Aqaba

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Jordan

$24.99

Shop Book

Aqaba, Jordan - February 27, 2017: Different Images of the Ship wreck 'Cedar Pride' located at the southern beach of Aqaba, Jordan. Images were captured in different dives and times.; Shutterstock ID 631401305; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Jordan Online Update

Shutterstock / Ehab Othman

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Aqaba

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Aqaba carries the relaxed small-town atmosphere of a popular local getaway. The town offers a sociable stopover en route to the diving and snorkelling clubs to the south and the big destinations of Wadi Rum and Petra. It’s also an obvious place to break a journey to or from Israel and the Palestinian Territories or Egypt.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Aqaba Fort

Aqaba

The fort (currently closed for renovation with no set reopening date) was built between 1510 and 1517, as attested by the Arabic inscriptions inside the…

Aqaba Bird Observatory

Aqaba

Run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this bird sanctuary is an artificially created wetland that's become host to a variety of species…

Aqaba Museum

Aqaba

The museum, closed in 2017 for renovation of the Aqaba Fort complex, was previously the home of the great-great-grandfather of the present king, Abdullah…

Ancient Church at Ayla

Aqaba

To the untrained eye, these ruins look unprepossessing to say the least, but archaeologists maintain that the remains of this ancient mud-brick complex…

Ayla

Aqaba

Located along the Corniche and incongruously squeezed between the marina and the Mövenpick Resort Hotel, Ayla is the site of the ancient port of Aqaba…

Aqaba Aquarium

Aqaba

This aquarium is part of the Aqaba Marine Science Station, although its location in the shadow of the ferry terminal doesn't make you feel particularly…

Arab Revolt Flagpole

Aqaba

Standing a massive 137m high and with a flag measuring 20m by 40m, this is Aqaba's most easily spotted landmark by some degree. Look closer, however, and…

Aqaba Heritage Museum

Aqaba

This free museum, in the shadow of the giant flagpole, is moderately diverting. There are some fascinating period photos of Aqaba, including at the time…

View more attractions

Plan with a local