Hotels in Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, sitting at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea where the borders of Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia meet. The city occupies a narrow strip of coastline backed by rugged desert mountains, giving it a striking setting between turquoise water and arid terrain. Travellers staying here find themselves near sandy beaches and coral reefs that draw divers and snorkellers from across the region. The city centre clusters around the port and a shoreline promenade lined with restaurants and cafés. Nearby, the historic Aqaba Fortress and the ruins of Ayla, an early Islamic walled city, offer glimpses into the area's past as a trading hub. The Wadi Rum desert, with its dramatic sandstone formations, lies a short drive inland, while the ancient city of Petra sits further north through desert highway. Aqaba's special economic zone status makes it a relaxed, open city by regional standards, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere shaped by visitors and workers from many countries.