Typical Aqaba buildings on the foreground. the Gulf of Aqaba and mountains on the background
WALK INTO A DESERT OASIS

Cruisereise til Aqaba, Jordan

A small town nestled on the Red Sea, Aqaba blends relaxation and historic allure. Stroll along the Corniche, the esplanade that parallels King Hussein Street, to take in views of the Red Sea coastline's bright waters. Cruise to Jordan and make your way to the black-, green- and white-striped flag of the Arab Revolt perched atop Aqaba Flagpole, the sixth-largest free-standing flagpole in the world, reaching 130 meters into the air. Don't miss the sandy-hued Mamluk Castle, also called Aqaba Fortress, where the epic 1916 battle featured in the classic film "Lawrence of Arabia" took place. Then, head to Al-Ghandour Beach, where you can wade in the Red Sea's warm waters or snorkel among its colorful reefs.
Nasjonalt språk Arabic
Valuta som godtas Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Things To Do in Aqaba

Underwater anemone at Aqaba Marine Park

Underwater Adventures

Underwater anemone at Aqaba Marine Park

Underwater anemone at Aqaba Marine Park

Underwater Adventures

Explore the world under the sea at the Aqaba Marine Park. Instead of snorkeling or diving, you can also take a trip on the Red Sea in a glass-bottomed boat. Or visit the Aqaba Aquarium, where you'll be introduced to the wide variety of colorful local fish and corals.

Beach on the shore of the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan
Beach on the shore of the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan

Red Sea Relaxation

Head to Berenice Beach Club, where you wade in the clear waters of the Red Sea or relax in a sunbed. Or opt for the free beach at Al-Hafayer, or Palm Beach: Stroll along the tree-lined boulevard that runs along the shoreline, or join in the local tradition of beach time with tea or coffee.

Falafel wrap is the local cuisine in Aqaba, Jordan
Falafel wrap is the local cuisine in Aqaba, Jordan

Local Cuisine

While you're here, be sure to sample Aqaba's signature dish sayadieh, a delicately spiced fish, served with rice with onion and tahini sauce. Cruise to Aqaba to try falafel in its place of origin — some say Jordan is the best spot in the world for savoring these fried chickpea fritters, spiced with cumin and garlic and brightened up with parsley. Finish with tea flavored with sage or mint, or opt for Turkish coffee, a slightly sweeter alternative to espresso.

Bottles made of shape with shapes of deserts and camels while shopping in Aqaba, Jordan
Bottles made of shape with shapes of deserts and camels while shopping in Aqaba, Jordan

Shopping

Some of the best shopping in Aqaba is in the souq, the market in the older part of town. Head here for Dead Sea products, handmade clothing, jewelry, carpets, pottery, glassware, nuts and spices — pick up a glass bottle filled with designs made in sand, a signature Jordanian trinket. Aqaba's special economic status also makes it a good place to pick up duty-free goods during your Jordan cruise.

Innsidetips
Innsidetips
1 There are dozens of banks and ATMs around the city where you can get Jordanian Dinar (JD).
2 Green, unmetered taxis cruise the streets. A ride within town usually cost no more than two JD.
3 On the public beaches, local women usually remain fully clothed. You can use a hotel's private beach for a fee.

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