Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, sits at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea. This port city has a long history dating back to pre-biblical times. In Aqaba, you can explore the 14th-century Mamluk Fort, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and relax on sandy beaches. The city also serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby sites like the ancient rock-cut city of Petra and the red desert landscape of Wadi Rum.

Diving and Snorkeling in the Red Sea

The Red Sea off Aqaba's coast has numerous coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can choose from over 30 dive sites suitable for all skill levels. At the Japanese Gardens site, you'll see colorful coral formations and schools of tropical fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. More experienced divers can explore the Cedar Pride wreck, a sunken Lebanese freighter that now hosts a variety of marine species. If you prefer to stay closer to the surface, many beach areas allow for snorkeling directly from the shore, where you can spot clownfish, lionfish, and even sea turtles.

Local Cuisine and Dining

Aqaba's position on the Red Sea means fresh seafood is a significant part of local cuisine. You can try sayadieh, a dish of fish served over rice with pine nuts and onions. Many restaurants along the waterfront serve the catch of the day grilled with local herbs and spices like sumac and za'atar. For a more casual meal, head to the old town area where you'll find small eateries serving Jordanian staples like falafel, hummus, and shawarma. For dessert, consider trying knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry topped with syrup and crushed pistachios.

Day Trips to Petra and Wadi Rum

Aqaba's location makes it convenient for exploring two of Jordan's most impressive attractions. The ancient Nabataean city of Petra is about a 2-hour drive north of Aqaba. You can spend a full day walking through the narrow Siq canyon and observing rock-cut architecture like the Treasury and the Monastery. Wadi Rum, just an hour's drive from Aqaba, is a vast desert landscape of red sand and tall rock formations. Many visitors take jeep tours or go camel trekking to explore this striking setting, which has appeared in numerous films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Martian".

Historical Sites in Aqaba

While many visitors come for the beaches, Aqaba has several historical sites to explore. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the 7th to the 12th centuries. The museum is housed in the former palace of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali. The collection includes a Kufic inscription of "Ayat Al-Kursi" from the Quran and Fatimid gold coins. Near the museum stands Aqaba Castle, a 14th-century Mamluk fort that played a role in the 1917 Arab Revolt. From the castle's towers, you can see panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba, including the coastlines of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.