Sights of Aqaba. What to see in Aqaba. Attractions of Jordan Aqaba description

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 7th-12th centuries 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.

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. 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.

Who doesn't like to warm their bones on the warm sand near the gentle sea? As a rule, most citizens choose standard holiday destinations - Türkiye, Thailand, Vietnam. But there are also those who prefer more exotic beaches. For example, the resorts of Jordan on the Red Sea.

Red sea

Don’t think that if the sea is called Red, then the water in it is of that color. Not at all. Its name is a literal translation from Greek, and there are several versions of a similar name. One of them, for example, connects the origin of such a name with the cardinal directions: in the myths of many nationalities, each cardinal direction has its own color. And in the south it is red (the Red Sea is just in the southern part). Another version suggests that the algae in this sea are colored scarlet, and it is because of them that the reservoir received its name.

The Red Sea is inland in the Indian Ocean basin, located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It washes the African and Asian shores: for example, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan have access to it. In size it reaches four hundred and fifty thousand square kilometers.

A special feature of the Red Sea is its incredibly clear water. In the north there are two gulfs by the sea - Aqaba and Suez. It is the first of them that washes the shores of Jordan.

Jordan

The country is an Arab state. Its closest neighbors are Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine. Jordan is a kingdom, the leader of the country is the king, who has his own council of ministers.

Almost the entire territory of the kingdom is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. However, vacationers come to this country because of the stunning beauty of the Dead and Red Seas, as well as to see a new wonder of the world - the ancient city of Petra.

Jordan: resorts on the Red Sea

The most popular resorts in Jordan are: Aqaba, Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Jerash, Irbid and the Dead Sea. In close proximity to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are the city of the same name, as well as Wadi Rum and Petra. Strictly speaking, in Jordan there are almost no resorts on the Red Sea - but first things first.

Gulf of Aqaba

Most of the coastal area of ​​the Gulf belongs to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Only a small piece of land in the north is shared between Israel and Jordan. It is there that the only seaport in Jordan with the same name as the bay is located, also known as the popular resort of Aqaba.

In addition to the fact that people come here for the crystal clear waters and rich underwater fauna, the Gulf of Aqaba is also an excellent place for diving. This sport brings about ten percent of the region's income.

Before dwelling in more detail on the sights and life of Aqaba, it is worth at least briefly mentioning Petra and Wadi Rum. Tourists in reviews of Jordan note the extraordinary beauty of these places.

Petra

As mentioned above, the ancient city of Petra is considered one of the new wonders of the world. It is located north of Aqaba; it takes about three hours to drive from one city to another. In general, the location of Petra is quite interesting - from one sea (Dead) to another bay (Red). Another peculiarity of Petra is that it was built in the mountains, which change their color depending on the time of day. At different times you can see Petra in pink, orange or red colors.

The age of this city is more than two thousand years. Thriving in antiquity, later, abandoned and dilapidated, it fell into oblivion until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when a researcher who happened to be here was inspired by the beauty of the ancient settlement. However, real excavations began in Petra only a century later, and it was added to the UNESCO heritage list even later - only at the end of the last century.

Since Petra is not just a city, but a whole park with attractions, you have to pay to enter it. In terms of Russian currency, the cost of a ticket is just over four thousand rubles. It’s not cheap (especially considering the road from Aqaba and back), but there is something to see here: a treasury more than forty meters high - a palace carved out in the first century (how old!). It is called a treasury because, according to legend, enormous wealth was previously stored in it. The area of ​​the facades, the Roman amphitheater, the royal tombs, the Ad-Dair monastery - all this and much more can be seen in Petra with your own eyes.

Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert (its other name is the Valley of the Moon) is located only sixty kilometers from Aqaba. Tourist and excursion routes constantly run here.

Wadi Rum is Jordan's most famous natural attraction, and if you are visiting this country, the wonderful valley is definitely worth seeing. It has a tourist campsite, and guides conduct excursions both on their own and by car or even a camel - it all depends on the wishes of the guests. In addition, extreme sports enthusiasts can go snowboarding on the blood-red sands of the desert. Another option to see Wadi Rum is to view the valley from a bird's eye view in a hot air balloon. The combination of black mountains, carved by the wind, and pink sands will not leave anyone indifferent. By the way, in spring there is a green paradise here, inhabited by birds and flowers.

Aqaba

There are few resorts on the Red Sea in Jordan, or rather, Aqaba is the only one. The length of its coast is only twenty-seven kilometers, but this figure fits a sufficient number of beaches, hotels and recreation areas. Aqaba is famous for its more relaxed attitude to appearance - the Islamic religion here is not as strong as in other cities, and women dress much more simply. In addition, shopping is quite developed here, so there is plenty to do.

It has been said more than once about the stunning underwater world and clear water, but the beauty of Aqaba is by no means limited to this, so sitting exclusively on the beach, you will not recognize the city. While here, you should definitely take a walk through the narrow streets of the village - this is the only way to immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Old houses are replaced by elite new buildings and fashionable hotels, luxurious mansions. Until eight in the evening there is silence on the streets of the city, but after and until about midnight life is in full swing.

In addition to lying on the beach, tourists can visit a wide variety of attractions, windsurfing, fishing, diving, water skiing and many other activities.

Where to stay in Aqaba, Jordan?

There are plenty of accommodation options in Aqaba, despite the fact that the resort is relatively small. Tourists can choose accommodation to suit every taste and budget - both richer and more modest. Luxury hotels are located in the new Tala Bay area, nine kilometers from Aqaba. The hotels here are five-star, each with its own beach, tennis court, fitness center, shops, beauty salons. And, of course, the service is at the highest level.

But such hotels are not available to everyone who comes to the resorts of Jordan on the Red Sea. Prices here are prohibitive for many. Such tourists can find cheaper accommodation - and even if there are no beauty salons and royal services, clean, comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts can be found in every hotel in Aqaba.

For comparison: a room at the Amir Palace hotel will cost about 2,300 rubles. per day, and at the Cedar Hotel - already 3800 rubles. Captains Hotel, which ranks ninth among Aqaba hotels, will let guests through its doors for four and a half thousand, and Movenpick Resort, which is in fifth place, costs eight four hundred. Reviews on the prices of holidays in Jordan on the Red Sea are different, but, in general, everyone agrees that you can find an option for every pocket.

Aqaba: what to see?

Aqaba has a lot of different attractions that are definitely worth seeing. For example, the Aquarium of the Marine Science Center - it contains hundreds of different species of fish, invertebrates, and corals. This is a kind of underwater reserve. It is also worth visiting the Archaeological Museum in Aqaba, where all the local history is collected. And off the coast of the city is the wreck of the Cedar Pride, a cargo ship that the Prince of Jordan donated to divers to scuttle. The depth at which the ship lies is shallow enough that even beginners in scuba diving can dive and see it with their own eyes.

Another attraction of Aqaba is the Mamluk Fort, a several centuries old fortress that was formerly a military facility. You can visit it for free when you purchase a ticket to the Archaeological Museum, so it makes sense to combine two in one. By the way, near the fort there is an Akaba symbol - a huge flag installed thirteen years ago.

Since Aqaba is both a seaside resort and a port, it is not surprising that one of its main attractions is a marine park. A museum, shops, excursions, the opportunity to dive with an instructor - all this awaits visitors on the territory of the park complex.

The Wadi Rum desert, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is located 60 km from Aqaba. Its landscapes are very diverse: mountainous terrain with deep canyons smoothly turns into separate plains with bushes and low trees. Wadi Rum is famous for its skyscraper rocks, which are loved by climbers from all over the world.

The highest skyscraper peak is Mount Um ad-Dami, whose height reaches 1830 meters, and not all climbers with professional experience can climb it. On the territory of some canyons there are ancient wells with rock paintings that are more than four thousand years old. Particularly exciting will be a visit to the Burda stone bridge, which is a rock just over half a meter wide, connecting the sides of a deep canyon at an altitude of 35 meters.

There are several ways to explore the Wadi Rum desert. For example, rent an SUV with a driver and guide to explore the main beauty during the day. Or travel for several days with a guide on a camel, spending the night in a Bedouin tent under the stars, trying local cuisine cooked over a fire. There is even the possibility of traveling through the desert in a hot air balloon.

Aqaba Airport

The location of this airport is strategically advantageous, since within a radius of 20 kilometers there are three countries: Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The airport has one runway 3000 meters long. The area of ​​the airport is 2600 sq. meters. The terminal's current capacity is 1.5 million passengers per year.

Passengers at King Hussein Airport can take advantage of services such as a parking lot with 200 short-term parking spaces, a post office, a bank, cafeterias, a VIP lounge, a duty free shop, souvenir shops and a medical center. Photography is prohibited on the airport premises.

Although sandstorms are common in Jordan, the weather in this area is usually favorable and flight cancellations are very rare.

What attractions of Aqaba did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

King Abdullah Reef

King Abdullah Reef is a fantastic dive site, sheltered from the wind. This beautiful site is named after King Abdullah II, who is an avid diver. The diving depth in this place ranges from 6 to 40 meters, the distance to the diving center is 1 kilometer.

It is better to dive from the southern side of the slope with a gentler descent. The reef slope is covered with various types of corals of unusual colors. The flora and fauna of the Red Sea amazes with its diversity. Here you can see dolphins and octopuses cutting through huge schools of colorful fish. You need to watch out for turtles in this area; they can be aggressive. Fans of night diving have the opportunity to get acquainted with the nocturnal inhabitants of the sea - lobsters, crabs and shrimp.

Beginner divers dive under the supervision of experienced instructors after completing special courses at the diving center.

The high density of the reef's coral cover is ideal for underwater photography.

The unique and mesmerizing landscapes of the Jordanian desert Wadi Rum are well known to adventure lovers. The majestic red sandstone cliffs and endless dunes amaze with their beauty. The desert covers an area of ​​more than 75 thousand hectares in the south of Jordan.

One of the many attractions of Wadi Rum is the Seven Pillars rock, located in the western part of the desert. Its height is about 70 meters. As a result of weathering over many millions of years, it acquired a bizarre shape. In 1980, it was called "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" after Lawrence's wartime book of the same name. Since prehistoric times, traces of rock paintings have been preserved on it, which are of great historical value.

Wadi Rum is ideal for hiking, mountaineering and trekking. In the tourist center, located near the rock, there is a bar and a cafe where you can have a snack and gain strength for your further journey. Those interested can take a camel ride and get acquainted with the indigenous inhabitants of the desert - the Bedouins.

Natural Bridge Burda

The majestic desert landscape of Wadi Rum in Southern Jordan is well known throughout the world. High red sandstone cliffs and orange sand dunes amaze with their beauty and uniqueness. The desert covers an area of ​​about 75 thousand hectares. On its territory there are many unique places popular among travelers.

One of these pearls is the Burda Bridge, located on the top of Mount Burda. This is a striking example of the creation of the destructive power of nature, practically untouched by humanity. The bridge-like arch is part of a huge rock mass. Its height is 35 meters. In order to get here, it will take more than one hour of serious effort. Having overcome all obstacles, tourists can enjoy the tranquility of the boundless emptiness, admiring the endless expanses of the desert.

On the territory of Wadi Rum there are cafes and bars, as well as souvenir shops.

Aqaba Castle

Aqaba Castle, or Mamluk Fort, is a significant historical monument. It was built to protect the port area and moored ships from raids by nomads during the prosperous era of the Roman Empire. The castle was rebuilt several times in the mid-16th century, during the reign of the last Mamluk sultan, Kansur al Ghuri.

The fort was built in the shape of a square, with a total area of ​​about 250 square meters, with symmetrical round towers at the corners. Unique writings from medieval Islamic culture have been preserved on its walls. During archaeological excavations of ancient Ayla (present-day Aqaba), gates, ruins of a city wall with towers, a mosque and courtyards were discovered. The archaeological museum, located near the castle, displays an excellent collection of artefacts from the fort, including pottery, jewelry and coins.

Currently, the castle is being actively restored and is open to visitors. The Mamluk fort, located on the seashore and surrounded by palm trees, is a picturesque backdrop for beautiful photographs to commemorate your holiday in Jordan.

Aqaba Marine Science Station

The marine scientific station, founded in 1986, is located on the southern coast of Aqaba. It was established at the University of Jordan with the aim of studying, conserving and rationally using the rich biodiversity of the coastal zone.

There is a huge amount of educational and outreach activities going on here, including lectures, slide shows and documentaries. Visitors can enjoy a conference hall, exhibition space, a souvenir shop and a restaurant.

Of particular note is the public aquarium, which features numerous representatives of flora and fauna, as well as fantastic corals of various shapes and shades. At the diving center you can dive into the depths of the Red Sea under the supervision of qualified instructors, enjoying the beauty of the underwater world. The marine scientific station is a tourist attraction in Jordan, popular among tourists.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Aqaba? .

Aqaba International Diving Center

The International Diving Center is a significant landmark of Aqaba. Visitors are offered a full range of services, accompanied by comfort, quality, safety and traditional hospitality.

The center provides the necessary equipment and accessories for diving. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you can dive into the depths of the Red Sea to admire the beauty of its flora and fauna or explore the remains of shipwrecks. For adventure seekers, the center offers night dives, steeped in mystery and romance. There is a training center where visitors can begin or continue their diving education. Divers who have completed special courses have the opportunity to participate in competitions with valuable prizes.

Among the most striking and unforgettable dives are the “Japanese Garden” and “Rainbow Reefs”. The sea in the Gulf of Aqaba is always calm; dives are made in the area of ​​​​the coastal reef that runs along the coastline. Diving lovers will find real pleasure here. Memories of these adventures will last a lifetime.

The most popular attractions in Aqaba with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Aqaba on our website.

Individual and group

More attractions of Aqaba