Aqaba

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Aqaba

Wadi al rum

Aqaba

As Jordan's only outlet to the sea, the tourist resort of Aqaba is known for its fantastic diving opportunities, mild winter climate and sandy beaches.

Situated on the tip of the Red Sea in southern Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba, the town's greatest attraction lies offshore in the colourful coral reefs that are rated as the best in the world. These boast an incredible marine life and provide wonderful opportunities for divers and snorkellers in the clear waters year round. Besides underwater escapades, Aqaba is an ideal location for watersports and relaxation, whether it is swimming, waterskiing, parasailing, fishing or sunbathing.

For the history enthusiast, Aqaba contains sites dating back to 4,000 BC, including the recent discovery of what is believed to be the world's oldest church from the 3rd century AD, the remains of the medieval walled city of Ayla and a Mamluke fort. These are proof of Aqaba's strategic position as the main port on the trading route to the Far East from Africa in ancient times, which made it a thriving town, and it is this same location today that makes it an important tourist centre. It is also conveniently situated for excursions to the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum and the ancient rock city of Petra.

Excursions

Wadi Rum
Lying 42 miles (68km) north of Aqaba, the scenery of Wadi Rum is acclaimed to be one of the most stunningly beautiful desert landscapes in the world and is a major tourist destination in Jordan. Towering mountains of weathered sandstone rise vertically from the pink desert sands where the vast emptiness and silence is breathtaking. There are many ways to explore the vast desert interior where the likes of Lawrence of Arabia once rode; serious mountaineers and climbers relish the challenge of its high peaks, particularly the highest in the area, Jabal Rum, and the remarkable Rock Bridge, while hikers can enjoy the grandeur of the interior by walking out into the wilderness and camping alone under the stars. Camel trips and 4x4 vehicle tours can also be arranged from the Government Rest House. Wadi Rum is home to several nomadic Bedouin families who are famous for their hospitality, and visitors are often invited to share mint tea with them inside their goat-hair tents or beside the fire under the starry sky.


Website: www.wadirum.jo
Telephone: (0)3 209 0600 (Wadi Rum Rest House)
Transport: Buses are available along the Desert Highway to the turnoff, but public transport to the village of Rum is difficult so it is best to arrange a car. An infrequent bus service operates from Aqaba to the Government Rest House at Wadi

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/guides/regions/aqaba-overview.html




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