When most travelers think of Jordan, their minds leap to Petra’s rose-red stone, the Wadi Rum desert’s Mars-like vastness, or Amman’s bustling urban sprawl. But venture to the southern tip of the country, and you’ll find a glittering surprise — Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city. Whether you’re chasing coral reefs, Ottoman forts, or the simple joy of a seaside falafel, Aqaba will make you slow down, breathe deeper, and stay longer than you planned.
Where Desert Meets the Sea
After our wonderful stay at Petra we drove out towards Aqaba. The drive was a smooth northbound drive first via the King’s Highway (Highway 35) then the Desert Highway (Highway 15)-the main north-south highway in Jordan and then the westbound Highway 80 to Aqaba. On the way we stopped at a petrol pump for a coffee and snack break. On the opposite side we could see Wadi Rum‘s beckoning mountains. I already missed our mesmerizing few days at Wadi Rum. The weather was good. Though cold, we were still able to enjoy a shining sun.
Highway 80 is a relatively short stretch of road (30 km), but it cuts through rugged desert mountains on both sides. As you descend toward Aqaba, you’ll notice jagged, reddish-brown mountains rising up along the sides, especially near the junction with Highway 15. The closer you get to Aqaba, the more expansive the views become, opening up toward the Gulf of Aqaba. The change in terrain was dramatic. After seeing mountains in various forms all these days it was such a relief witnessing the vast, shimmering sea in front of us.
Aqaba was not really in our plans but seeing predictions of rain in Petra while planning our tour we kept Aqaba as sort of a buffer-to enjoy rains by the sea. But Mother Nature had a different idea and wrecked all our plans by bringing rains one day earlier . So instead of a sunny day at Petra and a rainy evening in Aqaba it was the other way round.
Aqaba lies at the crossroads of four countries — Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — making it a geopolitical oddity and a cultural melting pot. But more than that, Aqaba is a paradise for sun-seekers and underwater adventurers.
The city of Aqaba is located at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea between the continents of Asia and Africa. Due to its location its port has been important for thousands of years
Aqaba had so many change of names from the ancient Eilath, the Latin Aela, the Arabic Ayla, the Greek Berenice, the Roman Haila, the Crusader’s Elyn until becoming Aqaba in the late medieval period. The city was a vital link in the ancient incense trade route. It flourished under the Nabataeans (yes, the Petra people!), and later the Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic caliphates all left their mark.
We soon entered into the city and I fell in love with it immediately. It reminded us so much of the outskirts of Dubai- places like Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah but with more hustle and bustle . There was also such a Mediterranean vibe to the place. And the cold was ten times less. Our hotel was strategically and conveniently located just behind the seaside promenade.
After resting a while from the long drive we headed out to Al Ghandour Beach .It was hardly a two minute walk from our hotel.
The beach promenade which consists of a huge square is popularly known as the Great Arab Revolt Plaza .The Great Arab Revolt flag is hoisted in the middle of the Great Arab Revolt Plaza just in front of the Red Sea. The main historical tourist attractions of Aqaba-The Museum of the Islamic Revolt , Aqaba Fort and Aqaba Archaeological Museum are centered around the Great Arab Revolt Plaza.
The Great Arab Revolt Plaza
The Great Arab Revolt Plaza , a large, circular shaped area with shops and restaurants on both sides, is a superb place to relax and enjoy the views of the middle beach. The importance of the Plaza lies in its historical value. It embraces the flag of the Great Arab Revolt, and the house of the Leader of the Arab Revolution, Al Hussein Bin Ali, now turned into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. It bears a deep significant national symbolism as the first Jordanian land set foot on by the armies of the revolution led by Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali. It is also the site where the first bullet of the Arab Revolt was shot.
The Arab Revolt (1916–1918) was a military uprising of Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It was led primarily by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif of Mecca, with support from Britain and other Allied powers. The goal was to gain independence for Arab lands from Ottoman Turkish rule and create a unified Arab state covering much of the Middle East.
The Arab Revolt Flagpole: Standing at 130 meters, this flagpole is among the tallest in the world and flies the flag of the Great Arab Revolt, commemorating the 1917 victory over the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum housed in the former residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, showcases artifacts from the Islamic site of Ayla, including items from the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid periods.
It was almost evening and the place was buzzing with people-mostly locals- enjoying their time. Some street performers filled the air with music. There were hardly any tourists. It was such a lively walkway by the sea, lined with palm trees and shaded benches, Small cafés and street stalls stood along the path, selling different types of street food. The first thing that hit us was the smell of grilled seafood ,strong Turkish coffee and Shisha.
Four- country view
We went to the seaside to try to see the other three countries beyond the Red Sea. On the opposite side we could clearly see Israel. The promenade gave wide, beautiful views of the Red Sea, with the bright coastline of the city of Eilat, Israel just across the water. Egypt was a little to the left at a distance and Saudi Arabia was on the same side as Jordan ,behind some mountains. A soft sea breeze and the steady sound of waves added a peaceful feeling to the busy walkway.
The sun had not yet set and boats men were offering glass-bottom boat rides to show colorful fish and coral under the clear Red Sea water. These boat trips usually end before sunset. Soon the sun started setting and the horizon was decked with the golden light of the glowing sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen.
Near to the Plaza are the Aqaba Fort and the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque.
Aqaba Fort
Overlooking the sea near the giant Aqaba Flagpole, the Aqaba Fort ,also known as the Mamluk Castle, is a beautifully preserved fortress built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri. It later served as an Ottoman post and played a dramatic role in World War I.
This is the very place where T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) and Arab forces launched a pivotal attack during the Arab Revolt in 1917, capturing the port city from the Ottomans. The fort’s stone walls, rounded towers, and inner courtyard carry the echo of cannons, caravan guards, and revolutionary fervor.
Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque.
This modern mosque honors the great-grandfather of Jordan’s royal family and welcomes visitors to admire its elegant Ottoman-style architecture. The mosque was named after Hussein bin Ali who was the Sharif and Emir of Mecca from 1908 until 1917.
With its pristine white structure, intricate glass windows and soaring minarets, Al Hussein Bin Ali mosque is a beacon of Islamic architecture. It also boasts of the largest dome among Jordan’s’ mosques. It is considered a main mosque for Aqaba’s citizens. Visitors can quietly stroll around the elegant interior.
Ayla Ruins
But not just the promenade , if you wander around the city you will come across the Ayla Ruins . These ruins date back to the 7th century. Just steps from the city center, the Ayla Ruins offer a rare glimpse into one of the earliest Islamic cities built outside the Arabian Peninsula. Founded around 650 AD during the early Islamic period under Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, Ayla once thrived as a bustling port city along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes.
Wandering through the preserved city walls, stone foundations, and early Islamic arches, visitors can envision the life of a community that flourished under the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids The city gate foundations and remnants of its mosque, are believed to be one of the oldest in the region.
The city faced decline due to natural disasters like earthquakes and attacks, leading to its abandonment by the 12th century.
But Aqaba is not just about castles and ruins. You get to see enough of that in Petra ,Jerash ,Amman, Ajloun and Kerak .Rather just chill at Aqaba and enjoy what the Red Sea has to offer.
Red Sea Wonders: Diving and Snorkeling in Aqaba
The underwater world in Aqaba is absolutely magical. The Red Sea is famous for its biodiversity, and Aqaba, in particular, offers pristine coral reefs, minimal currents, and year-round diving conditions. Even better? The reefs are accessible right from the shore. No long boat rides or intense currents. Just walk into the sea with your mask, and bam — you’re in Finding Nemo territory.
There are many diving and snorkeling sites in Aqaba like the Japanese Garden, Cedar Pride Wreck ,Tank Wreck and Gorgonion I and II. The sites are filled with colorful coral gardens, butterflyfish, and lionfish .Some of these have been sunk intentionally for divers. Numerous dive centers line the southern beaches, offering affordable courses, guided dives, and gear rentals.
Too bad the weather was too cold and we had very little time to enjoy all this.
The Beaches and Relaxation
Unlike the crowded beaches of Europe or Southeast Asia, Aqaba’s coast is blissfully laid-back. Public beaches mix with private resort sands, offering something for every kind of traveler. South Beach is where most of the coral action is, as well as a string of small cafés and dive centers. Berenice Beach Club offers private access, pools, loungers, and a restaurant — great for families or those wanting some comfort. Al-Ghandour Beach, where we had stayed , is closer to town, and as I had mentioned before, is popular with locals and full of life, especially in the evenings.
After experiencing a mesmerizing sunset we headed towards the streets in search of food. It was already getting darker and the weather was getting colder by the minute. The warmth of the day was dying. There were innumerous street food joints selling local food like kebabs, shawarmas and falafels and we chose an open one facing the main street ,to enjoy the crowd while eating.
Next morning before heading towards Dead Sea ,our next destination, we went to the Plaza again, this time to enjoy the Red Sea under the serene morning light. This time the place was quieter with very few people and we had the promenade almost to ourselves. The colour of the Red Sea was a brilliant azure and Israel on the other side was clearly visible. There wasn’t much difference between the two sides which seemed like replicas of each other, differentiated only by man made boundaries.
Aqaba’s not -on -your- face charm had slowly unfolded on us .Though not as popular as Petra or Wadi Rum don’t miss the opportunity to experience the slower rhythm of this coastal Jordanian city.
