Port Aqaba (Petra)
Aqaba features an attractive layout where the bustling city center (Downtown) seamlessly connects with modern beach resorts. The laid-back lifestyle here revolves around the waterfront promenade and cafes, where locals and tourists sip cardamom coffee and smoke shisha. A walk through the city reveals significant landmarks such as the Aqaba Fortress (Mamluk Castle) and the neighboring archaeological site Ayla, which hides the remains of the very first Islamic city built outside the Arabian Peninsula.
The local lifestyle places a huge emphasis on diving, snorkeling and water sports, as the sea here is home to hundreds of species of corals and colorful marine life. North of the center lies the luxurious residential and yachting district Tala Bay, while in the heart of the city, the markets entice with the scent of fresh spices, nuts, and seafood. Aqaba offers a unique culinary scene focused on traditional dish Sayadieh (spiced rice with fish), perfectly blending Arab hospitality with the laid-back spirit of a seaside resort.
History
The history of Aqaba dates back more than 4,000 years when it was known as Elath, a key trading and metalworking center in the region, through which caravans passed between Asia, Africa, and Europe. In ancient times, the city flourished under Roman rule as a strategic military base and in the 7th century became a crucial port for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. A significant turning point was the year 1917, when during the Arab Revolt, the legendary Lawrence of Arabia, captured the city, marking the end of centuries of Ottoman rule.
In the year 1965 Jordan signed a key agreement with Saudi Arabia, gaining an additional 12 kilometers of valuable coastline, in exchange for inland desert, which allowed for a significant expansion of the port. At the beginning of the 21st century, the city was declared a special economic zone, initiating an era of massive investments in infrastructure and luxury tourism projects. Today, Aqaba is a thriving and modern center that successfully combines its industrial significance with sustainable ecotourism and the protection of the fragile marine ecosystem.
Tips for excursions in Aqaba
The rock city of Petra: A monumental full-day trip to one of the seven new wonders of the world, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour leads through the narrow rock gorge Siq to the stunning and world-famous façade of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), revealing fascinating temples and tombs carved into the pink sandstone rocks by the ancient Nabataeans.
Wadi Rum desert valley: A magical journey into the untamed desert landscape, known for its monolithic rock formations and red sand reminiscent of the surface of Mars. The trip includes an adrenaline ride in 4x4 vehicles, meeting Bedouins, and watching the dramatic sunset over the desert.
The Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib canyon: A full-day adventurous trip heading north to the lowest point on earth. The excursion offers a unique experience of floating in the extremely salty mineral-rich water and the opportunity to explore deep river gorges in the surrounding protected reserves.
