al-'Aqaba (الْعَقَبَة, Aqaba)

al-'Aqaba (الْعَقَبَة, Aqaba)


The commercial seaport of Aqaba is the only coastal outlet to the Hashimate Kingdom of Jordan. In ancient times, Aqaba was known as Elath (Ailath, or Aela) and it was a regional center of copper-mining. Around 650, the region was conquered by the Islamics and the city was renamed Ayla. It got its current name of Aqaba during Medieval times.

Aqaba is Strategically located at the northern end of the Red Sea and its crystal clear waters. the city is a refreshing release from the rest of Jordan, which is mostly very hot.

Most residential buildings in Aqaba are 4 storeys high, while their façades are usually sandstone or limestone. There have never been many high-rise buildings in Aqaba.

Points of interest
  • There are several beautiful, sandy beaches in Aqaba, as well as some of the most pristine coral reefs on the Red Sea.
  • The remains of the world's oldest known church have been excavated just behind the Alcazar Hotel.
  • The Aqaba Flagpole is a huge flagpole that carries the flag of the Arab revolt against the Ottomans, which lasted from 10 June 1916 to 25 October 1918 and ended with the Independence of the historical Hejaz region.
  • Qal'at al-'Aqaba (قلعة العقبة, Aqaba Fort) is also known as the Mamluk Castle of Aqaba. During Mamluk and Ottoman times, it was a fortified caravanserai for pilgrims arriving by ship on their way to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The current fortress dates from the 16th century, but fortified constructions stood there even before that. The fort is located next to the Aqaba Archaeological Museum and the Aqaba Flagpole.
  • The Matḥaf ʾĀthār al-ʿAqaba (متحف آثار العقبة, Aqaba Archaeological Museum) is located in the historic part of Aqaba, adjacent to the Aqaba Fort and not far from the Aqaba Flagpole. It has a collection of Bronze Age artefacts, most of which were found at the nearby archaeological site of Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan. The oldest of the items date back to 4000 BC. The museum is housed in the former palace of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali. The museum was founded in 1989.
  • The Palace of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali was constructed in 1917. Sharif Hussein Bin Ali was the founder of the Hashemite dynasty. The palace is located adjacent to the Aqaba Fort and not far from the Aqaba Flagpole. It currently houses the Aqaba Archaeological Museum.
  • Aqaba was originally known as Ayla. The ancient city is now an archaeological site and can be visited.
  • More excavations can be seen at the Tall Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan archaeological site.
  • A Roman milestone can be seen adjacent to some houses. It marked the starting point of the Via Nova Traiana.
  • A popular venue is the Turkish Bath, or Hamam, which was built in 306.
  • There are numerous scenic mosques in Aqaba.
Life in Aqaba moves at a slow pace, making the city a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a tranquil holiday. All sorts of water related activities are available in Aqaba, such as scuba diving, water-skiing, swimming, windsurfing, canoeing and jetskiing.

Trips on camelback into the desert and excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Amman, can also be organized in town.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Aqaba, as well as a lively night-scene. The city sits on the Gulf of Aqaba, in the south of Jordan and 285 km south from Amman.

eSky INT

Hotels in al-'Aqaba

Images


We maintain our database as accurate as possible, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of this information. Please notify us if information on this page is outdated, incorrect or if you think something should be amended. Additional images for this destination can be emailed to photo@Gheos.com. We are not responsible for any damage, injury or inconvenience resulting from information published on this site. Before travelling to any destination you should verify critical information such as visa requirements, health and safety with the authoroties. This page was last updated on 30 May 2026


You found a piece of the puzzle

Please click here to complete it
Volotea Air