the castle; from the upper observation platforms you can see Jerusalem. There is an archaeological museum attached to the castle.
The Crusader castle is located near Petra. Their last stronghold in the Holy Land. After the expulsion of the knights, it fell into decay and gradually collapsed. Many buildings are in ruins; ancient inscriptions can be seen on some of the buildings. A unique location allowing you to enjoy the incredible surrounding panorama.
A legendary defensive building at an altitude of about 1000 meters. Multi-storey, inside there is a real labyrinth. It is of historical value; in addition, an archaeological museum is open on the territory. A city of the same name grew up around the fortress, attractive to tourists.
About 30 well-preserved buildings for various purposes in the desert. Caravanserais, baths, hunting lodges of the nobility - each of the palaces served its purpose and had the appropriate architecture. In the palace, a former bathhouse, there are frescoes unique to Muslim culture, partially restored.
Located on the slopes of the mountains, it includes several geographical zones, with corresponding vegetation in each. The territory is huge, the flora and fauna are extremely diverse. A great place for hiking, especially in spring. Travel by mountain bike is possible. There are several trails in the reserve; it is better to go through them with guides. Accommodation options in the reserve are varied (hotels, camping, guest houses).
Created in the Wadi Mujib gorge, near the Dead Sea. A unique landscape - mountain ranges, gorges, between which a river flows. The reserve creates its own microclimate and is home to many birds and a variety of vegetation (more than 400 species). There are routes for tourists and there are campsites.
Opportunity to dive with experienced instructors in several diving centers to choose from. One of the main attractions for tourists in the city. The Red Sea is rich in inhabitants and picturesque reefs. Turtles, octopuses, exotic fish - everyone can be seen and observed in their natural environment.
Aqaba (العقبة al-ʿAqabah) is the only port city in Jordan, located in the Gulf of Aqaba in the very south of the country.
Story
Aqaba has access to the Red Sea and borders the city (Eilat) in Israel. Historically, a common international airport and other joint projects were planned, but due to the tense political environment, cooperation was suspended several years ago. Over the past few years, Aqaba has been successfully developing, infrastructure and living conditions have been improved. Be prepared that roadmaps may be wrong. By the way, tours to Aqaba are organized from Russia - offers can be selected, for example,.
How to get there
By plane
Royal Jordanian (Jordan's national airline) operates 2 flights per day between Amman and Aqaba, one in the morning and one in the evening. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour, and the ticket price is 37 dinars + tax (one way).
International Airport The King Hussein is located north of Aqaba, a 20-minute drive.
Turkish Airlines operates 3 flights per day from Aqaba to over 200 destinations around the world.
Jetairfly.com airlines fly twice a week from Brussels to Aqaba.
You can choose the best flight option for your dates on various aggregator sites, or, for example,.
By bus
The Desert Highway ends in Aqaba and serves many bus routes to Amman and other cities. JETT buses depart from Abdali at 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00. Ticket costs 8.80 JD. Please note that there are several checkpoints along the route and you will need to show your identification to the police. At one point you may have to get off the bus, remove your luggage from the luggage compartment, and the police will x-ray it (as of September 2014).
If you are planning to come to Aqaba from Israel (from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, etc.) on an Egged bus on the route to Eilat, you should ask the driver if you can get off at the “Eilot stop to Jordan", this is the last stop before Eilat, and then walk about a kilometer to the border checkpoint. The stop is located immediately after the junction of roads 90 (–) and 109 (from the junction to the border).
Please note that when crossing the border on the way to, Aqaba or in the opposite direction, no stamps are placed on your passport.
By car
The Desert Highway from Amman to Aqaba is about 350 km. The journey will take approximately 4 hours at moderate speed. Remember that there are not many gas stations on the highway.
Taxi
Renting a minibus with a driver to the city costs 45 JD, the journey takes about 2 hours.
If you are traveling from Eilat, Israel, you will enter the country through the Yitzhak Rabin Border Terminal, which is open Sun-Thu from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm and Fri-Sat from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, except for Yom Kippur and the Muslim New Year. A taxi from the center of Eilat to the border costs 30 shekels (March 2012). Entrance fee – 107 shekels (June 2014), cashless payment possible. For citizens of most countries (including), a two-week visa to Jordan can be obtained directly at the border. But some countries have different conditions, so check it in advance. If you leave Aqaba through this border terminal, you will need to pay an exit tax of 11 JOD (June 2014).
Taxis at the border are owned by one monopoly company, so they are much more expensive than usual: 11 dinars (June 2015) - for a 15-minute drive to the bus stop in Aqaba. In another way, you can get from the center of Aqaba to the border for 4-5 dinars. To save money, you can take one taxi in the city, and then transfer to another one to the border. This will make sense if your hotel is located in the South Beach resort area. The official cost of a taxi from Aqaba to is 50 dinars. However, in the direction from the bus stop on King Talal Street to the city, you can negotiate for 35 dinars.
Taxi Mafia
Among taxi services there is a so-called “mafia”, which you can encounter right behind the customs point. As soon as you see them, they will make it clear that riding with other people in the same car is prohibited here (Three men were forced to call three separate cars in December 2011). If you want to save money and share a taxi with someone, then it is better to gather a group before leaving the customs territory and then insist that you are one group.
Also, if he sees you calling your hotel or calling another car, the cars may be stopped and forcibly returned to Aqaba. He may say that "We will close their hotel" or "We will take away their driver's license." To avoid this, call your hotel or someone you know with a private car while you are still in customs territory.
Those who try to walk these 500 meters along the highway will be stopped by the mafia with the help of the military and returned back.
It is possible to negotiate and lower the price, but to do this you need to be persistent and enlist the support of the border police. Don't try to set the price too low. Remain polite but firm and explain to the police that this leaves a bad impression on tourists and that you will write to the Ministry of Tourism. This usually forces the “mafia” to retreat, but there are no guarantees.
They can't lower prices lower than on the information board. For example, 5 dinars is the lowest price for a trip to the airport, and 11 dinars to the city center of Aqaba (February 2014). They will not negotiate the price for the city center, but will simply quote it to you.
In order to eliminate disputes over prices, a huge board was installed with tariffs on major routes, after which the situation improved. Now the cost of a trip to the center varies from 10 to 15 dinars. Members of the “mafia” will still try to deceive you, they will say that the prices were raised a few days ago and the shield did not have time to update. Insist that these are prices set by the state and threaten to contact the police. This should calm them down. Generally speaking, a lot of people will try to scam you out of a few extra dinars, no matter where you are.
By ferry
Ferries from Aqaba regularly depart towards the Egyptian cities of Taba and Nuweiba on the Sinai Peninsula, bypassing Israel's borders due to difficult political relations. Taba is the best place for tourists to cross the border (short distance, cheap and not dependent on weather conditions). There is usually no charge for entering Jordan through Aqaba, as it is a free trade zone.
Clue:
Aqaba - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 0
Kazan 0
Samara 1
Ekaterinburg 2
Novosibirsk 4
Vladivostok 7
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Aqaba - weather by month
Clue:
Aqaba - weather by month
Main attractions. What to see
Aqaba Fort
It is believed that this is a 14th century fortress, although in this form it was built by the Mamluk Sultan Kansukh al-Ghauri (1501-1516), but since then it has been rebuilt many times. (Restoration work has been underway since February 2014, so entry is prohibited)
Ayla
(Located next to the Mövenpick resort). The old city, which was founded here after the adoption of Islam in 622 AD.
Timna Valley
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The ancient treasury of Egypt and King Solomon, also unique geological deposits.
Masada
An ancient fortress on the top of a mountain and the palaces of King Herod I the Great, similar to the Macheron fortress (in Jordan), but much larger.
Ein-Gedi
A unique nature reserve with canyons and waterfalls (some inside caves), it is home to the largest population of Nubian ibex, as well as the ruins of a Chalcolithic temple and an ancient 5th century synagogue with beautiful mosaics.
Dead sea
Israeli coast of the Dead Sea.
Jerusalem
A holy city for three religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam, there are many sacred places even outside the Old City.
Moa
One of the many caravanserais of the Nabataean kingdom in the Negev Desert, which lies on the border between Eilat and the Dead Sea. It is the first stop on the Nabataean Incense Route, after the city. It doesn't compare to the Nabataean cities in Saudi Arabia, Jordan or Israel (and it's not a city), but if you drive this road you should see it.
Eilat Mountains Nature reserve
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
The oldest Christian church in history (opposite the JETT bus stop, which is located west of the Mövenpick Hotel). You will find more information about the church at the information boards.
What to see in the area
You can go to Egypt (the cities of Taba and Nuweiba). Ferries regularly depart from Aqaba via the cities of Taba and Nuweiba in the Egyptian territory of the Sinai Peninsula. The most popular attractions are St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai.
Casalingo, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area, P.O. Box 2425, Aqaba 77110, ( [email protected]). Opening hours: 18.30 – 23.30. Opening hours: 18.30 – 23.30. Italian restaurant in sophisticated Mediterranean style with an open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven. Casalingo offers authentic Italian dishes, seasonal specials and piping hot pizza. A wide selection of wine will be an excellent complement to a dish prepared by an Italian chef. Guests can enjoy their dinner on the terrace or in the restaurant hall.
Red Sea Grill, Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba, King Hussein Street, P. Box 678, 77110 Aqaba, +962 3 203 40 20( [email protected], fax: +962 3 203 40 40). Opening hours: 19.00 - until midnight. During the summer months the restaurant is only open in the evenings. Red Sea Grill serves some of the best seafood in Aqaba, such as fresh baked fish and shellfish dishes, all on our famous restaurant terrace with stunning views of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Alerzal restaurant, Aqaba Gate complex, +962 3 201 3 733 ( [email protected]). Al-Erzal is a Lebanese restaurant located on the northern shore of the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba). Offers its guests a variety of Lebanese cuisine and Mezza along with seafood and barbecue. This is truly the best Lebanese restaurant in Aqaba. Wonderful food can be enjoyed both inside the restaurant and outdoors.
One of the best restaurants is The Royal Yacht Club, which offers an exquisite menu (mostly freshly caught seafood) at reasonable prices comparable to Western standards. Fast service and polite staff. Please note that the restaurant is not open all day, it opens only during dinner, so you won’t be able to grab a bite to eat after the beach.
Not far from the Yacht Club, behind McDonald's, there is a very nice restaurant-bar “35 Degrees East” (“35 degrees east longitude” is the geographical longitude of Aqaba). Opens in the afternoon. European dishes are prepared here (including steaks and seafood). Prices are European, but higher than many other restaurants in Aqaba. This is also a great place to take a photo with the famous Aqaba flagpole in the background.
Syrian palace restaurant, P.O. Box 1527 - Jordan - Aqaba // on Raghadan Street, Hayl al madina, Al Awsat (on the right side when facing Al Shuala Hotel), Fax: 314788.
Many local restaurants in the city center offer very good hummus, falafel (fried chickpea balls) and shawarma (lamb served on pita bread). Prices start from 1.5 Jordanian dinars per shawarma.
Formosa Chinese Restaurant, the Gateway Aqaba, 032060098. Treat yourself to authentic Chinese food. The cozy, warm and relaxing atmosphere will make you feel at home.
Beverages
In all restaurants you can ask for freshly squeezed fruit juice. They also often offer very tasty lemon juice with mint.
Alcohol is sold in Aqaba in specialized liquor stores. Beer costs about 1.5 dinars, and a bottle of Bombay Saphire gin costs 16 dinars (as of December 2014).
Fish Fish, Al-Sa"adah Street (opposite the Golden Tulip Hotel), 00962 795 245 599.
If you want to try seafood, then Fish Fish is a must-visit place. Dishes of Jordanian and Italian cuisine with shrimp, lobster and fresh fish, as well as mezze, crispy salads, and cocktails - all at the Fish Fish restaurant at affordable prices! Dine indoors in a cozy and romantic atmosphere, or al fresco on the shaded patio. And after dinner you can try aromatic hookah. Average check amount: 4 – 18 dinars.
Things to do
If you exclude the sea and diving, then Aqaba has few attractions, and those that exist can be visited in one day. The fortress and the museum are right next to each other.
- Aqaba Fort (Restoration work has been underway since February 2014, so entry is prohibited)
- Aqaba museum
- 4th century Roman church
- Aqaba Heritage Museum
- Great Arab Revolution Square. Opening hours: 8:00-14:00. This unique museum is one of Aqaba's main attractions, showcasing a variety of everyday objects, as well as displays showing the traditional way of life in Jordan. Also presented is a collection of rare historical photographs, from the last century to the present day. Free admission.
Spa
The city of Aqaba is located in the southern part of Jordan, on the northern coast of the Red Sea. In this magical corner of the Middle East, you will find unique historical monuments, magnificent hotels, all kinds of entertainment and wonderful shopping opportunities.
But the main attraction of Aqaba is, of course, the Red Sea. Here you can swim with friendly dolphins and watch them play happily in the waves. And the reefs of Aqaba amaze with the variety of strange fish and exotic corals: these are fungi, montipora, and extremely rare black tree-like corals.
The resort has several diving centers that will provide you with scuba diving equipment. And if necessary, they will assign you a professional instructor who will help you dive into the most interesting corners of the underwater world of Aqaba.
Location
The resort is located in the north of the Gulf of Aqaba, 335 km from the capital of Jordan.
Airport
Aqaba International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center. Airplanes fly here regularly from Amman, as well as from several European cities. From the center of Aqaba to the borders of Israel, Egypt (Sinai Peninsula) and Saudi Arabia, it is no more than half an hour by car.
Kitchen
As at any seaside resort, in Aqaba you can taste very tasty fresh fish. In addition, there are several fish restaurants in the city. In addition to excellent Arabic cuisine, there are restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. All main hotels have restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine.
The shops
In Aqaba you can find not only wonderful handicrafts, including traditional Bedouin jewelry, sand bottles, but also stunning modern and traditional gold and silver jewelry at very good prices. The Queen Noor Hussein Foundation, which supports local artisans, supplies several shops in Aqaba with a wide variety of handmade fabrics, carpets, pillowcases, wall hangings, ceramics and glassware.
Aqaba also has many modern fashion stores where you can find the latest in jewelry, watches, clothing, accessories and leather goods. Stroll through Aqaba's largest shopping and entertainment center - Aqaba Gateway - or take advantage of the Aqaba Free Zone (no tariffs on some goods).
Climate
Aqaba has a mild subtropical climate. In the summer months, the average air temperature is about 38–39°C, a little cooler in the fall - between 27–36°C. The coldest months are from December to February: during the day the air warms up to 20–24 °C.
Souvenirs and shopping
Local souvenir shops sell national clothing and metal animal figurines - skillful imitation of ancient works of art. Lots of original souvenirs for the kitchen: painted ceramic plates, cups, jugs.
Beach
In the north of Aqaba, sandy beaches predominate, in the southern part they are mostly rocky, where coral reefs can be found in close proximity to the shore. Basically, the beach area belongs to hotels, and vacations on them are paid.
Transport
Attractions
Mamluk Fort
The castle was built back in the 12th-13th centuries by the Crusaders, and later, in the 16th century, it underwent reconstruction.
Ruins of IslayThe remains of an ancient city, the territory of which is still being excavated. Gates, street walls, and remains of buildings have been preserved here. The attraction is located near the Movenpick hotel - it occupies an area measuring 150x150 m
Aqaba is a young resort on the Red Sea coast, in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba.
The tourism infrastructure of Aqaba is aimed primarily at people who lead a healthy lifestyle and prefer a truly healthy vacation to all other types of recreation, combining the reasonable use of nature’s gifts for health purposes with elements of eco-tourism.
101 thousand people (2000) - about 2% of the population of Jordan.
Video from Aqaba
Architectural and historical monuments: temples/monasteries: museums: Anyone can get acquainted with the history of this region in a small museum near the Mamluk fort. The fort itself is one of the main attractions of the city - surrounded by palm trees and standing on the seashore, it is a picturesque backdrop for...
Aqaba: tours and activities
Excursion to Petra (full day). In the morning, an exciting excursion to the ancient city of the Nabateans - Petra, a real fairy tale of the Middle East, begins. The unique city is located in the mountains, which, depending on the time of day, turn pink, dark red or purple. The El Khazneh Palace, the Roman fortress of Urdru, the settlement of Beida, the Amphitheater carved from stone, hundreds of majestic temples carved into the rocks, royal tombs, water canals and religious buildings will not leave anyone indifferent and will be remembered for a lifetime. No wonder Petra is called the “eighth wonder of the world”! Return to the hotel.
Excursion to the Dead Sea (full day). An excursion to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (400 m below sea level), begins early in the morning. The Dead Sea is the saltiest lake in the world, the composition of its salts is unique. Relax on the gently lapping waves, treat yourself to a soothing massage at the finest Spa, or try
the world-famous healing properties of minerals from mud from the bottom of the Dead Sea. Return to the hotel.
Excursion to Wadi Rum (half day with jeep safari). During this unforgettable excursion you will see Wadi Rum - one of the most romantic places in the Arabian Desert, where slender chains of mountains dissolve in reddish sand. With its wind-carved cliffs rising from the pink and white sands, Wadi Rum resembles a lunar landscape. Stunning in its natural beauty, it is the essence of desert romance. Wadi Rum has been inhabited since ancient times, and today a number of Bedouin tribes live on its territory. You can take a jeep ride or, if you prefer, a camel ride. You will also see the sunset, which makes an unforgettable impression.
Excursion to the island of the Pharaohs with lunch. A boat trip to the Egyptian island of the Pharaohs provides an opportunity to directly come into contact with the life of the marine world and enjoy the diversity and colors of underwater flora and fauna. During the walk, stops will be made in the most beautiful and coral-rich places. Tourists are provided with masks, snorkels, and fins for rent. Directly on the island you will have the opportunity to visit an ancient Egyptian castle. Lunch and drinks are provided during the walk. It is recommended to take sun cream with you.
For excursions, you will need comfortable shoes and sports clothing (otherwise it will be difficult for you to climb to the top row of the amphitheater in Jerash or take a horseback ride in Petra). Not all hotels offer quick ironing of clothes, and this service is not very cheap, so preference should be given to clothes made from wrinkle-resistant materials. Don’t forget good sunglasses, the medications you need (in Jordan there may only be analogues with names unknown to you), films for your camera or video camera.
History of Aqaba
The first settlements existed here already 5,500 years ago. During the spread of Islam, to facilitate the journey of pilgrims to Mecca, a passage was made through the rocks, which was called “akabat Ayla”. Later, a new city appeared here. In the 30-40s of the 19th century, the Egyptians built across the Sinai...
Aqaba: entertainment and active recreation
Aqaba is famous for its facilities for divers, including the organization of day and night dives, training and education through numerous clubs, including the well-known Royal Diving Club. In addition, you can try yourself in other water sports; and simply take part in a wide variety of water activities, for example, sailing, fishing, swimming without scuba gear, but with a mask and snorkel, or, without diving into the sea at all, nevertheless freely observe the underwater life through the transparent bottom of a special boat.
Transport features of Aqaba
Taxi: For trips within the same city, you can use regular taxis. In Jordan they are colored yellow. Taxi services are quite cheap.
buses: To travel around the country, you can use regular buses. If you are going to travel from Aqaba to Amman and do not plan any stops along the way, then your choice is a comfortable bus from JETT or TRUST. The cost of the trip is about 10 dollars.
car rental: airports: Aqaba International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center.
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.
