The Essential Guide to Aqaba

"Aqaba Fort has stood witness to many of Jordan’s great historical events. It was first built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and marked the limits of their incursions in the region until it was destroyed by Saladin in 1187. The Mamelukes rebuilt the castle according to their own design in the early 16th century when Egypt was the dominant regional power, then the Ottomans took it over. In 1916, Arab forces captured the fort in a major victory over the Ottomans, turning the surrounding area into a major port. The flag of the Arab Revolt still flies there today, atop an enormous flagpole that measures a whopping 443 feet. Visitors can head inside the fort to explore a small museum, but the impressive building is really the main attraction."

"The Red Sea is prime snorkeling and scuba diving territory, and Aqaba has plenty of outfitters ready to get you beneath the waves. Bedouin Garden Village, on the highway just south of the city, is one of the most experienced operators. The hotel and dive center enjoys a prime location near South Beach, allowing novice divers to wade out from the sand with their instructor and practice over the shallow reefs near the shore. More experienced divers will want to take their boat farther afield, however, to the many world-class dive sites along the coast. The team at Bedouin Garden Village will gladly bring you to spots like Cedar Pride, where a ship was deliberately scuttled more than 30 years ago and is now encrusted with coral and surrounded by a rich variety of marine life, as well as the celebrated Rainbow Reef and Japanese Garden, both of which boast spectacular coral. The latter also has great accessibility if all you want to do is snorkel."

"Aqaba isn’t considered a prime beach destination, and indeed the city’s public beach is a slightly seedy affair. Instead, head just outside town to Berenice Beach Club. The private resort occupies nearly half a mile of beachfront in the heart of Aqaba Marine Park and has all the facilities you need for a day in the sun, from shaded loungers on the sand and a series of landscaped swimming pools to several restaurants and shops selling beachwear. If you want to get active, you can snorkel on the nearby reef, parasail, water-ski, or even take a boat cruise around the surrounding islands. The $14 single-day entry tickets conveniently include transportation from the center of Aqaba."

"Ali Baba has been serving visitors to Aqaba for so long it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that Lawrence of Arabia once hitched his camel outside to take his lunch. It’s definitely an institution, and one that spills out from its air-conditioned salons to the sidewalks of old Aqaba. There are two ways to go with the menu here. Choose the traditional Jordanian option and enjoy an endless stream of delicious mezes, or take advantage of the fact that you’re on the water and order the catch of the day, most likely unloaded from the port just a few hours earlier. Aqaba’s relaxed atmosphere means that, unlike most other places in Jordan, you can indulge in an alcoholic drink while dining at Ali Baba in full public view."

"One of Aqaba’s plushest restaurants, Romero sits within the Royal Yacht Club and features a menu to match its upscale surroundings. As is the case with the original location in Amman, Italian cuisine is at the heart of things, though Aqaba’s waterfront location means there’s also a fair amount of seafood and even sushi on offer. No matter how eclectic, all the food is exquisite, and the wine list is equally impressive. There are few better or more stylish places in Aqaba to dine while watching the sun set over the Red Sea."

"Why we love it: A boutique-style stay in the heart of Aqaba with a great restaurant and knowledgeable staff The Highlights: - A superb seafood restaurant on-site - Cozy, carefully decorated rooms - Friendly staff who can help you navigate the surrounding area The Review: One of Aqaba’s most charming hotels, Captain’s began as a celebrated seafood restaurant (which still exists at the front of the house), then evolved into something a bit more ambitious. Today, the clutch of rooms and suites in dark wood and marble are cozy and finished with a nice eye for detail. Though small in size, the hotel is well run, and the management is a font of local knowledge, helping guests arrange tours to Wadi Rum and beyond. If you’d rather stay in, there’s a small pool, a gym, and a sauna for relaxing after a long day on the road. Be sure to also grab dinner at the on-site Captain’s Restaurant, where you can indulge in local seafood along with Asian and traditional Jordanian fare."

"Why we love it: A trusted property with access to a private beach The Highlights: -A private, white-sand beach that leads to turquoise waters - Balconies in every room, some with epic sea views - A wide range of on-site dining options The Review: The InterContinental Aqaba gets things right, starting with its location directly on a private beach. The views stretching across the Gulf of Aqaba are sublime, and there are plenty of water sports on offer if lounging by the lagoon-style pool isn’t for you. Rooms are everything you’d expect from this international chain, decorated in soothing tones and vibrant pops of color. All have private balconies, many with Red Sea vistas. Also on-site are a full-service spa, a shopping mall, and several restaurants, from a basic café and deli to a martini lounge and an international spot with frequent theme nights, live music, and belly dancers. Should you wish to head outside, the hotel sits right on the edge of central Aqaba, with even more restaurants in walking distance. The concierge can also help arrange a scuba trip along the coast or even a desert drive to Wadi Rum."