Holiday in Aqaba

About Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and the gateway to the Red Sea. Located at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, the city offers surprisingly good diving and snorkeling, warm winter weather, and the perfect location as a base for excursions to Wadi Rum and Petra. The underwater world off Aqaba is a well-kept secret. While most travelers associate the Red Sea with Egypt, Aqaba's reefs offer comparable quality with significantly fewer divers. The Japanese Garden, Cedar Pride (a sunken wreck), and the Aqaba Marine Park are home to colorful corals, turtles, lionfish, and occasionally dolphins. The special thing: Many dive spots are accessible directly from the shore — no boat needed. The city itself is manageable and relaxed. The Corniche, a palm-lined waterfront promenade, invites you to stroll, and the souk offers spices, nuts, and souvenirs. The Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Ayla Islamic City from the 7th century are interesting stops between dives. Aqaba's true strength is its strategic location: Wadi Rum is just an hour away, Petra two hours, and the Dead Sea three hours. The combination "Aqaba-Wadi Rum-Petra-Dead Sea" is the classic Jordan route and can be perfectly managed in 5-7 days. In winter, when cold weather prevails in Europe, Aqaba enjoys temperatures around 22-25°C and a water temperature of 21°C — perfect for a sunny short vacation. The new King Hussein International Airport makes getting there easy, and the special trade zone allows for duty-free shopping.