Aqaba, relaxing on the shores of the Red Sea

Aqaba is best known for two things: its seabed and its beaches. The public beaches are magnificent, but less suitable for swimming than the private beaches of the Berenice Beach Club or the Ayla Oasis. But the resort has other assets, starting with its souk, where you can shop for spices and jewellery at bargain prices.

Nearby, the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque stands out for its immaculate whiteness. Aqaba Castle, built in the 16th century, is also well worth a visit, as is the free archaeological museum. Finally, to the north-west of Aqaba, the ruins of the ancient city of Ayla, dating from the 6th century, take visitors on a journey back to Jordan's past.

Aqaba is first and foremost a diving spot, attracting travellers with its sumptuous seabed that is particularly easy to access. The Red Sea is a veritable aquarium. Turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks, rays, moray eels and groupers, clown or parrot fish, corals in countless shapes, an exceptional fauna lives in the Red Sea... a marvellous world accessible to all.

Even right from the beach, beginners will be spoilt for choice with just a mask, flippers and snorkel. Whatever your level and desires, the depths of the Red Sea are full of surprises and sublime spots. Today, however, it is advisable to move away to enjoy the coral reefs in peace and quiet and avoid contributing to their deterioration.

Diving enthusiasts will tell you that the proximity of the big seaside resorts has been denatured and that conditions are poor (too many people, murky water), and it's true. Dive spots located less than an hour's sail from the port of Aqaba include Power Station, First Bay and the Aquarium. Younger visitors will love discovering the seabed in a transparent-bottomed boat.

A fragile ecosystem

At a time when coral reefs around the world are dying a slow death, there is one last haven of peace: the Red Sea. In the Gulf of Aqaba, coral reefs are resisting environmental threats. Scientists even consider that the reefs of the Red Sea are the most resistant corals to climate change, yet they claim that they are still under threat.

Renowned for its marine treasures, the Red Sea's serene waters are welcoming more and more divers from all over the world to discover these preserved jewels. Nevertheless, this boom in tourism could still endanger this already fragile ecosystem.

A stay in Aqaba will delight fans of beaches and relaxation, as well as scuba diving enthusiasts. Don't hesitate to spend a day there during your next holiday in Jordan.

🚗 How do I get to Aqaba?

The city of Aqaba has an international airport, so it's possible to book a flight to Aqaba from France. There are also air links between Amman and Aqaba.

By car, the quickest way is to take Route 15, but you can also take the Route des Rois (Route 35) for some fantastic scenery! You can, of course, opt for a private or shared taxi if you don't have a car.

JETT buses also connect Aqaba with the country's major sites.

📆 When to go to Aqaba?

It's hot all year round in Aqaba! The summer season is particularly arid, with an average temperature of 40°C in August, which is likely to make your stay unpleasant. We recommend the months of March to May or September and October to go on holiday to Aqaba and enjoy the beach.

🍴 Our favourite restaurant in Aqaba

In Aqaba, you will taste very good fish. Here are two good addresses: Burj Al Hamam and Captain's restaurant. Also worth nibbling on are mezzes accompanied by bread, as well as olives. You can also try mutton or chicken with rice or simmered vegetables. At the end of the meal, you can choose between mint tea with sage or thyme, or Turkish coffee with cardamom.