Aqaba, Jordan: where it is, when to go and what to see

Aqaba is a charming town in Jordan with extraordinary archaeological sites, excellent hotels and superb tourist facilities. Of course, this town's most valuable asset is the Red Sea, an ideal place to experience the sea, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Moreover, its climate is perfect all year round, mild in winter, when temperatures do not fall below twenty degrees, and dry hot in summer, cooled by the sea breeze.

Here is a guide to Aqaba, Jordan: where it is, when to go and what to see!

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: 188,160

• Language: Arabic and English in tourist spots

• Local currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) / €1.00 = 0.95 JOD

• Climate: mild and temperate; dry and sunny winters with temperatures that never drop below 20° and hot but not torrid summers because they are mitigated by sea winds; there is a slight temperature range between day and night, especially in winter

• Time zone: +1h from Italy

• Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of 6 months; if you land at Aqaba airport the visa is free of charge and it is possible to leave the Aqaba area (to visit Petra or other places) only for 48 hours; the same facilitation is also extended to those who arrive at Amman international airport and declare to the immigration office that they intend to go to Aqaba within 48 hours; in this case, upon arrival at one of the Aqaba check points, a form must be filled in; otherwise, upon departure from Jordan, payment of the entry visa will be required

• Security info: relatively safe location, however before leaving we recommend that you consult the official Farnesina website in the Jordan section

• Nearest airports:King Hussein Airport is 10 kilometres away but there are no buses connecting to the city centre, so it is necessary to take the number 8 collective taxi at a cost of 2.00 JOD (about €2.50) or the private taxi at a cost of 8.00 JOD (about €10.20); alternatively, land atAmman's Regina Alia International Airport, 305 kilometres away and then take a private transfer or rent a car at a cost of 35.00 JOD per day (about €44.50)

Where it is located

Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan, overlooking the Red Sea and is the country's only port. Surrounded by desert mountains, it is very close to Eilat, the Israeli port also overlooking the Red Sea.

How to get there

• From Milan or Rome: from Milan there are direct connections to Aqaba operated by EasyJet and Ryanair that take about 4 hours and 14 minutes; alternatively, one can arrive in Amman with the main airlines and then take an internal connection operated by Royal Jordanian or Royal Wings, for a total duration of 7 hours; From Rome, on the other hand, the only airline that makes direct connections to Aqaba is Ryanair, with a duration of 3 hours and 35 minutes, otherwise Turkish, Alitalia and Royal Jordanian make flights with a stopover in Amman, for a total duration of 6 hours and 40 minutes - Compare flights from Rome or Milan

• Frommajor European capitals: From Paris there are no direct connections, but Turkish and Royal Jordanian operate flights with a stopover in Amman (duration approximately 7 hours). From London, Easyjet has a direct flight to Aqaba (5 hours 40 minutes), while from Amsterdam and Frankfurt, Turkish and Royal Jordanian have at least one stopover (approximately 10 hours) - Compare flights to Aqaba

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: mild and sunny all year round; in winter, from December to February, the average temperature is 20°, while in the other months 28°, with wind that makes the climate less sultry

• Best period: for bathing, the best months are April and mid-October-mid-November; the summer is torrid and it is not easy to sunbathe when the temperature exceeds 40° in the shade; in general, the best months are April, May and October

• Period to avoid: although there are no unsuitable times and the winter is mild and sunny from December to March, the sea is a little cool and sometimes the air temperature can also be cool with temperature fluctuations at night

• Tips: in winter, light clothing for the day and a sweatshirt and windbreaker for the evening; in the other months, cotton clothing, a scarf to protect from dust, swimming costumes, sun cream, mask and flippers

10 things to see in and around Aqaba

1. Theprivate beaches along the Red Sea coast: the best are those of the Acqua Marina Beach Hotel and the Movenpick Resort, which are also open to outside guests;

2. The ancient city of Ayla dating back to 650 AD and discovered in 1986: a collection of ruins where streets, house gates, markets and the ancient mosque can be clearly distinguished;

3. Fort of Aqaba and Archaeological Museum: the fort dates back to the 16th century, with a square plan, and for a long time was used as a Khan, i.e. as a refuge for pilgrims on their way to Mecca. The fortress, which was partially destroyed, can now be visited in its entirety; the museum often hosts themed exhibitions and events, as well as exhibiting objects from the Bronze Age, stone sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, Islamic tablets, bas-reliefs from the Byzantine era and much more;

4. Souk by The Sea, a street market held every Friday evening where craftsmen display their creations; the proceeds help the small local economy;

5. Excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea: these are Jordan's must-sees, and are 122 km, 70 km and 290 km away respectively. More info in the Jordan Guide;

6. Sharif Hussein Mosque, an example of Arab architecture characterised by snow-white stone, minarets and ornate glass windows. Visit the interior and you will be captivated by the elegance of the building;

7. Aqaba Castle at the end of the Corniche, with ornate wooden portals, a beautiful inner courtyard and huge rooms that received pilgrims;

8. Acruise in the Gulf of Aqaba that gives the opportunity to snorkel, discover the depths of the Red Sea or enjoy beautiful sunsets;

9. Aqaba Marine Park is home to the largest stretch of free public beach with numerous cafes, a pier, shops and shelters for protection from the sun.

10. The hamman at the Aqaba Tukish Baths offers comprehensive treatments with massages, steam baths, mud baths and exfoliating treatments.

What to do in Aqaba: excursions and tours

How much does it cost to visit Aqaba? Prices, offers and advice

Bear in mind that April, May, October and November are considered high season, so prices rise exponentially.
Aqaba does, however, offer a variety of opportunities, as you can choose luxurious beachfront resorts and hotels with private beaches, or simple hotels in the interior of the town offering basic services.

For dining, there are plenty of places to eat with prices to suit all budgets. The fish is always fresh and cooked in a simple but tasty way. In general, the small restaurants along King Hussein ST., frequented by locals, are very cheap, while those in the newer districts are more expensive.

To get around Aqaba, taxis are not expensive; you will spend about JOD 2.00 each way (about €2.50), but you should always negotiate the price. Buses, on the other hand, only connect Aqaba to Amman and Irbida, while to reach Wadi Rum there are collective taxis which leave twice a day at an average cost of 4.00 JOD (about €5.60)

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €45.00 per room - see offers

• Low cost flights: from €53.00 - look at the offers

• Flight+ hotel: A/R flight + 7 days/6 nights from €350.00 per person - look at the offers