The southern tip of Jordan contains a pearl that seems to rise out of the Red Sea, the coastal town of Aqba. As a strategic junction for trade between Asia, Europe and Africa, Aquba has been in business for the past 4,000 years.
Aqba has something on offer for every type of visitor. For history enthusiasts, there are ancient ruins like the worlds oldest church to visit. For visitors interested in rest and relaxation, there is Arab and international cuisine to taste, tax free shopping to do, and a Turkish Hamam Bath to unwind in. For inland adventurers, there are desert activities such as camel riding and hiking. You can even be a guest at a Bedouin wedding.
But for everybody who visits Aqba, it is the activities centred on the Red Sea that are the primary draw. There is windsurfing and other water sports. The Red Sea has 500 species of coral, 1,200 species of fish and over 1,000 types of molluscs and crustaceans. These can be viewed by scuba diving and snorkelling among the coral. The water temperature averages 22.5 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for these activities. Or if you prefer not to get yourself wet, you can travel in glass bottomed boats, or submarines that give an incredible view of the ocean floor beneath. Dont be alarmed if among the coral and fish, you see the hulk of a sunken ship looming under you.
Apart from its own attractions, Aqba is also a great base from where you can explore Southern Jordan.
Travel down the Kings Highway as it twists and snakes around the most interesting places to see in South Jordan, or use the express Desert Highway. Whichever road you choose, the sites of South Jordan like Petra, Wadi Mousa, Wadi Rum, Kerak and Aqba will astound you with their variety.
Moving through the mosaic city of Madaba and Mount Nebo, the hot springs of Hamamat Maeen, you can reach Kerak, a crusader castle built in 1142. The castle has impressive fortifications and a charming setting.
Passing the deep gorge of Wadi Hasa, and the Dana Nature Reserve, you can come to Petra, a rose red city, half as old as time, Capital of the Nabatean Arab traders, Petra has amazing buildings hewn from the surrounding rocks. Some of these marvels include the treasury or Kazneh, and the hilltop monastery Al Deira.
While Petra is a manmade wonder, our next stop of Wadi Rum is a marvel of nature. The arid yet starkly beautiful landscape of Wadi Rum has been compared to the moon and Mars. The operational base of Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum offers many opportunities for adventure like camping and hiking, horse riding and climbing.
Reaching the southern tip of Jordan, you will discover the balmy city of Aqba on the red sea. Here, among the wide diversity of marine life, you can scuba dive and snorkel to your hearts content.
Savour the sights of southern Jordan in their variety that ranges from the stone castle of Kerak to the stone city of Petra. Let the pink sands of Wadi Rum and the sparkling waters of Aqba linger long in your memory.
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