Location: Aqaba
Top Things to do in Aqaba
The 10 Best Things to do in Aqaba, Al Aqabah Governorate
Aqaba (English: /ˈækəbə/; Arabic: العقبة) is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative centre of the Aqaba Governorate. The city had a population of 148,398 in 2015 and a land area of 375 square kilometres (144.8 sq mi). Today, Aqaba plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy, through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors. The Port of Aqaba also serves other countries in the region.
Restaurants in Aqaba
1. Wadi Araba Desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 594 reviews
Reviewed By audisales52
The luxury camp was amazing. The inside of the tent was beautiful and luxurious. The food at the dining tent was incredible. The truck ride to the camp scary but exciting. The staff was helpful and very friendly . I would highly recommend it .
2. B12 Beach Club at Ayla Oasis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
B12 Beach Club is Ayla's main beach, a rustic natural destination, which is also a cool and relaxing place to hang out in. Nonmotorized water sports, a secure sea-water lagoon, a wake park and all-day dining, ensuring everyone is entertained at B12.
Reviewed By JordanBackpack - Amman, Jordan
We went to have lunch at B12 and the food was amazing, especially the fish tacos ???? And it was great spending some time trying the waterski and swimming at the beach which was very clean and nice with the soft sand.. Thank you Ayla for a great destination
3. Sharif Hussein Bin Ali
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By ilianafram - Athens, Greece
Calm and spacious. Local people really tolerant and welcoming with tourists who want to take a look inside the mosque. Covering the head is obligatory for women to enter as well as taking off shoes for everyone.
4. South Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
The South Beach is located at a short drive from downtown Aqaba and is well worth the drive. One can clearly see parts of Israel and Egypt behind the Red Sea from the South Beach. The South Beach offers opportunities for snorkeling to see the beautiful coral reefs under the Red Sea. Those who are not into snorkeling can find some glass bottom boats or submarine boat to view the coral reefs. Indeed South Beach is an awesome place to visit.
5. Aqaba Marine Park
6. Berenice Beach Club
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,007 reviews
Berenice Beach Club is a premium tourist destination in Aqaba, right in the heart of Aqaba’s Marine Park; offering guests quality services, an in-house coral reef and fun activities ranging from excursions and water sports to dining and relaxing. With three fresh swimming pools including an infinity pool overlooking the Red Sea, guests can enjoy enchanting views while their children splash away in our conveniently located kids’ pool. If tanning is the main objective, we offer our guests free sun beds along the beach. If not, we have many shaded areas with water mist sprinklers so guests can stay cool. All of our facilities are wheelchair accessible to ensure an enjoyable and convenient experience for all. Several times a day, we offer a free shuttle bus that will chauffeur guests to and from Berenice Beach Club. On a seasonal basis, bus location and schedule available on our website https://www.sindbadjo.com/home/berenice
Reviewed By patriciaaF4137AE - Rotherham, United Kingdom
Visited three times during our week’s stay inbetween sight seeing. We are a family of 5 with three teenage boys and we all loved it. For 10jd each you get entry, towels, sunbeds, music, volleyball/organised activities (yoga, aerobics, darts etc - although didn’t join in). Three swimming pools, pier to jump off and coral reef to snorkel. Don’t do cash inside - lovey reasonably priced restaurant on site (can’t being own food - bags searched on entry) free shuttle bus from Aqaba and back (10am) from the kiosk where the tour buses park up). Staff fab - booked the boat trip (20jd but included club entry one day - glass bottom boat looking at the ship and plane wrecks plus 1 hour snorkelling with kit provided). Showers onsite. Would highly recommend - fab sunset
7. Berenice Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By MarioB821 - London, United Kingdom
Berenice Beach provides a good opportunity to see the Red Sea corals that are close to the beach. You can also swim to the Japanese Gardens that is a few hundred metres out, to snorkel the area. Berenice Beach provides changing rooms, showers, towel, pools and restaurants that are all included in the entry price. Unlike the Dead Sea hotels that provide expensive access to the beach with restricted facilities, access to the Berenice Beach is reasonable.
8. Islamic Ayla City
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By aqabawi - Al Aqabah Governorate, Jordan
Early Islamic Ayla The city of Aqaba is both rich in its heritage and its history. The ancient city prospered under many eras and witnessed many different dynasties. Formerly in biblical times it was known as Elot, and during the Roman and Islamic eras it was referred to as Aela or Aliana, whereas, the Ancient Greeks had named it Berenice. The Mamlukes called the city Aqaba in reference to the mountains located west of the city on the road to Egypt, its name today derived from “Aqaba Ayla”, the word Aqaba is referred to any road or path with high edges and steep slopes, which refers to the narrow passageway leading to Wadi Yitm. The city was rediscovered and excavated in 1989, inscribed in fortified stone walls 165m x 140m, with a thickness of 2.6m. it was surrounded by 24 towers that were positioned around the city in a u-shape. Two main streets ran through the city and met in the middle, dividing it into four sections. Each section had gate, the Northern gate come from Egypt, the Eastern gate was the Damascus gate, Hejaz gate on the south and the western gate led to the sea, making it vital as a trade route and connection between the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Peninsula. After the Muslim conquest in 636 AD. The Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, established the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula within Ayla, and this city was referred to as the Door to Palestine. The city served as a station for pilgrims heading towards the Holy cities and Macca. Its location was crucial for the effective spread of Islam throughout the Arab region, Africa, and Europe. Aqaba would further thrive under the Ummayad Dynasty, the Abbasids, and Fatmids. Ayla prospered during this era. However, several earthquakes and raids caused the city to decline, and it then fell under the crusader`s rule, under the rule of king Baldwin I of Jerusalem, they were able to control the Aqaba Gulf`s coast, in addition to caravan passage from Egypt and Syria. Under the rule of Salah Al-Deen Al Ayoobi, Saladin, the muslins were able to recapture the city. The city was then to be ruled by the Mamlukes, who altered and expanded the City of Ayla. The fortified Ayla was established and built according to Islamic settlement structures called Msir. It was surrounded by four fortified walls, with a 55mx 35m mosque on the North-East section, the sanctuary of two parallel isles directed, to the kiblah, in the center of the South-Eastern wall as a Mihrab, which was also directed towards the Kilbah. In later years, the mosque was expended, and the market was established South-West, overlooking the sea. Under the Ottoman rule, Aqaba was left as a fishing and commerce center. The city would decline until the Great Arab Revolt, where is served as a crucial location for the campaign`s success and the ultimate overthrowing of the empire. Ayla is now home to both international and local investments and projects, and the thriving city is a hub for commercial and marine trade. Furthermore, it is known for its luxurious international hotels, spas and resorts.
9. Aqaba Castle
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By yuliyap303 - St. Petersburg, Russia
The castle is a very interesting place in Aqaba. Very hospitable man in the entrance made a little excursion for us and showed the most beautiful views. This place will be interesting for all people who like history.
10. C-130 Hercules Aircraftwreck
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
