Vacation Packages to Aqaba

Aqaba Information

Aqaba is a port city located at the southern tip of Jordan, on the northern coast of the Red Sea. It is Jordan's only outlet to the sea and is located about 330 kilometers south of the country's capital, Amman.

The city of Aqaba has a population of around 150,000 and is known for its beaches, warm climate, and proximity to some of Jordan's most popular tourist sites, such as Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.

Aqaba is an important commercial and tourist port that connects Jordan with other Red Sea countries. It also has an international airport that receives flights from various cities around the world.

The city offers a wide variety of tourist activities, such as water sports, boating, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. It also has a historic center that includes an archaeological museum and a 14th-century fortress.

Aqaba's Impressive History

The city of Aqaba has a long and rich history dating back more than 4,000 years. It has been an important trading and transit point since ancient times due to its strategic location on the northern shore of the Red Sea, where trade routes between Asia, Europe, and Africa met.

During the period of the Nabataean dynasty, which ran from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD, it was a key port on the spice trade route connecting east and west. The Nabataeans built a network of trade routes in the region that included Aqaba, Petra, and other important trading centers in Arabia, Syria, Egypt, and the Levant.

The city has been ruled by various powers throughout history, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. During the Islamic period, the city became an important port for the pilgrimage to Mecca and was also a trading center for ivory, incense, and other goods.

In the 20th century, Aqaba became part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The city has been the subject of several conflicts in the region, such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the Gulf War in 1990. Despite these conflicts, Aqaba has managed to remain a vibrant city and an important tourism center in Jordan and the region.

Must-see Tourist Attractions

Aqaba is a coastal city full of tourist and cultural attractions, both for those interested in history and for beach and adventure lovers. Some of the most outstanding places of interest are:

Aqaba Castle dates to the 14th century and is an important historical monument in the city. It is a well-preserved example of Islamic architecture and boasts a breathtaking view of the city and the sea.

Aqaba's beaches are beautiful and offer a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and sailing. 

Aqaba Market known as Souk is an ideal place to explore and buy local products such as spices, handicrafts, and jewelry. While the Port of Aqaba is an attraction and is the starting point for many boat excursions, including diving and snorkeling trips.

And although not in Aqaba, the city is a jumping-off point for visiting one of Jordan's most iconic sites, the city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Culture in Aqaba

Gastronomy to Delight your Palate

The cuisine in Aqaba is a blend of Arab, Mediterranean, and Bedouin influences, making it a unique and delicious culinary experience. We recommend some of its most traditional dishes:

Mansaf is one of the most popular dishes in Jordan. It is a rice dish with lamb meat cooked in a sauce of yogurt and spices and is served on large plates.

Moutabel consists of a mild mixture of roasted eggplant, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini, which is served as an appetizer for dipping. Also, falafel is a mixture of ground chickpeas and spices, fried and served on a piece of pita bread with salad and dip.

Kebabs are popular throughout the Middle East and Aqaba is no exception. A wide variety of kebabs can be found, such as lamb, chicken, or beef kebabs, served with salad and bread.

Arayes are bread stuffed with meat, onion, and spices, which are grilled and served with salad. And shish tawook is a dish of marinated chicken skewered on skewers, which is grilled and served with pita bread and salad.

As for desserts, Arabic sweets are very popular in Aqaba. These include the famous baklavas, kataif, and knafeh, made with honey, nuts, and fresh cheese.

Festivals in Aqaba

Aqaba is a lively city that holds several festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most prominent festivals:

The Red Sea Festival takes place in July and August and offers a variety of water activities and sports in the Red Sea, including diving and swimming competitions, water skiing, and sailing.

The Full Moon Festival takes place on South Beach during full moon nights in the summer. Visitors can enjoy live music, moonlit dinners, and a variety of beach activities.

The Aqaba Festival is held in November and features a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, theater and sports activities, and gastronomic events that offer a taste of local culture and cuisine.

The Spring Festival is celebrated in March and April and marks the beginning of spring in Jordan. It offers a variety of activities for the whole family, such as live music, games, and competitions, as well as food and drink stalls with local specialties.

New Year's Festival Although New Year's is celebrated in January, in Aqaba, it is celebrated in December with a large festival on South Beach. It offers a variety of live events, food and drink, and spectacular fireworks display to welcome the New Year.

In addition to these festivals, Aqaba also celebrates Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the two most important festivals in the Muslim calendar, which follow Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca, respectively. During these festivals, the city is filled with music, dance, food, and other cultural events.

Natural Beauties in Aqaba

Aqaba is a coastal city and boasts a variety of natural landscapes that offer spectacular views and unique experiences for visitors. 

Starting with the white sandy beaches and crystal clear, warm waters. Some of the most popular beaches are South Beach, Tala Bay, and Laguna Beach.

About 40 kilometers from Aqaba is the spectacular Wadi Rum desert, which features red dunes, rock formations, and towering cliffs. It is a popular place for hiking, rock climbing, and jeep safaris.

The Sharah Mountain range stretches east of Aqaba and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the desert and the Red Sea. Hiking and rock-climbing excursions are available to explore the mountain trails and canyons.

The Gulf of Aqaba National Park stretches along the coast of Aqaba and offers spectacular views of the mountains and sea, as well as opportunities for hiking, diving, and snorkeling.

The Gulf of Aqaba boasts some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Visitors can scuba dive or snorkel off the coast to explore marine life and see the beautiful corals and tropical fish.

How to Get to Aqaba

There are several ways to get to Aqaba, depending on where you are traveling from. Here are some common options:

You can arrive by plane, the closest international airport to Aqaba is King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba City. You can fly directly to Aqaba from some cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

If you are traveling from Jordan or neighboring countries, Aqaba can be reached by car via the King's Highway, which connects Amman to the city. You can also drive from neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel.

Buses connect Aqaba to other cities in Jordan, including Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Buses are also available to and from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other neighboring countries.

It is also possible to reach Aqaba by ferry from Egypt or Saudi Arabia. Most ferries depart from the port of Nuweiba in Egypt and the port of Duba in Saudi Arabia.

What to See and Do in Aqaba

Aqaba is a popular tourist site for travelers every year, this is due to the natural beauty surrounding the city and the many historical sites that can be visited.

Located near other destinations of interest such as Petra and Wadi Rum, you will find these sites in the different travel packages we offer to Aqaba. 

Are you looking for a city with architectural monuments of great historical significance? Are you interested in visiting the local market and buying handicrafts? Would you dare to be surprised by what its streets have to offer?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we offer you tour packages to the city of Aqaba, which you will be able to adapt to your needs and time.

What are you waiting for to find the trip of your dreams? Find the tour package that best suits you!