Plizio Visual Lab
Aqaba
ℹ️Practical info — Aqaba
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Dress modestly when away from the private resort beaches out of respect for local culture.
- Taxis are plentiful, but always agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- The public beaches get very busy on Fridays and Saturdays (the local weekend).
- Buy a Jordan Pass if you plan to visit Petra and Wadi Rum, as it waives the visa fee.
🍽 Food
The signature dish of Aqaba, available at most seafood restaurants near the port.
Grab a cheap and delicious meal at local eateries in the downtown area.
Find this sweet cheese pastry at bakeries on the main commercial streets.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
An evening market offering local handicrafts and souvenirs (often on Fridays).
Buy fresh spices, nuts, and traditional Jordanian coffee.
A modern, upscale area that has a quieter stroll compared to downtown.
The courtyard provides a peaceful atmosphere outside of prayer times.
Water temperature…
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, situated at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea on the Gulf of Aqaba. It serves as the country's primary maritime gateway and is a vital economic hub, especially since being designated as the Aqaba Special Economic Zone in 2001. The city has a rich history dating back to at least 4000 BC, with the ruins of the medieval Islamic city of Ayla, founded around 650 AD, still visible today. Aqaba is world-renowned for its diverse marine life and extensive coral reefs, making it a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The city's landscape is dominated by the Aqaba Flagpole, which stands 132 meters tall and was once the tallest free-standing flagpole in the world. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe has made it a focal point for trade and tourism for millennia. Additionally, the Aqaba Castle, originally built by the Mamluks in the 16th century, stands as a testament to the city's military significance.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Aqaba Church · Rose City Saraya Waterpark · Prince Haya Park
- Population: ~95.048 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
Geography
Facts
- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) was established in 2001 to promote investment.
- The Aqaba Flagpole, erected in 2004, stands at 132 meters and carries the flag of the Great Arab Revolt.
- Ayla, the first Islamic city founded outside the Arabian Peninsula, dates back to around 650 AD.
- The Gulf of Aqaba reaches depths of over 1,800 meters and hosts more than 500 species of coral.
- The 16th-century Aqaba Castle was a key site during the Great Arab Revolt, captured in 1917.
- Aqaba is the only port in Jordan, handling the majority of the country's international maritime trade.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Aqaba (6)
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Aqaba?
Are there public beaches?
What is a local specialty?
Is Aqaba expensive?
Aqaba: where is it located?
Aqaba: what is there to see?
Aqaba: when is the best time to visit?
Aqaba: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
Nature
More places
