Aqaba city in Jordan attractions. Attractions of Aqaba

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

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

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

January

February

March

April

• June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  november

  December

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.

"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 holiday: beach, educational, active. Wonderful weather all year round, stunning coral reefs, and the opportunity to engage in various water sports attract fans of drive-based holidays to the Jordanian Red Sea coast. 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 countries. 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 appear to 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!

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).

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.

The 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