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Aqaba: Travel Guide

Aqaba: Dive into the pearl of the Red Sea

 
 

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General information

Aqaba is a port city on Jordan's southern Red Sea coast. Known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Aqaba is a popular seaside destination for travelers seeking relaxation, water sports and underwater discoveries.

POPULATION

Aqaba has a dynamic and welcoming population, mostly of Jordanian origin.

CLIMATE

Aqaba enjoys a warm desert climate with pleasant temperatures all year round. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, while winters are mild and slightly cooler, with average temperatures around 20°C.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic.

A bit of history

Aqaba has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years. This port city has witnessed the influence of different civilizations over the centuries.

From the Egyptians to the Nabataeans, from the Romans to the Ottomans, Aqaba has been an important commercial crossroads along ancient trade routes, notably the Incense Route. It played a vital role in transporting goods between Asia, Africa and Europe.

Throughout its history, Aqaba has been the scene of battles, conquests and changes in power.

It was controlled by the Nabataeans, Romans, Mamluks and Ottomans, before becoming part of modern Jordan.

Aqaba also played a key role in the Arab revolt during the First World War. The famous Arab leader, Lawrence of Arabia, used Aqaba as a base to launch a surprise attack against Ottoman forces, paving the way for the liberation of the region.

Today, Aqaba is a popular tourist destination, attracting travellers from all over the world. It preserves historic relics such as Aqaba Castle, testimony to its fascinating past.

Aqaba Wadi rum

What to visit in Aqaba

Discover the wonders of Aqaba and let yourself be seduced by its many attractions. Whether you're a diving enthusiast, a beach lounger or a history buff, the city offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes.

Aqaba Castle

The Aqaba Marine Park

The Aqaba Archaeological Museum

Aqaba's beaches

When to visit Aqaba

The best time to visit Aqaba is generally from March to May and from September to November. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, with sunny days and air and water temperatures perfect for swimming and diving.

Things to do around Aqaba

In addition to the wonders of Aqaba, the surrounding area also offers exciting attractions to discover. Here are some suggestions for activities to do around this captivating destination:

WADI RUM

Ajloun nature reserve

the Dead Sea

The Nabataean city of Petra

Our Aqaba accommodation selection

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Our selection of Restaurants in Aqaba

Discover authentic and delicious Jordanian cuisine during your stay in Aqaba. Here is our selection of restaurants where you can taste traditional dishes and local specialties.

Al Shami Restaurant

khubza & seneya

Events not to be missed in Aqaba

Soak up Aqaba's festive atmosphere by taking part in its unique cultural events and festivities throughout the year.

Aqaba Red Sea Festival

The Red Sea Festival

This annual event celebrates the beauty of the Red Sea with dance performances, traditional music, diving competitions and art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, cultural performances and local specialties. 

Aqaba Carnival

Aqaba Carnival

The Aqaba Carnival is a lively event that takes place over several days. It features colorful parades, street shows, artistic performances and concerts. The city's streets are filled with music, dance and dazzling costumes.

Transportation in Aqaba

Car rental

Car rental is a practical option for those wishing to explore Aqaba and the surrounding area independently. A number of car rental agencies are available there and in neighbouring towns.

Bus

Public buses connect Aqaba with other towns and villages in the region. They are an economical option for longer-distance travel. Timetables may vary, so it is advisable to check in advance.

By foot

Walking is a great way to explore downtown Aqaba, especially for restaurants, stores and beaches, and to discover the local life of the city. 

Cab

Cabs are a convenient and common way to get around Aqaba. Shared cabs, also known as "servees", are a cheaper option for journeys shared with other passengers.

The cost of living in Aqaba

0
Average salary in Aqaba
The cost of living is very affordable. 35%

The cost of living in Aqaba offers a favorable balance between affordability and quality. making it an affordable destination for travelers. Here are some examples of common costs in Jerash:

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Aqaba vary in price, typically ranging from €31 to €71 per night depending on the level of comfort and amenities offered,You can find luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, hostels and campsites.

Food

Restaurants in Aqaba offer a variety of dishes from Jordanian specialties to international cuisines. Meal prices vary according to the type of establishment and the level of service, but the average price is around €7.

Transportation

Transport fares in Aqaba are generally affordable. Cabs are fairly cheap, but be sure to agree the fare in advance or use the meter. Public bus fares are also economical.

Activities

Entertainment in Aqaba can vary in cost. Diving and snorkeling fees may be higher if you opt for organized excursions. Some tourist attractions, such as guided tours of Aqaba Castle, may incur entrance fees.

Must-do activities in Aqaba

Practical information

Aqaba is a relatively safe city for travelers, but it is always important to take certain precautions... In addition, it is advisable to keep abreast of the latest updates on the city's security situation by consulting the local and international media.

TRAVEL INSURANCE TO Aqaba

Travel insurance is particularly important if you plan to travel to Aqaba, Jordan.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

When traveling to Aqaba, it's important to take into account bank charges so as to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way, and the one we recommend, is to open a bank account. Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

 The Aqaba Fort, dating from the 16th century, and the statue of King Abdallah, symbol of the city, are emblematic monuments to discover.

The best time to visit Aqaba is from March to May and from September to November, when the climate is pleasant and ideal for enjoying the beaches.

Means of transport in Aqaba include local cabs for getting around town, public buses for longer journeys to other destinations in Jordan, as well as car rental for more autonomy when exploring.

 Try Sayadiyah, a fish and rice dish, and Fish Mansaf, a delicious local specialty.

The Aqaba Archaeological Museum and the Marine History Museum are two must-sees for learning more about the region.

For most attractions in Aqaba, you can buy your tickets on the spot. However, for some special events, it may be advisable to book in advance.

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