Aqaba Southernmost City in Jordan
Diving Holidays and History at this Red Sea Resort
The Red Sea resort of Aqaba is world-renown for its wonderful climate, superb offshore coral reefs and abundant aquatic life and with so much to offer it attracts divers and snorkellers from many countries to its calm clear waters. It offeres the best in Red Sea holidays
For those who don’t want to dip their toe in the water, a trip in a glass bottom boat will allow the visitor a unique glimpse of the marine world, not only the living coral but also sea turtles and dolphins.
There are lots of other water sports available, for the more adventurous there is water-skiing and para sailing, but for a more relaxing way to pass the time why not try fishing or just simply lie back and soak up the sun.
Pre Biblical Aqaba
Jordan is a country steeped in history and Aqaba and the surrounding area have more than their fair share with some sites dating back to pre-biblical days when the town was known as Ayla
The Old Testament tells us that King Solomon built a naval base at Ezion Geber just a few kilometres from present day Aqaba. It also tells us that the Queen of Sheba travelled from Jerusalem to visit Solomon in his “splendorous” court.
Petra and Wadi Rum
For those who want to explore further a field, day trips to Petra and Wadi Rum can easily be arranged. Aqaba’s geographical position also means that the borders of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula are less than sixty minutes drive away.
If you plan to leave Jordan, even on a day trip it is important to make sure you have the correct documentation before you leave home.
Other sites to visit in the area are the Mameluk Fort, originally a Crusader castle and a recently excavated church believed to be the oldest in the world. The archaeologists have dated it from the end of the 3rd century CE, even older than the church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Aqaba Hotels
Aqaba also boasts a range of hotels, from five star luxury hotels with their own spas, fitness centres and restaurants to budget hotels and campsites.
You can get to Aqaba a number of ways: by air from Amman, flight time is about 45 minutes. By road either by tourist bus or hire car, you can drive via the Dead Sea road or along the Desert Highway road. The journey takes between three and four hours.
“Aqaba is a fun place, it is a microcosm of all the good things that Jordan has to offer.” says Visit Jordan
