Bride of the Red Sea, the only coastal city of Jordan
Located in the far south of Jordan, Aqaba’s strategic location between Asia and Africa, has made its port important over the centuries Aqaba is a Jordanian tourist city located 330 kilometres from the capital Amman. Its position, close to Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, and between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, makes it an excellent place for anyone wishing to visit the region. The city, which gives its name to the great gulf on the Red Sea, is bordered to the east by a spectacular desert mountain range that reaches into Yemen, crossing the entire Arabian Peninsula.
The Gulf of Aqaba is considered one of the most interesting and fascinating sites for snorkellers and divers. The clarity of the water and the cleanliness of the beaches have made this part of the sea an ideal environment for the growth of corals and a rich variety of marine species. The coastline is also characterised by the presence of facilities and services designed to meet the needs of diving enthusiasts.
In ancient times, Aqaba was a key stop on the merchants' caravan routes because of its strategic location halfway between Egypt, the East and the Hijaz region, which includes La Medina and Mecca, the two most important cities in Saudi Arabia.
Its history has left traces that are still visible today: from the ruins of the ancient city of Ayla, to the remains of one of the oldest churches in the world, to the ruins of the Fortress linked to the Arab revolt against the Ottomans, which marked the beginning of independence and consecrated the legendary image of Lawrence of Arabia.
The town makes for a relaxed visit, far removed from the stress of the big cities of the north. The long promenade of King Hussein Street skirts the public beach, a popular daily destination for its inhabitants, and reaches the modern district to the west, characterised by the presence of luxurious hotels.
Away from the coast, Aqaba expands towards the surrounding mountains with new residential neighbourhoods driven by constant development, which also enhances its services from year to year.
Jordan's world-famous hospitality finds an unhurried expression in this town, blessed with a moderate climate for most of the year.