Home to an old bazaar filled with handcrafted goods. Within reach are Valley of the Moon, Wadi Mujib canyon, ancient Roman ruins and Petra cave temples and the Dead Sea.
Nestled on the shores of the Red Sea, the port of Aqaba is a jewel in Jordan's crown. Surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, Aqaba is a haven for adventure-seekers and sun-worshippers alike.
From the port, visitors can explore the stunning underwater world of the Red Sea. Snorkel or scuba dive among colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish, or take a glass-bottomed boat tour for a unique perspective on the sea's marine life.
But Aqaba is more than just a beach destination. The city is rich in history and culture, with ancient ruins and landmarks to explore. Visit the Aqaba Fort, built by the Mamluk Sultanate in the 14th century, or explore the ruins of the ancient city of Ayla.
For a taste of modern Jordanian culture, visit the bustling markets and cafes of downtown Aqaba. Sample traditional Arabic cuisine, sip sweet mint tea, and haggle for souvenirs and spices.
And when the day is done, relax in one of Aqaba's luxurious resorts, with amenities like infinity pools, spas, and private beaches. As the sun sets over the Red Sea, sip a cocktail and soak up the magic of this enchanting port.
So come, explore the wonders of Aqaba and the Red Sea. Will you dive into adventure, or relax in the lap of luxury? The choice is yours, in this stunning corner of Jordan.
Long ago, in the ancient city of Ayla (present-day Aqaba), there lived a powerful queen named Alia. Queen Alia was beloved by her people, and they praised her for her wisdom and kindness. But Queen Alia had a secret, a secret that she kept hidden from all but her most trusted advisors.
The queen was a skilled sorceress, with powers that allowed her to control the elements and command the spirits of the land and sea. With her magic, she kept Ayla safe from invaders and ensured that her people prospered.
One day, a great storm swept across the Red Sea, threatening to destroy Ayla and all its inhabitants. Queen Alia knew that she must use her powers to save her city. She called upon the spirits of the sea to calm the waters and protect her people.
The spirits answered her call, and the storm subsided. But in exchange for their aid, the spirits demanded a sacrifice. Queen Alia knew that she must make a great offering to appease the spirits and maintain their favor.
So the queen ordered her finest ship to be prepared, filled with treasures and offerings to the spirits of the sea. She boarded the ship herself, accompanied by her most trusted advisors and guards. And with her magic, she set the ship ablaze, sending it out to sea as a sacrifice to the spirits.
The ship burned brightly in the night, illuminating the waters of the Red Sea. And as it disappeared into the darkness, Queen Alia felt the spirits' approval, knowing that Ayla and its people were safe once more.
Today, visitors to the port of Aqaba can imagine the legend of Queen Alia as they look out upon the Red Sea. The waters may be calm, but the power of the spirits still lingers, protecting the city and its people.
