Aqaba

Aqaba is a coastal town to the far south of Jordan and it is the capital town of the Aqaba Governorate. The town is strategically important to Jordan as it is Jordan’s only sea port. It is a year-round resort that has something for everyone, and it is quite popular among all age groups. Aqaba lies n the very tip of the Red Sea. This seaside town has exceptionally great weather throughout the year – hot and windy in the summer, and warm and pleasant in winter.

Aqaba has been an inhabited settlement since 4000 BC and it is important by virtue of its strategic location between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Reference to the town of Aqaba has been made in the Bible. The town has been called by different names under different rulers. It was known as Berenice, Aila, and Aelena. During the 12th century, the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem controlled the area and built their fortress of Helim. By 1170, Aqaba was recaptured by Saladin. It was a major port for imports of Iraqi goods in the 1980s until the Persian Gulf War. Aqaba is important for its industrial activity as it is an exporter of phosphate and shells. In August 2000, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Law was passed by the Jordanian Parliament.

Aqaba is famous as a diving and beach resort. It has a number of luxury hotels for the people who come here for fun and for water sports. You will find a number of water sport activities like windsurfing, and scuba diving. All water sports activities are available to tempt you into the sea. If you are interested, go swimming. If that does not suit you, go rowing or cruise boating. If you would like to do something more exciting, go snorkeling or diving. Or perhaps, you could try your hand at fishing. Aero-sporting activities are available for those who would like to try something more daring. The water temperature in the Red Sea remains constantly at 23 C throughout the year. The warm water, weather, and the sandy beaches make Aqaba an ideal location for swimming and sunbathing. See and enjoy Aqaba’s underwater life from close quarters. You will be amazed by the marine ecosystem which has more than 140 species of corals and fish.

If you are a history buff, Aqaba has a number of historic sites in and around the town. You have some sites which have remnants and artifacts dating back to over 5,500 years ago. You can have a look at the medieval archeological sites, and see the earliest Islamic city of Ayla. Go and see the Mamluk Fort and appreciate the excellent museum that is housed in Sharief Hussein bin Ali’s residence.

You will find every activity that you could hope for. You will find a host of desert activities from unique desert activities that include camel safaris and Bedouin weddings. You could explore the famous Wadi Rum, which has been described as one of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world. It is an absolute nature’s paradise. You could explore the Wadi Rum by 4×4 vehicles, camel caravans, hiking, or mountain climbing and camping. You could share a meal with or have coffee with a Bedouin – it could be one your most memorable experiences.

Take in the natural beauty of Aqaba where the mountains seem to meet the sea and the desert. The changing colors of sunset and the blue waters of the sea will leave you speechless. There are a number of restaurants which offer local specialties as well as international cuisine. The town has a number of modern shopping malls with a number of shopping options – all tax free. You could also go to the traditional souks and bargain – the traditional way.

One thing is for sure that there are more ways than one for you to enjoy yourself at Aqaba – an oasis in the desert.