Aqaba where to go. Sights of Aqaba. What to see in Aqaba. Burda Natural Bridge

Who does not like to warm the bones in the warm sand near the gentle sea? As a rule, the majority of citizens choose standard places for recreation - Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam. But there are those who prefer beaches more exotic. For example, the resorts of Jordan in the Red Sea.

Red sea

Do not think that if the sea is called Red, then the water in it is of such a shade. Not at all. Its name is a literal translation from Greek, and there are several versions of such a name. One of them, for example, connects the origin of such a name with the cardinal points: in the myths of many nationalities, each side of the world has its own color. And in the south it is red (the Red Sea is just in the southern part). Another version suggests that algae in this sea are painted in scarlet color, and it was because of them that the pond received a similar name.

The Red Sea is the inland basin of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It washes African and Asian shores: for example, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan have access to it. In size, it reaches four hundred and fifty thousand square kilometers.

A feature of the Red Sea is its incredibly clear water. In the north, by the sea, there are two bays - Aqaba and Suez. It is the first of them that washes the shores of Jordan.

Jordan

The country is an Arab state. Its closest neighbors are Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine. Jordan is a kingdom, the king is considered the leader of the country, who has his own council of ministers.

Almost the entire territory of the kingdom is occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. However, vacationers go to this country because of the stunning beauty of the Dead and Red Seas, as well as to see a new wonder of the world - the ancient city of Petra.

Jordan: Red Sea Resorts

The most popular resorts in Jordan are: Aqaba, Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Jerash, Irbid and the Dead Sea. In the immediate vicinity of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are the city of the same name, as well as Wadi Rum and Petra. Strictly speaking, there are almost no resorts in Jordan on the Red Sea - but first things first.

Gulf of aqaba

Most of the coastal territory of the bay belongs to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Only a small piece of land in the north is divided between Israel and Jordan. It is there that the only seaport of the same name with the bay in Jordan is located, it is also the popular resort of Aqaba.

Besides the fact that people come here for crystal clear water and rich underwater fauna, the Gulf of Aqaba is also a great place for diving. This sport brings about ten percent of the region’s income.

Before we dwell in more detail on the sights and life of Aqaba, it is worth at least briefly mentioning Peter and Wadi Rum. Tourists in reviews of Jordan note the extraordinary beauty of these places.

Petra

As mentioned above, the ancient city of Petra is considered one of the new wonders of the world. It is located north of Aqaba, it takes about three hours to travel from one city to another. In general, Petra’s location is quite interesting - from one sea (Dead) to the other (Red) Bay. Another feature of Petra is that it is built in the mountains, which change color depending on the time of day. At different times, you can see Petra in pink, orange or red.

The age of this city is more than two thousand years. Flourishing in antiquity, later abandoned and dilapidated, it was forgotten until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when a researcher who happened to be here was inspired by the beauties of an ancient settlement. However, the real excavations began in Petra only a century later, and it was added to the UNESCO heritage list even later - only at the end of the last century.

Since Petra is not just a city, but a whole park with attractions, you need to pay for entering it. In terms of Russian currency, the ticket price is just over four thousand rubles. It’s not cheap (especially if you take into account the road from Aqaba and back), but there is something to see here: a treasury more than forty meters high - a palace cut down in the first century (what an old time!). It is called a treasury because, according to legend, huge wealth was stored in it before. The area of \u200b\u200bthe facades, the Roman amphitheater, the royal tombs, the monastery of Ad-Deir - all this and much more can be seen in Petra with your own eyes.

Wadi ram

The Wadi Rum Desert (another name for it is Moon Valley) is only sixty kilometers from Aqaba. Tourist and excursion routes constantly run here.

Wadi Rum is the most famous natural landmark of Jordan, and if you visit this country, then the wonderful valley is certainly worth seeing. It has a camping camp, and guides conduct excursions both on their own two, and by car or even a camel - it all depends on the wishes of the guests. In addition, extreme lovers can snowboard on the blood-red sands of the desert. And another option to see Wadi Rum is to view the valley from a bird's eye view in a balloon. The combination of black mountains, rugged by the wind, and pink sands will not leave anyone indifferent. By the way, in spring there is a green paradise, populated by birds and flowers.

Aqaba

There are few resorts on the Red Sea in Jordan, or rather, Aqaba is the only one. The length of its coast is only twenty-seven kilometers, but this figure fits a sufficient number of beaches, hotels and places of recreation. Aqaba is famous for its more loyal attitude to appearance - the Islamic religion here is not as strong as in other cities, and women dress much easier. In addition, shopping is quite developed here, so there is something to do.

It has been said more than once about the stunning underwater world and clear water, but the beauty of Aqaba is by no means limited to this, so, sitting exclusively on the beach, you will not recognize the city. Being here, you should definitely take a walk along the narrow streets of the village - this is the only way to plunge into its unique atmosphere. Old houses are replaced by elite new buildings and fashionable hotels, luxurious mansions. Until eight in the evening the streets are quiet, but after and until about midnight, life is in full swing.

In addition to lying on the beach, tourists can visit a wide variety of attractions, windsurfing, fishing, diving, water skiing and many other attractions.

Aqaba, Jordan: where to stay?

There are plenty of accommodation options in Aqaba, despite the fact that the resort is relatively small. Tourists can choose their own housing for every taste and budget - both richer and more modest. Luxury hotels are located in the new Tala Bay area, which is nine kilometers from Aqaba. The hotels here are five-star, each has its own beach, tennis court, fitness, shops, beauty salons. And, of course, the service is top notch.

But such hotels are not accessible to everyone who comes to the resorts of Jordan on the Red Sea. Prices here bite for many. Such tourists can find cheaper accommodation - and even if there are no beauty salons and royal services, but clean comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts can be found in every Aqaba hotel.

For comparison: a room at the Amir Palace hotel will cost about 2300 rubles. per day, and at the Cedar hotel - already 3800 rubles. Captains Hotel, occupying the ninth place among Akaba hotels, will let guests in its doors for four and a half thousand, while Movenpick Resort, located in fifth place, for eight four hundred. Reviews on holiday prices in Jordan on the Red Sea are different, but, in general, everyone agrees that you can find an option for any pocket.

Aqaba: what to see?

Aqaba has a lot of different attractions that are worth seeing. For example, the Aquarium of the marine scientific center - it contains hundreds of different types of fish, invertebrates, corals. This is a kind of underwater reserve. It is also worth a visit to the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which contains all the local history. And off the coast of the city is the wrecked ship Cidar Pride, a cargo ship donated by the prince of Jordan to divers to flood it. The depth on which the vessel lies is rather small, and even beginners in scuba diving can dive and see it with their own eyes.

Another attraction of Aqaba is the Mamluk fort, a fortress which, for several centuries, was formerly a military facility. You can visit it for free when buying a ticket to the Archaeological Museum, so it makes sense to combine two in one. By the way, near the fort is located the Akaba symbol - a huge flag, established thirteen years ago.

Since Aqaba is both a seaside resort and port, it is not surprising that one of its main attractions is the sea park. Museum, shops, excursions, the opportunity to dive with an instructor - all this awaits visitors in the park complex.

Aqaba is located in southern Jordan, on the northern coast of the Red Sea. In this magical corner of the Middle East, you will find unique historical monuments, magnificent hotels, all kinds of entertainment and wonderful shopping opportunities.

But the main attraction of Aqaba is, of course, the Red Sea. Here you can swim with friendly dolphins and admire how they frolic fun in the waves. And Aqaba’s reefs amaze with a variety of outlandish fish and exotic corals: these are fungi, Montipores, and extremely rare - black tree-like corals.

There are several diving centers in the resort where you will be provided with snorkeling equipment. And if necessary, they will put you a professional instructor who will help you dive into the most interesting corners of the underwater world of Aqaba.

Location

The resort is located in the north of the Gulf of Aqaba, 335 km from the capital of Jordan.

An airport

Aqaba International Airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city center. Airplanes from Amman, as well as from several European cities, regularly fly here. From the center of Aqaba to the borders of Israel, Egypt (Sinai) and Saudi Arabia no more than half an hour by car.

Kitchen

As in any seaside resort, in Aqaba you can taste delicious fresh fish. In addition, there are several fish restaurants in the city. In addition to excellent Arabic cuisine establishments, there are restaurants serving dishes from around the world. All major hotels have restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine.

The shops

In Aqaba, you can find not only wonderful craftsmanship products, including traditional Bedouin jewelry, bottles with sand compositions, but also magnificent modern and traditional gold and silver jewelry at very good prices. The Queen Nur Hussein Foundation, which supports local artisans, supplies several of Aqaba's stores with a wide variety of hand-made fabrics, carpets, pillowcases, wall hangings, ceramics and glass.

There are also many modern fashion stores in Aqaba where you can find the latest news - jewelry, watches, clothes, accessories and leather goods. Take a stroll through Aqaba's largest shopping and entertainment center - Aqaba Gateway - or take advantage of the Aqaba Free Zone (no fees for some products).

Climate

Aqaba has a mild subtropical climate. In the summer months, the average air temperature is about 38–39 ° С, a little cooler in the fall - within 27–36 ° С. The coldest months are from December to February: in the afternoon the air warms up to 20–24 ° С.

Souvenirs and shopping

In local souvenir shops they sell national clothes, animal figures made of metal - a skillful imitation of antique works of art. Many original souvenirs in the kitchen: painted ceramic plates, cups, jugs.

Beach

Sandy beaches predominate in the north of Aqaba, mostly rocky in the southern part, where coral reefs can be found in close proximity to the coast. Basically, the beach area belongs to the hotels, rest on them is paid.

Transport

sights

Fort Mamlukov

The castle was erected in the XII-XIII centuries by the crusaders, later, in the XVI century it underwent reconstruction.

The remains of the ancient city, on the territory of which excavations are still underway. There are preserved gates, street walls, the remains of buildings. The attraction is located near the Movenpick Hotel - it occupies a site measuring 150x150 m

Jordan  (Jordanian Hashemite Kingdom) is an Arab state located in the Middle East. The main part of the country's area is occupied by deserts, hills and mountains, where there is practically no vegetation.

At the same time, the food, textile, oil refining and tobacco industries are well developed in it, phosphates are extracted, and cement is made.

Jordan also represents scientific and cultural center of the whole Middle East, there are more than forty large educational institutions, including those with a military profile. And the unique monuments of antiquity and resorts attract a huge number of tourists. This country is considered very friendly towards visitors of any nationality and religion.

Geographical position

The location is western part of Asia, in the south it is washed by the Red Sea. Its boundaries are defined as follows:

• In the northern part - Syria;
• In the northeastern part - Iraq;
• In the eastern and southern parts - Saudi Arabia;
• In the western part - Israel  and Palestinian Authority.

Due to the geographic location in Jordan, mainly warm and dry weather.

At any time of the year, the water temperature in the Red and Dead Seas ranges from twenty to twenty-two degrees.

Sights of Jordan on the map

Jordan can be called unique country, in which there are about twenty thousand ancient monuments, many of which were built in the Neolithic era. At the same time, they are wonderfully combined with modern buildings.

Petra

Petra is very unusual rocky city, the mention of which is still in the Bible, and its construction still holds many mysteries. Due to the reddish-pink color of the rocks, it is often called the "pink city". It is believed that it was here that Moses extracted water from the rocks.

The river flowing in Petra is called Wadi Musa (Moses River). According to research, we can say that the construction of the city began more than two thousand years ago, and initially it was amazingly cut down in the rocks.

His story is rich in various events and well-preserved ancient buildings allowed Peter to be included in uNESCO World Heritage Site. Also at the beginning of the twentieth century, she was recognized as one of new seven wonders of the world.

The beginning of a journey through a rocky city is entrance to a narrow gorgesurrounded by very high cliffs.

Sunlight does not get into the gorge, and without additional lighting, the movement is in complete darkness.

Then the path becomes a little brighter, and you can already see the niches that were cut down in the rocks to accommodate statues.

The exit from the tunnel usually occurs in the bright light of the sun, and a large building with two names catches your eye - Al Khazneh  and Treasure House of Pharaoh.

It is believed that the time of the construction of Al-Khazneh was the second century AD. It is not known what he was intended at the time, but it is assumed that he was temple or mausoleum.

The mystery is  and how the ancient masters managed to build such a magnificent building. According to modern experts, this requires the use of scaffolding. But, to find building material in those places was almost impossible.

It is assumed that the builders moved up the ruins in the rocks, but it is not clear how they managed to work on weight. Also remains a secrethow the calculations were carried out buildings.



• Al-Khazneh is gradually expanding the tunnel, and becomes visible old rocky city. Here you can see a large number of stone houses, markets, entertainment venues and other buildings.
• You can also find here ed Deir Temple, located at the very top of the cliff, and also being a valuable architectural monument. In front of it is a large square, which was apparently used for various religious ceremonies.

• Nearby is a three-story building Roman Palace (Palace Tomb).

  The lower part of the Roman palace is carved in the rocks, and blocks of hewn stones have already been used for the construction of the upper one.

  The lower tier is a large room in which sacred holidays were held and the dead were revered. Tourists can not only examine the appearance of the building, but also go inside.

  In addition to the above historical monuments in Peter there is a huge amount interesting buildingsstarting from the very first, which were roughly executed by ancient masters, and those that were erected by ancient masters. Apparently therefore, the rocky city every year attracts a huge number of tourists who want to see great works of art.

  Aqaba

  

  Aqaba  - This is the only seaside resort and port of Jordan, as the country has the only small area access to the Red Sea. According to scientific data, the first settlements appeared here six thousand years ago.

  Tourists are very fond of Red sea, which is characterized by clean and very salty water, which allows you to go swimming even for those who are just starting to learn it. The variety of the underwater world also attracts.

  Through crystal water you can enjoy fish of various breeds, corals and other marine life.

  • Of the architectural attractions of Aqaba, the main is considered mamluk fortressbuilt in the sixteenth century. Its location is the seashore, and on all sides it is surrounded by beautiful, tall palm trees. Near the fortress there is a museum where you can get acquainted with the history of the city.
  • The next most important historical monument of Aqaba can be called lot's cave, which is a monastery complex. It also houses the Byzantine church and a small number of tombs.

  Amman

  

  Amman  It is the capital of Jordan and its largest city. Initially, seven hills were selected for its construction, which the seven-pointed star symbolizes on the country's flag.

  Today the city is already located on ten hills, the slopes of which adorn white houses and villas, which is why Amman is also called "White City". For the construction of buildings used white stones (limestone). Houses are built very quickly and have a variety of shapes.

  Amman is one of the most important industrial centers of the country with an international airport.

  The main attraction of the city can be called Jebel Al Qalya (Castle Hill). It is famous for monuments of various times, the most valuable of which are the colonnade of the Temple of Hercules, Al-Qasr Palace, the Byzantine church and the ancient amphitheater, designed for more than six thousand people.

  1. Jordanian archaeological museum;
  2. Jordanian museum of folk traditions;
  3. Museum of Folklore;
  4. Archaeological Museum  University of Jordan;
  5. Anthropological Museum  University of Jordan;
  6. Museum of Numismatics;
  7. Royal Automobile Museum.

  Nature lovers can admire it in a location near the city mujib Nature Reserve. It was founded in 1987 in the Wadi Mujib gorge. On its west side is the Dead Sea, and on the east - mountains.

  Here you can see more than four hundred plant speciessome of which are very rare. Also lives here ten kinds of animals  and about one hundred and fifty species of birds, many of which need protection.

  Going to distant countries, find out about the symptoms of acclimatization, because this nuisance can overtake absolutely unexpectedly.

  The Dead Sea

  

  The Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan is actually considered saline closed lakewhose age is about fifteen thousand years. This is a unique place, which is the lowest point on Earth.

  Due to the specific composition of its water, it has become a unique healing place, which a huge number of people from all over the world seek to visit.

  Also special healing mudpossessing a special therapeutic effect, analogues of which were not found. For the convenience of vacationers, in addition to resorts, hotels and other tourist facilities are located on the shores of the Dead Sea.

  Due to too high salt concentration in the Dead Sea there is neither vegetation, nor fish, nor any other inhabitants, except for archeobacteria, due to which therapeutic mud is formed.

  You will not meet on the lake no trees, no grasssince the soil is covered with salt crust. But in such salty water you just can’t drown, but you can rest calmly, just lying on your back or stomach and at the same time heal.

“Aqaba!” Exclaimed Peter O'Toole in the epic film “Lawrence of Arabia.” This exclamation for some reason pops up in memory at the mention of the only resort in Jordan on the Red Sea. The city is beautiful. A particularly impressive panorama opens from the Gulf of Aqaba: water surface and a picturesque corner of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan against the backdrop of desert mountains of cinnamon color. Aqaba offers its guests any relaxation: beach, informative, active. Wonderful weather all year round, fascinating coral reefs, the opportunity to do various chnymi water sports are attracted to the Jordanian Red Sea coast fans drive-rest. The cozy resort town are increasingly choosing families with children, and lovers combine beach relaxation with sightseeing.

Video review of the resort of Aqaba.

Popular Aqaba beaches

The exotic beauty of Aqaba attracts people of all ages, thirsting for the bright sun, the cleanest sea and a beautiful view of the mountains leaving in the water. Depending on preferences, vacationers choose one of three beaches: North (North Beach Area), where most of the hotels are located, Middle (Middle Beach Area) and South (South Beach Area). Active tourists are offered diving clubs, water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and other "adrenaline" entertainment. Coastal coral reefs are as good as in Egyptian resorts, but there are fewer vacationers in Aqaba, so it’s much more pleasant to admire the colorful world of marine life. During the day you can swim with turtles and dolphins, and during a night dive, watch the hunting of underwater predators: crabs, lobsters and others. For those who prefer to "keep their feet dry", but also want to see the inhabitants of the deep sea, equipped with glass bottom boats.

Aqaba Attractions

You can dilute the beach doing nothing by visiting the sights of the old town. Five and a half thousand years ago, Aqaba played a prominent role in the economy of the region. It was an important node of land and sea trade routes, a kind of gateway between the East and the West: the Babylonians, Persians, Nabataeans, Byzantines and Romans. Fort Aqaba today proudly rises fortified walls with round towers in the corners. He witnessed many civilizations, served as a military facility and caravanserai for pilgrims to Mecca. An arched entrance leads into the courtyard to the vaulted chambers. The inscription in Arabic confirms that the fortress was built during the reign of the Mamelukes in the XIV century. Not far from the fort is the Archaeological Museum, which has a large collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age.

The main attraction and symbol of Aqaba is a giant flagpole crowned with the flag of the Arab rebellion, which is visible from neighboring states. It is interesting to see the ruins of the ancient Islamic city of Islay, where archaeological excavations are ongoing.

Jordan Attractions within walking distance

“Beach” Aqaba is a convenient starting point for day trips to the iconic places of Jordan. The Wadi Rum Desert is only 55 kilometers from the resort, but the trip can take two days. Enchanted by stunning "cosmic" landscapes that served as the location for a number of iconic films, tourists stay overnight in Bedouin tribes to stay longer among the red sands and meet the sunrise.

A two-hour drive from any Aqaba hotel is the main attraction of Jordan - Petra. Carved out of red sandstone, the “Pink City” is fascinating. And although a hike between the towering cliffs along the famous canyon of Petra may seem tedious, the ancient architectural masterpieces that open to the eyes of travelers are worth it.

In the bay near the Egyptian Taba is the island of Pharaoh with a preserved medieval citadel. The fortress was visited by Lawrence of Arabia. Going on a sea excursion and visiting a small island is interesting. But the return to Aqaba leaves unforgettable impressions: the view of the city from the bay is amazing.

Evening entertainment in Aqaba

Pleasant evening walks along the coast. Traditionally, locals gather on the waterfront, chat, smoke hookah, play backgammon, have dinner, drink coffee, watching the sun go down over Aqaba Bay, and night changes day. Fishermen come back with a catch, the smell of fried fish is mixed with the aroma of freshly ground coffee ... The cuisine in Jordan is tasty, satisfying and inexpensive. In the center of Aqaba they cook good hummus, falafel, shawarma. In the restaurants on the shore you can taste fish with rice and tomatoes, fresh seafood, and traditional African-Arabic dishes. The kit comes with a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Tourists note: in any cafe or restaurant there is wi-fi - this is understandable. Free wi-fi is available throughout the city - it's nice.

As such, there is no nightlife in Aqaba. The only disco is open on the territory of the Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort 5 *.

Shopping, souvenirs

Jordan retains a rich heritage of crafts. Unique souvenirs can be brought from the country: kilims (handmade carpets), miniature mosaics, painted ostrich eggs, bottles with intricate patterns of colored sand, beads and silver Bedouin jewelry. The market street, where spices, sweets and other "joys of the east" are sold, is located behind the main mosque. Aqaba is a duty-free zone, which is also nice.

Holidays in Aqaba

Framed by magnificent sandy beaches, amber mountains and a shimmering desert, Aqaba is like a golden glow. The resort captivates with a relaxed atmosphere, pleasant climate and convenient location not far from the main attractions of Jordan. No wonder the place is becoming more and more popular. Here you can spend a fantastic vacation, and at any time of the year with guaranteed beautiful weather. Aqaba is a worthy alternative to Egyptian resorts. Come see!

The most popular activity of the resort is diving. The special microclimate here created simply ideal conditions for the formation of numerous coral reefs and the living of a huge amount of marine life. The coastal waters have a rich underwater world, which attracts divers from all over the world. For beginners, there are simply ideal conditions for training, and for more experienced divers, the sea bottom conceals a lot of interesting things.

The entire coastal zone is Aqaba marine park. The park was created in 1997 to preserve the marine population of the coastal zone. This reserve has a length of 7 kilometers along the coast.
There are several coral reefs here, among which the Seven Sisters reefs, Japanese Gardens, Eel Garden and Oliver Canyon are especially popular. It will also be interesting to look at the sunken Lebanese ship Sidar Pride, the American tank Walker Bulldog, which was specially submerged to attract a large number of divers and other numerous dive spots.
For those who do not want to sink to the seabed, but want to see all the beauties of the Red Sea, they organize excursions on boats with a transparent glass bottom.
There is also the Marine Science Center, where there is a huge aquarium with exotic fish and other representatives of the marine fauna.
The largest diving center is The Royal Diving Center. This center teaches diving even children. One dive costs 15 dinars.

In addition to a magnificent beach holiday and exciting diving, Aqaba offers a huge number of unique historical monuments.

The territory of the Old Town is the ruins of the ancient settlement of Isla, which was once part of the Roman Empire. Isla is often referred to as the main resting place on the way to Mecca.
Here were found the ruins of a church, mosque, city walls and gates. Archaeological excavations here are still ongoing.

Of particular interest to tourists is the ancient fortress of Mamluk. It was built by the crusaders at the beginning of the 16th century. On the walls of the fortress preserved unique inscriptions from the Middle Ages.

The museum is located near the fortress. Here is a collection of ancient coins, pottery, jewelry and other artifacts found during excavations in the city and its environs.
The museum building in the past was the home of the famous politician Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

This reserve is a place of migration for more than a million birds. It unites feathered three continents (Europe, Africa and Asia).

The city has a Royal Sports Aero Club. This club offers to fly in a balloon or airplane and see all the beauty of the area from a bird's eye view. Also, anyone can jump with a parachute.

Aqaba has many shops with a huge assortment of goods at affordable prices. The whole city can be called a continuous Duty Free zone, since only in this city of Jordan are the rules of duty-free trade. Often people come here specially for shopping from all over the country.

On the South Market, which is located on Ragadan Street, the freshest vegetables, fruits and greens await you. Also here is the largest selection of fragrant spices and oriental sweets. Here you can fully feel the whole local flavor.