Aqaba is a popular coastal city well known for its rich history, culture, and some of the world famous ancient sites. Situated in the southern part of Jordan, located at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Apart from that, the city always welcomes visitors by its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
As we said earlier Aqaba city is more popularized by its rich history, with historical sites such as Aqaba Fort and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum for those who wish to explore and interested in learning about the region’s past. Moreover traditional cultural festivals, cuisines and deserts and its activities and markets make it one of the ideal destination in the Middle East region. Not just a tourist attraction, it is also a major trading hub to Jordan, including a bustling port and a crucial economic hub for Jordan. It connects Jordan to various countries in the Middle East.
10 Reasons to visit Aqaba, Jordan
Below 10 points will truly impress you to take adventure urges in Aqaba, Jordan. Those are;
1. Water sports activities
Aqaba is a city which is a very near landmark to the Red sea including some of the diverse Maine life’s beneath the water. Not only that you can also spot crystal clear waters filled with coral reefs, fishes, dolphins, turtles and great gentle whale sharks. Due to waste areas of coral and marine life’s are well known for water activities like Scuba Diving and snorkelling. Derelict ships and military vehicles have been strategically sunk to show up artificial reefs in recent years. Undoubtedly a divine destination for those who seek pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
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2. Historical Sites
It is not a bad idea if you plan to visit Aqaba to explore historical places. Offers tremendous like one of the 7 wonders of the world Petra. Other historically popular sites like Ayla and old town and sharif Al Hussain Bin Ali mosque. Aqaba has a rich history dating back to biblical times, including the Aqaba Fortress and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. Archaeological site of Aqaba church is one of the oldest landmarks available here. Many historians and archaeologists from all over the world came to this site to learn about designs and architecture.
3. Petra
There is no need for much more research and explanation about Petra, one of the 7 wonders of the world. As a backpacker it is very important to visit Petra to understand in depth about Aqabas cultural significance. Rose city is very close to Aqaba city, a narrow gorge of red sandstone with an iconic image gracing just about every postcard of Jordan. During your Petra journey you will spot Nabateans and their daily life activities. Who lived during the 2nd century with 30,000 inhabitants? Today you can see fine masonry, temples and tombs. All of these things were once depicted by dwellings and hand painted frescoes by the Nabateans.
4. Red Sea Beaches
The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including EL Gouna beach in Hurghada, Dahab beach in Sharm EL Sheikh and Naama bay beach. Red sea beach has some intrinsic features like white sands and breath-taking sea views. Take time to relax on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea, soak up the sun, and take in breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. Its crystal clear water makes it an ideal destination for water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming.
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5. Wadi Rum Desert
Just a few hours of drive from Aqaba to such a vast coverage of rippled sand dunes. A UNESCO World heritage site Wadi Rum is not just a desert it is also a protected area. If you look at the past history, there is a lot of evidence that shows there was a settlement dating back to prehistoric times. If you are an adventurous person, never miss a day trip to the nearby Wadi Rum Desert for a taste of adventure with jeep safaris, rock climbing, and camping under the stars. Today, the traditional Bedouin way of life is preserved by its current inhabitants.
6. Local traditional Cuisine
Indulge yourself in delicious Jordanian cuisine at Aqaba’s restaurants which are world famous ones. Never miss some of the traditional food like Sayadieh dish made by the Aqrabawi dish of fish and flavoured rice. Along with Jordanian Mansaf is another famous food made by the rice, lamb and dry yoghurt combined into a jameed. Not only one of the famous dishes, Jordanian Mansaf is also recognised as a national food in Jordan. However you can taste fish sandwiches, falafel sandwiches and Arabic pistachio ice cream. If you love to eat street foods you can try traditional dishes like mansaf and falafel.
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7. Shopping
Making sure that you shop in Aqaba is the best way to learn about the culture and tradition of the place and feel the warm atmosphere of the city. Under Aqaba, Aqaba city center is one of the most popular malls. One of the biggest retail stores where you can buy traditional and cultural souvenirs and items. Mall includes both domestic and international brands along with restaurants and cafes. You can also buy items at places like Aqaba gateway, Shweikh mall, Dream mall and Al Rahma mall. Each of these shopping centers offers the city’s souks and markets for unique handicrafts, jeweler, and spices, with the mix of traditional and contemporary goods.
8. Old Town
One of the unique places where you can take a leisurely walk, the old town offers a taste of days long passed. Old town is filled with bustling markets, handcrafted keepsakes and Aqabas waterfront. Not only that once you pass through old town you will feel scents of cardamom and jasmine waft in the air. At the end of your shopping you will reach 14th century old monuments like Mamluk fort and Aqaba archaeological museum.
9. Ecotourism and Wilderness adventure
If you see the map of Jordan it is located in the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa. Therefore the chances of watching migrating birds is more and all three continents birds in one place. The Aqaba bird observatory is witnessing the migrant birds which normally travel between Europe and North America and sometimes it from Wadi rum desert. If you want to see Mars-like landscapes in a day you can choose jeep safari tours and private hiking tours. Aqaba is the place where you can feel stargazing experiences, natural pools, hot springs, rock formations and Wadi rum hiking tours.
10. Cultural Festivals
Festivals in Aqaba normally include culture and community. Arts, theaters, dance forms and food are the major symbols of cultural festivals. Every year annual celebrations take place in the city which makes more of a push to the cultural events. Famous Aqaba traditional arts festivals are promoted and preserved by the Bedouin people and community of the region. One of the perfect examples to see the real festivals with ancient traditions and customs. Bedouin people also serve to maintain and honour the Bedouin traditions. Never miss to experience the vibrant local culture through various festivals and events that showcase Jordanian music, dance, and traditions.
How to visit Aqaba, Jordan
Visiting Aqaba is not a puzzle, you just understand nearby airports and major international arrival points. City located just 15 minutes from the Madi Arab border with Israel and just 20 minutes from Aqaba international airport, a vital point for Petra bound travelers too.
If you are not an international traveler you can take a taxi or public bus from other Jordan major cities. Interestingly buses and taxis are also available from the border or airport too. If you are joining a tour to Petra from Eilat that offers enough time to enjoy the Aqaba experiences.
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