Aqaba Red Sea Coast

Squeezed between red mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba, Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and a relaxed place to end a trip. The water is warm for much of the year, and coral reefs lie just offshore along the coast south of town. The gulf is shared with Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia, whose shores are visible across the water.

Snorkelling trips, glass-bottom boats and introductory dives suit every level, and the resorts at Tala Bay and the Ayla marina have pools and private beaches. In town, the old fort and the seafront promenade make a pleasant evening walk.

Aqaba is about an hour from Wadi Rum and around four hours by road from Amman, and it has its own airport. Spring and autumn are ideal; summer is very hot.