Jordan is a country with many different facets and offers both unique cultural and natural experiences. The port city of Aqaba, which is located at the southern end of the country, is one of Jordan’s most popular tourist destinations and impresses numerous tourists with its location on the Red Sea and its rich history. In this article, we would like to introduce you to Aqaba as a unique destination and give you tips and recommendations for your visit. Aqaba is a unique destination that delights both nature lovers and history buffs.

Special features and history of Aqaba

Aqaba is a magnificent city that has been an important crossroads between Asia, Europe and Africa for thousands of years. Due to its strategic location on the Red Sea, the city was a very important trading center for goods such as spices, gemstones and frankincense. Today, Aqaba is a modern port and an important tourist center, characterized by its fascinating landscape and its old, historical sites. However, one of the biggest features of Aqaba is the Red Sea. The breathtaking underwater world of the sea offers an incredible variety of corals and fish and attracts numerous divers and snorkelers every year. Another highlight of the city is the impressive mountain range of Wadi Rum, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and invites visitors to unforgettable hikes and jeep tours.

Attractions in Aqaba

The city of Aqaba offers its visitors many sights and historical sites. One of the most significant monuments of the city is the Aqaba Fortress, which was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. The fortress has been expanded and restored over the centuries and now serves as a desirable museum. Another historical structure is the ancient city of Ayla, which was founded in the 7th century and played an important role in trade between the countries of Arabia, Egypt and Syria. The ruins of the city, some of which are still well preserved, can be visited and give unforgettable insights into the life of the inhabitants of this once important city. However, in addition to the numerous historical sites, Aqaba is also home to many modern attractions such as the Aqaba Marine Park, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Red Sea. The park is home to over 85 species of coral and over 1000 different species of fish and other marine life.

Attractions around Aqaba

There are many unique places around Aqaba that are worth a trip. One of the most famous is the ancient city of Petra, which is now considered one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and is one of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions. The city is located about 150 kilometers north of Aqaba and can be easily reached by car or bus.

Another destination is the city of Wadi Musa, which is about 10 kilometers from Petra and is often known as the “Valley of Moses”. Here, visitors can see the ruins of a well-preserved ancient Roman theater, as well as the remains of Nabataean houses and buildings. The city of Ma’an, which is considered the historic center of the Nabataeans, is also definitely worth a visit. It is located about 90 kilometers north of Aqaba and offers a variety of highly interesting archaeological sites and sights.

Another destination is the Dead Sea, which is located about 200 kilometers northwest of Aqaba. The Dead Sea is known for its high salt content, which makes swimming almost impossible, and also for its healing effect on skin and respiratory diseases. Visitors can also visit the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve here, which offers stunning scenery with a variety of plant and animal species.

Tips for your visit to Aqaba

If you visit Aqaba, be sure to visit the local restaurants and try the traditional Jordanian cuisine. Dishes such as mansaf, a lamb dish with yoghurt and rice, and falafel, as well as deep-fried chickpea balls, which are served with salad and tahini, are particularly recommended. For a pleasant time on the beach, you should pay attention to compliance with Islamic dress codes and note that there are certain areas that are only accessible to women. You should also find out about the current security conditions, as Jordan can occasionally be affected by political unrest and instability.

Facts about Aqaba

1. Aqaba is the only Jordanian city that has direct access to the sea.
2. The city has a long history and was settled over 5,500 years ago.
3. Aqaba is an important port and tourism location and has a strategic importance for trade in the region.
4. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, including South Beach and Tala Bay Beach.
5. Aqaba is a popular place for snorkeling and diving, as the Red Sea offers rich marine life with coral reefs and colorful fish.
6. The city also has historical sites, including the Aqaba Fort, which was built in the 14th century and is used as a museum.
7. Aqaba is a major transportation hub in the region and has an international airport.
8. The city has a dry desert climate with high temperatures in summer and mild temperatures in winter.
9. Aqaba has a multicultural population and is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions.
10. The city is also an important border crossing point between Jordan and Israel, making it an important place for trade and tourism between the two countries.

Petra is an ancient city in Jordan known for its unique rock formations and ancient ruins. This historic city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Petra is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and offers a fascinating journey into the past.

The peculiarities of Petra

Petra is a city rich in history and culture. The city was founded by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe, and was an important trading city in ancient times. Petra was later conquered and occupied by the Romans and Byzantines. The heritage of these different civilizations can be seen in the city’s ancient ruins and buildings.

One of the biggest features of Petra is the rock formations, into which many buildings were built directly. The buildings are carved into the stone and have been lavishly decorated. The temples, tombs and amphitheatre are particularly impressive. The most famous attraction in Petra is the “Treasury”, which once served as a burial place and is now considered a symbol of Petra.

Another special feature of Petra is the many hiking trails that lead through the rocky landscape. Some of the trails lead to hidden gems and places that are not as well known as the main sights. Travelers should definitely take the time to explore the lesser-known trails and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Sights in Petra

Petra offers a variety of sights to visit. The most famous attraction is the “Treasury”, which once served as a burial place and is now considered a symbol of Petra. The Treasury is an example of the unique architecture and craftsmanship that can be found in Petra.

Another well-known building is the amphitheater, which is located at the end of the Siq, a narrow passage in the rock formations. The amphitheater was built into the rock and can accommodate 3,000 spectators. Theatre performances and other events were held here in ancient times.

The “Tombs of the Kings” are another famous attraction in Petra. The Royal Tombs are a series of imposing tombs built into the rocks. They were built by the Nabataeans and were later expanded and restored by the Romans and Byzantines.

For the more adventurous, there is also the possibility of climbing the mountain “Al-Khubtha”. From here you have an incredible view of the rocky landscape of
Petra and can enjoy the feeling of freedom and grandeur. However, this hike requires a certain physical fitness and experience in mountaineering.

Petra offers some impressive highlights, including the “Royal Tomb”, which was carved into the rock and is considered one of the most beautiful structures in Petra. It consists of several levels and an impressive façade with columns and reliefs, and fascinates visitors from all over the world with its architectural masterpiece of the Nabataeans. The tomb was restored in the 1990s and is now open to the public.

In addition to the Royal Tomb, there are many other sights to discover in Petra, such as the “Roman Theatre”, which was restored in the 1960s and is now a popular venue for concerts and other events. The theater seats about 3,000 spectators and is an impressive example of Roman architecture in Petra.

Another interesting structure in Petra is the “Qasr al-Bint” temple from the Nabataean period, which was built in the 1st century AD and is dedicated to the gods of the Nabataeans. The temple was restored in the 1950s and is one of the oldest buildings in Petra.

The “Monastery” rock formation is another fascinating sight that can be found at the top of a mountain and can be reached after climbing a staircase of about 800 steps. The monastery is an impressive example of Nabataean architecture and offers a breathtaking view over the rocky landscape of Petra.

The “Museum of Petra” offers a wealth of information about the history and culture of the Nabataeans and is another place to visit. Here you can see artifacts and exhibits from the Nabataean period and learn more about the history of Petra.

Overall, Petra is a fascinating place with a rich history and stunning sights that deserves time and energy to be explored and enjoyed. Whether you choose a guided tour or wander alone through the rocky landscape, Petra will surely provide an unforgettable experience.

Facts about Petra

1. Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.
2. Petra is located in the south of Jordan and is surrounded by mountains and deserts.
3. The city was carved into a red rock and can be accessed from a gorge called Siq.
4. Considered the most recognizable landmark of Petra, the treasury was probably built in the 1st century BC and served as a tomb for a king or nobleman.
5. Petra was an important trading center in ancient times and was located on the trade route between China and Europe.
6. The Nabataeans were known for their ability to collect and store water, and Petra has a sophisticated water system with canals, cisterns, and reservoirs.
7. Petra was an important city until the 6th century AD, but after that it was gradually abandoned and fell into oblivion until it was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century.
8. Petra is now one of the most important tourist attractions in Jordan, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.