One popular destination for winter tourists looking for an inexpensive holiday is Jordan. Aqaba is the country's only seaside resort. The city is famous for its centuries-old history, numerous attractions, unique climate, beaches and coral reefs. What kind of holiday should you expect in Aqaba? You will learn this from our article.
This resort is located in the very north of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea. Three hundred thirty-five kilometers separate it. Aqaba has a border position on the political map of the world. The Israeli resort of Eilat is very close by. And across the waters of the bay you can see the Egyptian Taba. But a holiday in Aqaba is not like a holiday in Israel. There is no seal-like relaxation there, as in hotels in Egypt with their “all inclusive”. Aqaba attracts young and active people who prefer active recreation. Since there are so many attractions around, it’s simply a sin to spend all your days on the beach.
How to get to Aqaba
The easiest way to reach the resort is from Amman (Jordan) to avoid any misunderstandings at the border. Aqaba is located more than three hundred kilometers south of it. You can cover this distance on state-owned JETT buses. They are very comfortable and arrive in Aqaba at the Movenpick Hotel on King Hussein Street. An alternative to the state carrier is the private company Trust International Transport. Its buses arrive at Annahda Street. Travel time (regardless of the carrier) is four hours. From Aqaba you can get to the city of Irbid, as well as to Nuweiba (Egypt). In total, eleven flights depart from Amman to the southern resort: five by a state company and six by a private company. You can get around Aqaba by taxi (they are yellow) or minibuses. Stops at the latter are at the request of the passenger, at any point along the route. The taxi fare should be negotiated with the driver in advance.
When to go to Aqaba
What makes the climate of this seaside resort unique? The mountains protect it from the north not only from cold winds, but also from the desert breeze. Therefore, the climate here is not similar to the arid weather full of temperature contrasts for which Jordan is famous. Aqaba is attractive because you can swim and sunbathe here all year round, even in winter. The water temperature in the bay never drops below +22 degrees, which allows the development of corals. But we'll talk about them later. In the meantime, it should be mentioned that in summer there are no temperature extremes in Aqaba. The heat begins to suffocate the city only in the afternoon hours. Of course, heart patients and hypertensive patients should prefer a winter holiday at a resort in Jordan. The peak season occurs twice a year: in spring and autumn. It is in the off-season that the weather is comfortable in all respects. If you are most attracted to swimming in the Red Sea, then choose autumn for your trip. The average water temperature fluctuates around + 27 degrees.
Where to stay
Aqaba hotels have their own specifics. It is rare to find an all-inclusive program in them. This is not Egypt, but Jordan. Aqaba Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort 5, Intercontinental, Movenpick and other luxury resort hotels offer their guests only a buffet included in the price of their stay. Read below about where to have lunch, dinner or just a snack. There is no shortage of budget hotels in Aqaba. They do not amaze with oriental luxury and stucco in the rooms, but you are guaranteed a clean room and a hearty breakfast. For a sea view here, as at other resorts, you will have to pay extra. But there is one nuance that summer tourists should take into account. The sea in Aqaba is located in the south. Consequently, the sun will shine mercilessly on such expensive rooms all day long, and no air conditioning will save you from the heat.
Jordan, Aqaba: prices
A huge hotel base allows everyone to choose accommodation to suit their taste. The Kempinski Hotel is probably the most expensive. A night in a standard room in this hotel will cost eleven thousand rubles. On average, “five” companies (“Movenpick”, “Double Tree by Hilton”, “Marina Plaza Tala Bay” and others) offer housing for six to seven thousand rubles per day. An excellent option, where the price-quality ratio is ideal, are Aqaba hotels with four stars. These are Days Inn Hotel and Suites (from 4,660 rubles), Golden Tulip (3,700), Jaafko (3,600) and others. At the resort you can also stay in budget hotels, which, of course, are not located on the first line from the sea. As an example, you can indicate “Plaza Maswada” (2,800 rubles). Aqaba is a city in Jordan declared a duty-free zone. This feature of the resort allows you not only to make inexpensive purchases, but also to purchase cheap cigars and alcohol. The choice of these goods in the city is really wide.
Jordan, Aqaba: sea
To be honest, most people go to the resort to sunbathe and swim. The beaches of Aqaba are sandy and pebble-rocky. The former are located in the northern part of the city, and the latter in the southern part. The lion's share of the beaches is fully owned by hotels on the first line. There are quite convenient coastlines owned by the municipality. Entrance there is free, and equipment (umbrellas, sun loungers and sun loungers) can be rented. Aqaba is a city in Jordan where the municipal beaches are well equipped. There is a shower, a toilet, lifeguards are on duty, there is a cafe, sometimes right on the shore. If you are not an Islamophobe and you don’t dislike the company of local residents, you will have a good time on this beach. If not, for a small bribe you will be allowed on the coast owned by a hotel. You won't find anything particularly chic there. It’s just that in cafes and bars on the shore the prices will be much higher. The Red Sea is wonderful here. The water is very clean, with excellent visibility. The tides are not too pronounced. In the south, coral reefs come close to the shore.
Diving in the Gulf of Aqaba
The resort has six scuba diving training centers, and they issue BS-AC, SSI or PADI diplomas. There are about thirty dive sites located in the immediate vicinity of the coast. And this makes Jordan (Aqaba) attractive for lovers of scuba diving.
What kind of sea is off the coast of the resort? During the period from April to May, when plankton blooms, visibility under water decreases to twelve meters. But if you come to Aqaba in the summer months, the transparency of the sea reaches 50 m. Many coral reefs in the south of the city come so close to the shore that there is no need to hire a boat. You can admire it lightly - only with a snorkel and mask. But if you want to get serious about diving, there's nothing better than coming to The Royal Diving Center. This center also has its own sandy beach. Beginners will be brought up to speed at the Sea Star Dive Center. This school is located in the Al-Kazar Hotel.
What to see in Aqaba
Mysterious Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ - all this is the country of Jordan. Aqaba is a young resort. But it developed from a very ancient settlement, which is at least six thousand years old. At first the Edomites and Nabataeans lived there. Then the city became part of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the route of pilgrims to Mecca passed through it. The Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks - all left behind a cultural mark. Here are the ruins of the oldest Christian church in the world. The ancient city stood on a rocky promontory, which is now called Tell al-Khalifa Hill. There you can see artifacts recovered from archaeological excavations. During the Crusades, a military fort was built by European knights. It was maintained in “working condition” for centuries, and therefore the Mamluk Fortress has survived to this day. Next to this citadel there is a historical museum.
In the vicinity of the resort there is Lot's Cave. According to biblical legend, it was from here that the righteous man and his daughters watched the death. In Lot's cave you can see a Byzantine church decorated with mosaics and several ancient tombs. Reviews also recommend visiting Wadi Mujib, a gorge declared a national park. The extreme southern position of the resort will not prevent you from getting to know the country called Jordan. Excursions from Aqaba to Petra ($170 per group), Amman ($50), to hot springs, the Wadi Rum desert or to the holy places where Christ revealed himself to the people last only one daylight hours. The border position of the resort makes possible forays into the near abroad - to Israel (Eilat, Jerusalem), to the island of the Pharaohs (Egypt).
Their coasts are as different as heaven and earth, and the beaches amaze with their natural perfection and are equipped with a variety of infrastructure. Tourists here can swim, sunbathe, improve their health, and also go snorkeling.
When to go to Jordan for a beach holiday?
The country has a continental subtropical climate. Summer here is very hot and dry, with strong winds blowing from the sea, making it easier to endure the scorching sun. The mercury varies from +30 °C to +39 °C, sometimes it rises even higher. The water warms up to +28…+30 °C.
The ideal time for a beach holiday in Jordan is autumn and spring. Winter is more suitable for introductory trips, but even during this period the air temperature does not drop below +23 °C, and the water temperature does not drop below +21 °C.
Holidays at the Dead Sea in Jordan
On the coast, tourists will be offered a rather specific holiday, which should be combined with wellness treatments. The minerals and salts that make up the water have amazing healing properties. They are able to heal wounds, regulate moisture levels in cells, get rid of skin diseases and restore the body as a whole.
You can swim in the Dead Sea almost all year round, and the water in it is a viscous and slightly oily solution. The fumes block dangerous ultraviolet rays, so tourists will not get sunburned here.
Beaches at the Dead Sea in Jordan
The coast here is rocky and has characteristic salt build-ups. Almost all beaches belong to health centers, which are health centers. The establishments will offer guests dietary meals, entertainment events, and beauty treatments. There are licensed clinics specializing in dermatology in 2 hotels.
Each hotel has a private beach, which only guests can visit; no one is allowed here. Here, modern changing rooms, showers and sun loungers are provided for vacationers.
If you find yourself passing through this part of the country and really want to swim, then visit the Amman Tourist Beach. This is not a free beach at the Dead Sea in Jordan, but the price includes a fresh water shower, sun lounger and toilet. It is considered the only place on the coast where tourists who are not staying at a hotel are allowed.
Features of the beaches on the Red Sea in Jordan
There is only one city in the country that has access to the Red Sea - this. It combines a port and a free economic zone. The coastal area occupies about 30 km; restaurants, hotels, diving centers, diving schools, etc. have been built here. Tens of thousands of tourists come here every year, and their number is constantly increasing.
The beaches of Aqaba in Jordan are famous for their developed infrastructure, crystal clear water and unique underwater world: several species of corals and fish are endemic and are not found anywhere else on the planet. All conditions are created here for diving and snorkeling, and visibility varies from 40 to 100 m.
The city has paid and free beaches, as well as closed ones that belong to hotels. For a holiday with children, choose the northern part of Aqaba, where the sandy coast has a gentle entrance to the water. In the south of the village, the coast is more rocky, and coral reefs are quite close and can injure children.
In general, local residents carefully monitor tourists. They warn vacationers to wear rubber slippers on their feet, show descents into the water and track poisonous sea creatures (moray eels, scorpion fish, lionfish, stone fish, etc.). Hotel staff specially covered the coral coast with fine pink gravel so that they would move to the depths.
The best beaches on the Red Sea in Jordan
If the coast belongs to the hotel, then it is always clean and well-groomed. Housing prices here are quite high, but the quality and level of service fully justify their cost. The most famous beaches on the Red Sea in Jordan are:
I remember that I had another similar headline-announcement - “On the beach with Muslims on the day of Friday prayer,” but I decided that I would not multiply the entities unnecessarily and would try to tell in one place both about the shore for our own people and about a compromise - for everyone, and about a racially pure “white” paid. In short, this post is actually about us, about people, although it seems to be - all about the beaches of Jordanian Aqaba.
The same city one, five minutes from the center
Funny is the tourist who has read in guidebooks and the Internet that it is better for him not to appear on the public beach of the only seaside city in Jordan, and at the same time bought a ticket to a city hotel, and not to a tourist reservation. It’s funny because he still can’t help but go there immediately upon arrival, after all, he was flying to the sea! Out of the cold! And where should he go if the plane is in the morning, the sun is hot, palm trees are throwing dates, and the sea sparkles tantalizingly right from the hotel balcony? In general, he can’t help but go, but he’s read guidebooks on the Internet, and therefore his gaze is wary, and his clothes are pulled on more decently)) But he also managed to hear a heartbreaking story about how “oh, we had to call the police , they threw stones at us there.” Okay, I won’t bore you, I’ll tell you right away about these fools and these stones))
Yes, we are there, on this beach, something like an albino gorilla: they glance at us furtively or stare quite openly. We are strange, we behave incomprehensibly. Why, for example, run to the surf and wash yourself with sea water, if this is not ablution before prayer? Why not just climb in there with all your clothes on?
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We arouse curiosity, that's the right word. Not irritation that they invaded someone else's territory, but curiosity. Moreover, among people who are spontaneous, not confused by the conventions of advanced white civilization. Every two minutes you will hear Hello and Hi and see white-toothed smiles. They will ask you for your name and tell you your name in response, which you are unlikely to hear anyway, if it is not Sarah or Ahmed (some sounds in Arabic are unusual to our ears and unrecognizable out of habit).
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But only if you have enough (or rather, not enough) sense to take off your clothes on this beach, well... To attract your attention, a small pebble may fly at you. From teenagers. Do you remember how in childhood the boys also behaved somewhere on a village river? If you don’t like this kind of attention, don’t undress on the beach in the city! This is the territory of the Jordanians (by the way, there are many residents of the capital here, where there is no sea and no habit of seeing bare-bottomed girls and aunts), this is their place of relaxation, quite chaste, but not at all closed to everyone who respects its rules. And for those who don’t respect it, it’s also not closed, they just look like idiots when they call the police to save them from unnecessary attention.
In general, come to the sea, be welcome clients of the numerous boat rides and cafes with fresh juices, but keep in mind that delicately organized creatures will be more comfortable walking along the “promenade” here, rather than sitting on the sand between pubescent boys and large Arab families.
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The antipode of the city - closed paid beach Berenice
This is exactly how most people imagine the right beach. Everything is in place here: there are umbrellas, plenty of sun loungers, a towel will be provided, a swimming pool and a bar are available, it’s clean (almost), a pier with a launch into the water is at your service, snorkeling, diving, there are no locals - paradise? 10 JD (800 rubles from the nose), and the bus will take anyone to this paradise.
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I myself will hardly be willing for the second time. Throw a slipper at me, but I don’t like seeing all elderly European bodies in front of my eyes. Thank you that topless appearances on the beaches of Jordan are prohibited, otherwise then elderly naked tits would be dangling, like on the same Costa Dorado. In short, it was not for nothing that I called this beach the antipode of the city beach, extremes are extremes, and therefore my personal choice is
Free southern beaches
Once upon a time, for their sake, Jordan bargained for a 16-kilometer coastal strip from Saudi Arabia and built an elite residential and hotel neighborhood there, Tala Bay...
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And everything between it and the port of Aqaba was turned into a slightly cultivated beach area.
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Keep in mind that the daily free shuttle promised by Pegasus to the “comfortable beach” will bring you here from this year, and not to the same Tala Bay, as they say, once upon a time. Towels and umbrellas for free are another Pegasus lie; in fact, you will lie here on your own towel for many hours between free bus trips if you choose this particular way to get to the “sea in a swimsuit.” But if you have a “lured” taxi... If you have one, then you can see these beaches so different!
Endless and empty from edge to edge - from Sunday to Thursday.
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These days you may find yourself completely alone here. Well, unless someone probably lives in such a hut, but no one forces you to be located next to it, the rest of the beach is yours!
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I can just hear someone’s voice behind the scenes saying, “Oh, well, it’s scary, what if someone…” The scary one will attack, or what?)) He won’t attack. And he won't steal. Someday we'll talk about this, but not now. Now I will say this: if you are afraid of the freedom of solitude, settle closer to police points, diving schools, piers, there is always someone there. Or come here on Friday-Saturday))
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There are plenty of women driving. And there is a rule: after 20:00 the police have no right to stop a car with a woman behind the wheel, and if they try, the attempt can be ignored with impunity.
That's when life is in full swing here! That’s when cars, minivans, jeeps, minivans come here and drive, in which people fit, like in a good Icarus)) That’s when it’s not scary, not boring, although very unusual. Friday and Saturday weekends on these beaches, and especially a couple of hours after Friday prayers, are the ideal place and time to watch the Jordanians, chat with them and not fool yourself that you are in a swimsuit, and they are in hijabs and robes to the toes.
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Not all of them, of course, are one hundred percent tolerant of girls in bikinis, but everyone knows that this beach is a public one, and beach sheriffs in jeeps constantly cruising along it are a silent reminder of this. I do not like? You are tormented by jealousy for your husband, who is looking sideways at this bikini - the Aqaba beach will help you. I don’t like hookahs around, soccer balls, the general desire of children (and not only) to say hello to you and ask how you are? Come to the branch of the Euronursing Home in Berenice! Friendly, self-sufficient, not burdened with tactless cockroaches in your head? You'll get sun, sand, sea, smiles, a discount on a glass-bottom barbecue, beach soccer...
Or maybe an invitation and acquaintance with one of these huge families. Maybe you will try to remember a dozen children's and adult names, be touched by a baby, which in general is not customary to show to strangers here, then they will treat you to food from their table, they will bring you a drink, check if everything is okay with you, wait, when you are bathed and dry, to invite you to your pillows and rugs. And then one of you will crack tasteless Jordanian seeds (now I know how to surprise them))) in the company of a bunch of women in black and colored, and the second will talk about something important and masculine in the “men's half”. And, perhaps, even if you exchange gifts at the end, it will mean nothing except confirmation of phrases from guidebooks about the curiosity and hospitality of the people of this small but such an interesting country.
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How are women's clothes dried? There is no photo, take my word for it: sometimes right while the car is moving, when a hand sticking out the window with a wet dress serves as a hanger)))
Private and public beaches of Aqaba
Private and public beaches of Aqaba, Jordan
All of Aqaba's beaches are nearby and Arab Divers is happy to offer free transport to our dive and snorkel sites during the day starting at 9am.
City Beach
Of course, this is not the best beach in Aqaba, but it is a convenient option if you are staying in the city center or in one of the hotels nearby. For a better, more enjoyable day at the beach, we recommend you look a little further south, away from the heavy ship traffic that exists here due to City Beach's proximity to the port of Aqaba. There are no snorkeling or diving sites worth mentioning here. Although, since this beach is often packed with people, it makes it a great place to watch the people and local culture.
South Beach of Aqaba
South Beach is a 12km long series of beaches and shallow bays covered with colorful coral reefs. Some of Aqaba's best snorkeling and diving sites start just meters from the shore!
Most of South Beach's playgrounds are wide and flat, with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the sunny day; oh, and be sure to stay until the evening to enjoy a truly spectacular sunset. This is the real Red Sea in Aqaba, the same one you read about in guidebooks: quiet, calm and stunningly beautiful.
The Gulf of Aqaba is sheltered from strong waves, which means that the sand here is not as fine as in other, less calm regions. It has gravel and pebbles, so for your comfort and safety we recommend wearing diving shoes or any other waterproof footwear.
Inexpensive transportation to and from South Beach is available 24 hours a day. And when ordering diving and snorkeling, transport to the points is free. It departs from the city center of Aqaba and returns there according to the schedule.
Marine Park, Visitor Center (Public Beach) Al-Yamania Beach
Fringing the coast just in front of Arab Divers, just 800 meters away, this is the only public beach among all points of Aqaba South Beach. Marine Park Beach is 7 kilometers long and offers access to 11 unique dive sites. You'll also find plenty of other things to do here, including a Visitor Center that kids will love, where they can get up close and personal with some of Aqaba's underwater life. There are toilets and showers on site (JD 0.50), as well as a small market with a restaurant serving fresh, delicious local cuisine.
This beautiful beach can be slightly crowded during holidays and weekends in high season. Do you need more privacy? Several private beaches just down the coast offer a calm and relaxed atmosphere all year round.
Berenice Beach Club
Entrance fee: JD 15
(Arab Divers guests receive a 33% discount, up to JD 10)
Just 1 kilometer, 5 minutes by Arab Divers transport, you will find the Berenice Beach Club. Large swimming pools for adults and children (towels included in the entry fee), as well as boutiques, shops and a popular restaurant with a full bar, make this beachfront club a great place to spend the day with the whole family.
An ideal snorkeling spot is 650 meters from the beach, and a great dive site, Black Rock, is right offshore
Tala Bay Beach Club
Entrance fee: JD 20
This beach is part of Tala Bay, a combined residential and tourist resort located just 1km south of Arab Divers. An admission ticket gives you all-day access to high-quality facilities including swimming pools, one of which is heated, a children's pool (towels included), pool and beach lounge areas with sun loungers and parasols, a bar, and an excellent clubhouse restaurant.
This isn't Aqaba's top diving or snorkeling spot, but if you just want to laze on the beach all day, it's your best bet.
Royal Diving Beach Club
Entrance fee: JD 10
Aqaba's southernmost private beach, about 2 kilometers from Arab Divers, is perhaps one of the most beautiful places. The wide, clear beach offers slightly deeper water for swimmers and pristine coral reefs (Coral Garden) easily accessible to snorkelers and divers. You will find here deep and shallow pools, toilets and showers, a small bar and a restaurant. The area is currently undergoing renovations, but the beautiful photographs you will take of the surrounding nature will make up for this deficiency.
This young resort on the Red Sea coast is located in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba, 335 km from Amman. There are crystal clear waters and good conditions for recreation. Thanks to the mountains, Aqaba has a special microclimate: you can swim all year round; in the winter months the water temperature does not drop below +22 °C, but in the summer the real heat comes only in the afternoon.
For temperature-sensitive tourists, it is better to come to Aqaba in autumn, winter or spring: summer can be too hot.
How to get there
From Aqaba you can easily get to Amman by comfortable JETT or private Trust buses. Both companies have stops in front of their offices. JETT - on King Hussein St, just behind the Movenpick Hotel, 10 minutes walk from the center. The company operates flights to Amman 5 times a day (travel time - 4 hours). Trust International Transport is located on Just off An-Nahda St. From there there are 6 flights to Amman (the journey takes 4 hours): the first at 7:30 and the last at 18:00. There are also buses to Irbid (travel time - 5.5 hours) and twice a day to Egyptian Nuweiba.
- Do you need a Jordan visa to travel around the country when entering through Aqaba?
- Do I need to get a visa to Jordan when flying to Aqaba via Amman?
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Transport
Hundreds of yellow private taxis ply the streets picking up tourists and locals; they are all practically the same, except that some cars are equipped with air conditioning. It is better to agree on the fare in advance, before boarding.
Minibuses connect residential areas of Aqaba with the city center. Passengers can board and disembark anywhere along the route, with stops in Aqaba available upon request. The central station is located opposite the police office on King Talal st, less than 10 minutes walk from the center (Ayla square, Al-Hussein Bin Ali Mosque).
Maps of Aqaba
Weather forecast
Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water
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Cuisine and restaurants
The Italian restaurant Casalingo at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay (South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area; opening hours: 18:30 to 23:30) has a modern Mediterranean design and features a wood-fired pizza oven. Casalingo offers traditional Italian dishes, seasonal dishes, excellent pizza and a fine selection of wines. The dishes are prepared by an Italian chef. Visitors can eat on the terrace or in the air-conditioned room.
The Red Sea Grill at Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba (not to be confused with the first one, located on King Hussein St, P; opening hours: 19:00 to midnight) is open only during the summer and serves fresh seafood. For example, grilled fish and shellfish combined with Afro-Arab cuisine. Add to this a wonderful view of the Gulf of Aqaba from the restaurant terrace.
In the city center you can find take-out food - hummus, falafel, shawarma.
Alerzal or Al-Erzal (Aqaba Gate complex) is a Lebanese restaurant where you can taste national cuisine and Mezza combined with seafood and grilled meat. This is the best Lebanese restaurant in Aqaba, which has two rooms - on the water and on land. The specially equipped Harmattan Boat offers a sophisticated lunch or dinner cruise around the bay, where you can see the beautiful coral of the Red Sea (with a dive instructor on board).
One of the city's most famous restaurants is located at The Royal Yacht Club. Here you can find seafood cuisine at prices comparable to Western ones. Service is fast. Open - for dinner only.
Not far from the Yacht Club, behind McDonald's, there is an excellent 35 Degrees East (longitude of Aqaba), which opens only after noon. European food is prepared very well here, including steaks and seafood. Prices are European, higher than in other restaurants in Jordan. Also notable is the Syrian Palace restaurant (Raghadan Street, Hayl al madina, on the right side of the Al Shuala Hotel).
Aqaba is a duty-free zone and is partially isolated from the rest of Muslim Jordan. Many shops offer a wide selection of inexpensive alcohol and cigars.
Beaches of Aqaba
Most of the beaches belong to hotels, the rest are publicly accessible, and mostly locals relax on them. In the northern part of the city the beaches are sandy, closer to the south they are rocky, with coral reefs close to the shore.
Aqaba Hotels
The most luxurious hotels in Aqaba, with an international audience and cuisine, are Movenpick Resort and Intercontinental. But the resort also has a lot of budget hotels - without much chic or glitz, but a clean room and a hearty breakfast are guaranteed.
A little advice that applies to all hotels in Aqaba: rooms overlooking the sea, of course, look more prestigious than those overlooking the streets, but since the sea is located in the south, the constant sun in a “sea” room can be very hot.
The Tala Bay luxury complex has opened 9 km from Aqaba with its own 2 km long beach, private estates, infrastructure and hotels. One of them is already operating - Radisson SAS Tala Bay.
Diving in Aqaba
There are 6 scuba diving centers in Aqaba offering training according to the standards of the PADI, SSI or BS-AC associations. Underwater visibility averages 35-40 m. During plankton blooms (April-May), visibility can decrease to 10-15 m, but at the height of summer it reaches 50 m or even more.
The most popular diving center, The Royal Diving Center, located 15 km south of the city, has its own sandy beach with one of the most interesting dive sites. The Al Kazar Hotel's Sea Star Dive Center offers beginner training and night dives upon request. Al Morjan Club has showers, a snack bar, equipment rental and a swimming pool; You can get there by taxi or free bus from the diving center at the Al Kazar Hotel.
In total, the resort has about 30 noteworthy dive sites, which are easily reached by boat. Many reefs are very close to the shore, so you can enjoy the underwater world there lightly, armed with just a mask and snorkel. Even beginners can find an interesting and easy dive there.
Guides in Aqaba
Entertainment and attractions of Aqaba
The fortress near the embankment in the city center, the archaeological excavations on the Tell al-Khalifa hill, the Aqaba Research Station Aquarium, the Museum of Antiquities adjacent to the fort, as well as the museum in the house of Hussein Ben Ali, the great-grandfather of King Hussein.
