The evidence seems compelling: Jabal al-Lawz/Maqla must be Mount Sinai, and the Gulf of Aqaba must have been the location of the Red Sea crossing. Courtyard of the medieval Mamluk fort in Aqaba (Dreamstime). Unless you are good with a bidet sprayer, bring yourself some kleenex or wipes just in case! The Top Things to See and Do in Aqaba Jordan | Culture Trip Syrian Palace on Raghadan Street is famous for its finely minced kebab. [14] However, industrial and commercial activities remain important, due to the strategic location of the city as the country's only seaport. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday. A day on one of the many boats is one of the best things to do in Aqaba . With guaranteed departures from Aqaba, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat, our mini package tours of Jordan are carefully conceived to provide the best value experience, combined with rich content and a high quality touring experience. Whether you are looking for a fully planned itinerary and trip to Jordan and Israel for 10 days, including hotels, guides, and every other detail, a day tour in Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, across the border to Jerusalem and Israel, or elsewhere, a unique activity or fun day for the family, or anything in-between, we are here to help. T.E. Lawrence | Biography, Accomplishments, Books, & Death There is much debate on who makes the best sayadieh in Aqaba, of course, but Captains on An-Nahdah Street gets the nod from most locals. It was a multi use construction project with residential properties, commercial establishments as well as hotels, entertainment and tourist attractions. Are you looking to experience the unforgettable beauty of Aqaba, Jordan? [citation needed], The fact that the city is the only coastal city in Jordan has created a distinctive cuisine relative to other Jordanian cities. In August 2000, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) was established which acted as the statutory institution empowered with administrative, fiscal, regulatory and economic responsibilities.[51]. From boutique hotels in historic buildings to luxury, budget options, or authentic stays, our wide selection of the best Amman hotels. All three of these day trip options are listed in my popular post on the best daytrips from Aqaba. A short walk from Aqabas busy waterfront, with its dive shops and dive boats and bustling restaurants, the citys old town offers an intoxicating dose of old Arabia. These tourist buses are spacious and installed with air conditioning and bathrooms. What is Aqaba known for? - TeachersCollegesj While Ayla offers visitors entertainment and excitement, its modern vibe is quite different to that of Ammans downtown. The intersection of these two thoroughfares was indicated by a tetrapylon (a four-way arch), which was later transformed into a luxury residential building decorated with frescoes dated to the tenth century. a small building whose walls were inscribed with human and animal drawings, suggesting that the building was used as a religious site. The goal was adjusted to bring in another $12bn by 2020, but in 2009 alone, deals worth $14bn were inked. The seaside city of Aqaba is perhaps the best known, and considered a playground for the Middle East's rich and famous thanks to its opulent resorts, sweeping beaches, lively nightlife scene and marinas where rows of luxury yachts await to whisk guests out into the Red Sea. Legrand / blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo. The Aqaba Bird Observatory is at the northern tip of the Red Sea, close to the Eilat border, and receives flocks of birds from Europe, Asia and Africa every migration season. An inexpensive Universal Travel Adapter is another must for Jordan. [4] Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative center of the Aqaba Governorate. 11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Jordan | PlanetWare This is also the best place to enjoy the beaches. Aqaba is Jordan's window on the Red Sea.Historically the same city as Eilat on the Israeli side of the border, plans for a shared international airport and other forms of cooperation have cooled down in the past few years during a period of political tension. This is a quicker day and does not include lunch. For a real treat, check out the dive sites around Pharaohs Island, home to outstanding coral blooms and a famously incandescent underwater mountain nicknamed Picasso Reef. Copyright 2023 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. . archaeologists have discovered the sites, where they found[where?] Aqaba - Wikipedia One of Aqabas greatest assets lies beneath the surface the coral reefs of the Red Sea. 1. Expect to pay 25-35 JD for a car for one day (24 hours). Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. [14] However, industrial and commercial activities remain important, due to the strategic location of the city as the country's only seaport.[15]. [6] Today, Aqaba plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy, through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors. A Jordan Package Tour allows you to sit back and relax, and enjoy a hassle-free itinerary in the knowledge that our 24/7 operation team have made full arrangements for your group. Jordans public washrooms (and even restraint or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. Spend time in Wadi Rum, experiencing the valley of the Moon. This tour includes hotel pickup and transport to Petra and back to Aqaba at the end of the day. It hasnt just been conquering civilisations that have enjoyed a stopover in Aqaba. The Treasury. The universities and institutes in Aqaba: Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. This place is famous not because of its proximity to the red sea but because of so many stimulating things to do in Aqaba. The Flight of the Levant Sparrow Hawk, Aqaba Bird Observatory | blickwinkel/AGAMI/V. Aqaba is comfortably located near the red seas and next to the Wadi Rum which has made it the triangle of tourism in Jordan. The Jordan desert of Wadi Rum is an otherworldly landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. Should you not fancy getting into the water for snorkelling or diving, glass-bottomed boats are a fantastic way to see the Red Sea. This 6 hour private tour hits all of the highlights of a visit to Wadi Rum including a 2 hour Jeep tour, enjoying sweet bedouin tea with locals and the option to add a camel ride before you bid farewell to this beautiful part of the world. The division has financed tourism advertising and media campaigns with the assistance of the European Union.[53]. Consider joining our Saudi-Jordan 4 Day Madain Saleh Tour from Aqaba, promising luxurious experiences and hidden treasures. The gulfs mild weather makes it a perfect place for a first trial dive, while certified divers can choose from a plethora of sites. Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? [32] By the time of Eusebius, Aela became the garrison of the Legio X Fretensis, which was moved to Aela from Jerusalem. South Beach, which is a 10 minute drive from the city is a popular spot. Of foreign tourists, Europeans visited the Zone in the largest numbers, with about 98,000 visiting during Battle of Aqaba - Wikipedia Aqaba has been chosen for the site of a new waterfront building project that would rebuild Aqaba with new man-made water structures, new high-rise residential and office buildings, and more tourist services to place Aqaba on the investment map and challenge other centers of waterfront development throughout the region. Soon after the Islamic conquests, it came under the rule of the Islamic . Aqaba Church was hidden for thousands of . Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. [16][17][18], The name of the city was anciently Elath, Ailath. Aqaba Holidays 2023 / 2024 - easyJet holidays This port city is laden with luxurious resorts andhotels, ensuring a restful place to return to after a long day of touring Jordan. It includes a Tour Guide, but it does not say on the tour whether the guide will accompany you all day on the bus or just in Petra. Most hotels offer car and shuttle services if you are visiting without a car. Get Your Guide: One Day from Aqaba to Petra. See more. [23][24], Excavations at two tells (archaeological mounds) Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan and Tall Al-Magass, both a few kilometres north of modern-day Aqaba city, revealed inhabited settlements from c. 4000 BC during the Chalcolithic period, with thriving copper production on a large scale. Approximately 5,000 Christian families live in the city. Usually, half a dinar is fine. If you do not have a car, you can wander right down to the beach in Aqaba as well. The first pledge is known as . [38], During the Late Byzantine or even Early Muslim period, Aila was the origin of what came to be known as the Ayla-Axum amphoras.[39]. Over US$20 billion have been invested in Aqaba since 2001 when the Special Economic Zone was established. Clockwise from the left top: Aqaba's skyline, Aqaba Fort and Aqaba Fields, Al-Hammamat Al-Tunisyya Street in Down Town, Resort in Aqaba, Ayla old City, Aqaba Port, Aqaba Flagpole. Heavy machinery industry is also flourishing in the city with regional assembly plants being located in Aqaba such as the Land Rover Aqaba Assembly Plant. The city of Aqaba has one of the highest population growth rates in Jordan in 2011, and only 44% of the buildings in the city had been built before 1990. Madaba | Tourist Jordan These condo style accommodations are perfect for families wanting a little more space and even come with washing machines in the rooms! My Luxury Hotel is a midrange hotel that recently had a brand new renovation. The people who inhabited the site had developed an extensive water system in irrigating their crops which were mostly made up of grapes, olives and wheat. UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound in Jordan. Aqaba is Jordan's only port city, located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the south of the country. I have always been a guidebook person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. Click Here to Check Prices and Availability. If never ending desert landscapes and windswept rock formations are more your thing, Jordans famous Wadi Rum is even closer. During this time the occupancy rate of most hotels there reaches as high as 90%, and are often fully booked. One of the Aqaba attractions is the beach promenade. You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here. It reaches a maximum depth of 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) in its central area: the Gulf of Suez is significantly wider but less than 100 m (330 ft) deep. Located in Ayla, a purpose-built community inside Aqaba it offers several pools and a lagoon-style beach club to enjoy sandy shores and the red sea. Aqabawi desserts include Al-Hooh, which consists of layers of pastry stuffed with nuts or dates that are then fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup. Aqaba has all the things that diving in the Red Sea is famous for, but without the crowds that can be an issue in Eilat and Egyptian resorts. All of these sites can be reached in a one daytrip from Aqaba. It offers beachfront, swimming pools and is right in the middle of the city. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. Whether it is patio dining, wandering the outdoors, watching sports on an outdoor TV with locals, shopping or watching the sun set, getting out a night in Aqaba offers a different look to this seaside city. Whether you want to keep the sun off your head or want to show a little modesty, a scarf goes a long way in Jordan any time of the year. Aqabaat the northernmost tip of the Red Seawas the first major . What is Aqaba known for? - Wise-Answer [66] In 2006, the port was ranked as being the "Best Container Terminal" in the Middle East by Lloyd's List. [citation needed], The geographer Shams Eddin Muqaddasi describes Ayla as nearby the ruined ancient city. Visit the North of Jordan, Jerash or Madaba, experience the unique landcape of the North. The best hotels in Petra, from luxury hotels and budget options to camps around Petra. [7], Aqaba's strategic location at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea between the continents of Asia and Africa has made its port important throughout thousands of years. [71], The Port of Aqaba is the only port in Jordan. The True Story of Lawrence of Arabia - Smithsonian Magazine M. Raith R. Hoffbauer H. Euler P. Yule K. Damgaard. In Jordan, the plumbing is not set up to handle toilet paper. Our selected Aqaba hotels include uniquely Aqaba experiences, world-famous hotels, as well as budget options and more. [citation needed] The fortified city was inscribed in a rectangle of 170 145 meters, with walls 2.6 meters thick and 4.5 meters high, surrounding a fortified structure, occupying an area of 35 55 meters. Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers Aqaba to Petra, One Day from Aqaba to Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib, One Day PRIVATE TOUR from Aqaba to Dead Sea for Cruise Ship Passengers, Best Hotels in Aqaba: Resorts, Beachfront Hotels, and Accommodations for all Budgets, Where to Stay in Jordan Your Guide to the Best Hotels in Jordan, Hiking In Jordan: Where to Find Jordans Best Hiking Trails, The Mystical Beauty of the Red Sea: Guide to Jordans Underwater Wonderland, What to Buy in Egypt | Perfect Souvenirs & Gifts. Aqaba and rainy days are a famous combo, but don't let a little downpour rain on your parade! Explore Aqaba's historic sites. With multiple pools, beach access, and lunch options, it gives visitors to Aqaba time to lounge by the pool, snorkel or dive or enjoy a private beach on the Red Sea. [72], Aqaba's gulf is rich with marine life, around 500 species of fish inhabit the gulf, many of which are residents, like lion fish and octopus, while others are migratory, appearing mostly during the summer, such as the world's fastest fish, the sailfish, as well as the world's largest fish, the whale shark. You will find an assortment of 220V plugs, from European 2 pin, another style of 2 pin and UK Plugs. There are boats that go out to the reefs daily. There are outdoor shops near the beach, as well as the shopping area that sells a little bit of everything. After dark, the pristine white structure is a beautiful sight to see as you stroll around Aqaba. A Brief History of Aqaba, Arab Revolt & Lawrence of Arabia, Jordan The mosque was named after Hussein bin Ali who was the Sharif and Emir of Mecca from 1908 until 1917. The 2011 population estimate is 136,200. The Aqaba railway system is only used for cargo transportation and no longer functions for travelers, with the exception of the route to Wadi Rum. Irfan Shahid, Byzantium and the Arabs in the Fourth Century (Dumbarton Oaks, 1984) page 345. If you want to know what the locals do in Aqaba, check out the public beaches. The best budget accommodations are typically hotels that you can walk up or call and book. Pledge of al-Aqaba (Arabic: ) is the oath of allegiance of people of Yathrib to Prophet Muhammad (s), prior to his emigration to Medina. Our Mini Package Tours of Jordan and Israel offer the best way to enjoy a few days of touring, either for quick trip or for those with limited time to tour. Pickpocketing is rare and tourist scams are not common practice. are another thing to put on your list. Aqaba is the only seaport of Jordan so virtually all of Jordan's exports depart from here. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future. [47], In 1965, King Hussein, through an exchange deal with Saudi Arabia, gave 6,000 square kilometres (2,317 square miles) of desert land in Jordanian territories in exchange for other territories, including 12 kilometres (7 miles) of an extension of prime coastline south of Aqaba, which included the magnificent Yamanieh coral reef. Gaurav Dutta Aqaba is the only coastal city of the beautiful country of Jordan. Al-Aqabah | History, Geography & Facts | Britannica Viator: Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers Aqaba to Petra. The Hyatt Regency is in Ayla and so are plenty of watersports from wakeboarding to cable skiing. When fantasy, sun and sea meet the charms and atmosphere of antiquity, the visitor can find himself, at any time of the year, at the 13th century Red Sea resort of Aqaba, which was in ancient times, the main port for shipments from the Red Sea to the Far East, known by the names of Aila, Ailana, Elana, Ailath, Elath, Ayla and Wayla. Did you know Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? In Aqaba you have the unique opportunity to be diving in colourful coral gardens in the morning and then wandering through centuries-old Nabatean wonders in the afternoon. Meaning of Aqaba. Make sure you try the local specialty, sayadieh. [citation needed] This type of urban structure, called MSIR,[clarification needed] is typical of early Islamic fortified settlements. [22], The present name al-Aqaba () is a shortened from aqabat Aylah ( ) "the mountain-pass of Ayla", first mentioned in the 12th century by Idrisi, at a time when the settlement had been mostly reduced to a military stronghold, properly referring to the pass just to the north-east of the settlement (293332N 350542E / 29.559N 35.095E / 29.559; 35.095, now traversed by Aqaba Highway). as described by T. E. Lawrence, it is vast, echoic and godlike. See the stunning landscape from the back of a 44 vehicle, sip sweet Bedouin tea by the fire, climb sand dunes for epic views and watch the sunset from the back of a camel. Join our nine-day adventure from Amman to the Dead Sea and discover the cultural must-sees and must-dos that are often overlooked. There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. There is a little bit of shopping in Aqaba but no huge malls like in Amman. Prices in Aqaba are a bit cheaper for some goods, as Aqaba has duty free status. Sunset in Aqaba, Jordan. Luckily there are loads of different activities and sights to check out even when it's not glorious sunshine! It also offers activities which take advantage of its desert location. Wander through the main entrance to explore the mosaic interior, which is adorned with fountains, columns and chandeliers. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, British archaeological scholar, military strategist, and author best known for his legendary war activities in the Middle East during World War I and for his account of those activities in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926). It takes about 2 hours to drive to Petra and there is free parking across the street from the visitors center (close to the Petra Moon hotel). [57], It is to be noted that the several development projects (i.e. A few blocks inland from the Gulf of Aqaba, Mamluk Castle is the site of one of the most famous battles of World War I a victory for the Arab Revolt. Overall, Jordan is safe and welcoming to tourists. [15] The city sits right across the border from Eilat, likewise Israel's only port on the Red Sea. Aqaba (English: / k b /, also US: / k-/; Arabic: , romanized: al-Aqaba, al-Agaba, pronounced [l qaba, alagaba]) is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Around AD 106 Aela was one of the main ports[clarification needed] for the Romans. [34], The city became a Christian bishopric at an early stage. It features the largest dome among Jordans mosques. The city is connected to the rest of Jordan by the Desert Highway and the King's Highway that provides access to the resorts and settlements on the Dead Sea. I have always been a guidebook person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. The best example of this is Mamluk Fort-also known as Aqaba Castle-which dates back to the 1500s. Its capacity will surpass that of the current port. Aqaba Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan, an otherwise landlocked country. Common sense goes a long way, whether home or abroad. Because of the wars the Assyrians were fighting in the east, their trading routes were diverted to the city and the port witnessed relative prosperity. Our Jordan Package Tours are carefully designed to provide the maximum experience in Jordan. The Nabatean kingdom had its capital north of the city, at Petra. With the Gulf of Suez to the west, it extends from the northern portion of the Red Sea. [clarification needed], According to Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad himself reached Aila during the expedition of Tabuk of 630, and extracted tribute from the city. Berenice Beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the Red Sea as part of Culture Trips carefully curated small-group trip, Beyond Petra: Discovering Jordans Rugged Side. Arabic sources as having a mixed population of Jews and Christians. After you sightseeing is done, take the time to enjoy a local brew at the Al Firdous Caf. In most of the rest of the country, you do not often see women smoking in public. This post outlines the best things to do in Aqaba as well as hints at daytrips from the city. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Book our small-group adventures here and explore the world, while being good to it! His "Ruines d'Elana" is the site of Tell el-Kheleifeh. Aqaba's location next to Wadi Rum and Petra has placed it in Jordan's golden triangle of tourism, which strengthened the city's location on the world map and made it one of the major tourist attractions in Jordan. The Jordanian census of 1961 found 8,908 inhabitants in 'Aqaba. Tours by Locals: Private Guide One Day Petra Tour. Several different-sized clay pots were also found suggesting that copper production was a major industry in the region, the pots being used in melting the copper and reshaping it. The Treasury is the highlight of Petra, but this is only really the start of a visit here. [68][69] The two airports are only 12km (7mi) away from one another by great circle distance. It was built in 1975 and enlarged in 2011, the white stone still gleaming on its vast dome, intricate minaret and elegant arches. and never miss out again. The Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) handled a record 587,530 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2008, an increase of 41.6% on the previous year. Approximately 65%, or 293,000 were Jordanians. It includes entrance fees into Petra as well as a lunchbox. If you are specifically looking for the best Aqaba day trips, I have a post on just that! Private tours in Jordan allow us to custom build the perfect tour for you. Visit the Local Beaches. The port relocation 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the south will cost an estimated $600m and will improve infrastructure, while freeing up space for development in the city. It has three swimming pools, showers and shaded sunbeds. [4][7] The economic growth in Aqaba is higher than the average economic growth in the country. Connect your Middle East stay with Dubai and its impressive appearance. Aqaba was chosen as the Arab Tourism City of 2011. With the red mountains of Wadi Rum in the background and the Red Sea in the foreground, the stunning Aqaba boasts a beautiful setting. Easyjet will begin offering direct flights from London to Aqaba from November 2018. The seaside city of Aqaba is perhaps the best known, and considered a playground for the Middle East's rich and famous thanks to its opulent resorts, sweeping beaches, lively nightlife scene and marinas where rows of luxury yachts await to whisk guests out into the Red Sea. Jordans public washrooms (and even restraint or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. You'll feel right at home once you slip into the culture of this easygoing country. Top Attractions in Aqaba. Stone Age petroglyphs and a continuing nomadic. Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan, an otherwise landlocked country. The gulf of Aqaba hosts more than 390 bird species including migratory birds such as the greater flamingo, great white pelican and the pink-backed pelican.[75]. With the red mountains of Wadi Rum in the background and the Red Sea in the foreground, the stunning Aqaba boasts a beautiful setting. But you do not need to take a tour to visit Petra if you want to do it on your own. . Aqaba definition, a seaport in southwestern Jordan, at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea is known for incredible diving and snorkeling. 10 Oldest Churches in the World - Oldest.org Petra, the rose red city, the city half as old as time. You will find picnickers, kids playing, women chatting and boat rides, parasaling and banana boat rides (From April to September). New projects such as Tala Bay and Saraya al Aqaba are constructed aiming at providing high-end vacation and residential homes to locals and foreigners alike. The city is a great example of combining modern thoughts with its old cultures and traditions. Conservationists are working hard to protect Aqaba's shark population.[73][74]. Besides being a tourist spot, Aqaba also serves as a . Both Petra and Aela were under strong Nabatean influence despite the Roman rule. There are many bus services between Aqaba and Amman and the other major cities in Jordan, JETT and Trust International are the most common lines. I have been to Jordan several times and after being asked again and again for suggestions, not only did I build this website but I created an interactive PDF guide to help you plan the best trip to Jordan! Petra opens at 6am so you can get an early start if you pick up your rental car the night before. The best hotels in the lowest place on earth the Dead Sea. Gulf of Aqaba - Wikipedia The Persian Achaemenid Empire took the city in 539 BC. While parts of Aqaba's waterfront can be glitzy, wander a couple blocks away from the sea to get a taste of local life and the area's storied history. If and when an Israeli railway to Eilat is built, it might either be extended across the border to Jordan[64][65] or enable passengers traveling from Gush Dan to Aqaba to cross the border via road transport. For those seeking a longer or more comprehensive tour, check our Jordan package tours which range in length from 6-10 days.
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