Jordan is one of the most popular destinations for winter tourists looking for an inexpensive holiday. 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. From the capital of Jordan, Amman, it is separated by three hundred and thirty-five kilometers. Aqaba has a border position on the political map of the world. Nearby is the Israeli resort of Eilat. And through 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 relaxation there, as in the hotels of Egypt with their "all inclusive". Aqaba attracts young and active natures who prefer outdoor activities. Since there are so many attractions around, it is simply a sin to spend all your days on the beach.
How to get to Aqaba
Easiest to reachresort from Eilat (Israel). In order to avoid misunderstandings at the border, it is easier to get from Amman (Jordan). Aqaba is located more than three hundred kilometers south of it. You can overcome 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. Her buses arrive at An Nahda Street. Travel time (regardless of 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-owned company and six by a private one. You can move around Aqaba in a taxi (they are yellow) or minibus minibuses. Stops in the latter - at the request of the passenger, at any place on the route. The fare in a taxi should be negotiated with the driver in advance.
When to go to Aqaba
What is unique about the climate of this seaside resort? The mountains protect it from the north not only from cold winds, but also from the breath of the desert. Therefore, the climate here is not like the dry and full of temperature contrasts that Jordan is famous for. 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 makes it possible for the development of corals. But we'll talk about them later. In the meantime, it should be mentioned that there is no temperature extreme in Aqaba in summer either. The heat beginsstrangle the city only in the afternoon hours. Of course, cores and hypertensive patients should prefer a winter holiday in the resort of Jordan. The peak season is observed 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. Water temperature averages 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 hotels in the resort offer their guests only a continental buffet breakfast included in the price. About where to have lunch, dinner or just a snack - read below. There is no shortage of budget hotels in Aqaba. They do not strike the imagination 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 in other resorts, you will have to pay extra. But there is one caveat that should be considered by summer tourists. The sea in Aqaba is located in the south. Consequently, the sun will shine mercilessly in such expensive rooms all day long, and no air conditioner will save you from the heat.
Jordan, Aqaba: prices
A huge hotel base allows everyone to choose accommodation to their liking. The Kempinski Hotel is probably the most expensive. A night in a standard room at this hotel will cost eleven thousand rubles. On average, the "five" ("Movenpick", "Double Tree by Hilton", "Marina Plaza Tala Bay" and others) offer housing for six to seven thousand rubles a day. An excellent option, where value for money is ideal, these are Aqaba hotels with four stars. These are Days Inn Hotel and Suites (from 4,660 rubles), Golden Tulip (3,700), Yaafko (3,600) and others. You can also stay at the resort in budget hotels, which, of course, are not on the first line from the sea. As an example, you can specify "Masvada Plaza" (2,800 rubles). Aqaba is a city in Jordan declared a duty-free zone. This feature of the resort allows 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, people mostly go to the resort to sunbathe and swim. The beaches of Aqaba are sandy and pebble-stony. The first are located in the northern part of the city, and the second - in the south. The lion's share of the beaches is fully owned by hotels on the first line. There are quite comfortable coasts belonging to the municipality. Entrance is free, and ammunition (umbrellas, deck chairs and deck chairs) 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 beach. If you are not an Islamophobic and you are not disgusted by the society of local residents, you will have a good time on such a beach. If not, for a small fee you will be allowed on the coast, which belongs to a hotel. You won't find anything particularly fancy there. Just in a cafe and a bar on the beach, prices will be much higher. The Red Sea is amazing here. The water is very clear with excellent visibility. The tides are not very pronounced. In the south, coral reefs come close to the shore.
Diving in the Gulf of Aqaba
The resort has six scuba training centers that award BS-AC, SSI or PADI diplomas. In the immediate vicinity of the coast there are about thirty dive sites. And this makes Jordan (Aqaba) attractive for scuba diving enthusiasts.
What is the sea off the coast of the resort? In the period from April to May, when plankton blooms, visibility under water decreases to twelve meters. But if you come to Aqaba during the summer months, then the transparency of the sea reaches 50 m. Many coral reefs in the south of the city come so close to the coast that there is no need to hire a boat. You can admire the beauties of the underwater world lightly - only with a snorkel and a mask. But if you want to get serious about diving, there is nothing better than to come to The Royal Diving Center. This center also has its own sandy beach. Beginners will be introduced to the course 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 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 was included in the Romanempire. In the Middle Ages, the path of pilgrims to Mecca went through it. The Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks all left 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 the hill of Tell al-Khalifa. There you can see artifacts recovered during archaeological excavations. During the Crusades, European knights built a military fort. It was maintained in "working condition" for centuries, and therefore the Mamluk Fortress has survived to this day. There is a historical museum near this citadel.
Interesting places near Aqaba
Lot's cave is located in the vicinity of the resort. According to biblical tradition, it was from here that the righteous man and his daughters watched the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the cave of Lot you can see the Byzantine church, decorated with mosaics and several ancient tombs. Reviews 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, Wadi Rum or to the holy places where Christ revealed himself to the people, last only one light day. The border position of the resort makes it possible to make trips to neighboring countries - to Israel (Eilat, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem), to the island of the Pharaohs (Egypt).
Reviews of tourists about Aqaba
Travellers warn about regional features of the holiday, whichoffers Jordan. Aqaba, reviews of which are always admiring, is designed for tourists who love active pastime. Do not be afraid to have lunch or dinner on the streets of the city. The resort is full of cafes and restaurants, both with local flavor and cuisine, and quite European ones. There is even a real Italian pizzeria and several fast food outlets. Which of the local dishes is on the must-try list (must try)? First of all, traditional falafel, hummus and mansaf. The meal will be served with a flatbread - ragif. Of the amazing Arabic desserts, tourists recommend trying kataef, sesame cookies and pistachio baklava. Coffee with cardamom and delicious ice cream will be a worthy end to the meal. Prices in catering places in Aqaba are close to European ones. Dinner in a restaurant will cost twenty dollars per person, in a cafe - ten. But you can get lunch in fast food for only 3-5 dollars.
