Aqaba

Description

Sun, fun, and history awaits you in Aqaba. Long a cross road between Africa, Europe, and Asia, today the beach still lures visitors, and adventures still start here.

It is situated in southernmost Jordan on the Red Sea, and the only coastal city in Jordan. It’s the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba, and an attractive place for those wishing to enjoy the warm Aqaba sun and the clean beaches where you can spend time swimming and relaxing.

There are many 3*, 4* and 5* hotels, and a series of international restaurants and local specialties. Take a walking tour of the city center and its souks to get to know the city and buy traditional souvenirs that commemorate your visit.

Aqaba has a unique character; its water contains many coral reefs, some of which are the most beautiful in the world. More than 140 species of coral reefs have been discovered in the waters of Aqaba.

In addition to scuba diving, there are many activities and other marine sports such as sailing boats, water skiing and kayaking. Fishing can be done near the beach due to the depth of the water and also can be done from boats.

With the sun, the beach, the history, and the city’s charm, visitors might never want to leave!

Aqaba Castle

The castle was built between 1510 and 1517, as attested by the Arabic inscriptions inside the monumental gateway, and was used as a khan (travelers’ inn) for pilgrims on their way to Mecca. The Ottomans occupied the castle until WWI when, in 1917, the fortress was substantially destroyed by shelling from the British Royal Navy. The Hashemite coat of arms above the main entrance commemorates the Arab Revolt that swept through Aqaba, ousting the Turks. The fort is located next to the Aqaba Flagpole which carries the flag of the Arab revolt again the Ottomans.

Noor Al-Hussein Foundation Shop

For a fine selection of handicrafts, it’s worth calling in on the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation shop, located in the Aqaba Fort complex, opposite the museum. Profits help support marginalized communities throughout Jordan. Items include silver jewelry from Wadi Musa, petroglyph designs from Wadi Rum, kilims, clothes, embroidery, basketware and ceramics.

Aqaba Museum

The museum, part of the Aqaba Fort complex, was previously the home of the great-great-grandfather of the present king, Abdullah II. The collection of artifacts includes coins, ceramics and 8th-century Islamic stone tablets.

Aqaba Bird Observatory

The Aqaba city, with its unique location between the Sinai desert and the Middle East, has become an oasis where migrating birds rest during their long journey. The Jordanian Society for Sustainable Development (JSSD) decided in 2003 to establish lagoons for bird watching at the natural waste-water purification plant. The lagoons are magnificent sites that attract many birdwatchers from around the world especially during periods of migration. There are more than 150 types of bird in these lagoons in addition to 90 migrating species. They include little grebe, the gray heron, the squacco heron, black stork and the white stork.

Green Creations

Green Creations started in December of 2009 as a World Associates project. The purpose of GC is to train individuals to use recycled materials to create green income generating products: beads, jewelry, bags, bowls, purses, baskets and more.

Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque

This beautiful and majestic white mosque is located between the souk and the beach. The mosque is named after the great grandfather of King Abdullah II