3 Days on the Red Sea: A Weekend Adventure in Aqaba

The sparkling waters of the Red Sea are a tantalizing magnet for tourists. Plus, a wealth of cultural activities and incredible hospitality make Aqaba, and Jordan as a whole, ideal for a weekend getaway.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Beaches and Boats

King Hussein International Airport is closest to Aqaba; it connects the city with 22 European destinations. Still, there are many travelers also make the four-hour drive south from Amman to Jordan’s only seaport city. Whether you arrive by land or by air, take some time to relax by the sea.

Join locals on one of the area’s public beaches. If you prefer more services, some of the private beaches have their own beach clubs, which makes the experience easier.

Saraya Beach Club is one of them, and it’s easy to reach — just 10 km (6 miles) from the airport. Visitors can unwind in daybeds by swimming pools, bask alongside the beaches of a central lagoon or grab a bite to eat at Segreta By The Beach.

Water sports, as well as an upscale gym, are also available for use, and guests will have access to changing rooms, lockers, showers and towels.

Locals will be more conservative in their bathing suit choices; visitors can feel comfortable wearing a traditional bathing suit as long as it is not too revealing.

While there, snack on traditional olives, pickles or a local sweet treat called knafeh. If you don’t want to stay in the sun, a food tour through the city is always a great way to get to know the local culture.

If you want to explore the beautiful waters from below the surface, the best way is by diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea. Glass-bottom boat tours are another popular activity for those that don’t want to actually get in the water.

Many of these activities are available via the Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities website, which provides top-notch tours and local experiences while also awarding Marriott Bonvoy points. In addition to cultural tours and water activities, it is also possible to book airport transfers through the site.

Round out your day at Kubba Levantin restaurant, located at Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.

Here, diners nosh on delicious tabbouleh salads, grilled halloumi cheese, beautifully presented kibbeh, spiced and grilled meats and seafood, and colorful meze spreads of dips, cheeses and meat skewers.

Saturday: Historic Sites and Souks

Make this your day to wake up early and get out and explore. After a breakfast of shakshouka (a Middle Eastern egg dish with a tomato and onion base), fragrant olives, fresh veggies and all the manakish (a flatbread with different toppings like za’atar, spinach, cheese or meat) you can handle, make a beeline for the Aqaba Fort.

Also referred to as Mamluk Castle, this was used as a midway resting point for those making the pilgrimage to Mecca. Dating back to the 12th century, this fort was also a private residence as well as a military installation.

A short walk away is the archaeological museum housing everything from ancient pottery to Chinese ceramics. Costing only a few Jordanian dinars, this is an affordable and entertaining way to understand more about the region’s long history.

Stop for lunch at one of the many cafés in the Aqaba town center or grab a fast shawarma piled high with garlic sauce, braised meat or chicken, and veggies.

Next, visit the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque. Named for the former sharif and emir of Mecca, this white mosque has the largest dome of all Jordanian mosques. It’s not just the Islamic architecture that impresses, but also the beautiful interiors that are open to visitors. Respectful and modest attire is required to enter the mosque.

After a day of cultural pursuits, now it’s time for a little retail therapy at the souks, which are not far from the mosque. Bargaining is an age-old tradition, and the retailers expect it.

It’s half of the fun and part of the experience. From spices and souvenirs to fabric and jewelry, you’ll find a little bit of everything. Best of all, since Aqaba is a duty-free zone, you’re bound to find better bargains here than in other parts of Jordan.

Celebrate your purchases over dinner at the Royal Yacht Club of Jordan overlooking the Red Sea. Its international menu has a wide variety of choices, but without a doubt, the fresh seafood is always a winner.

Sunday: Water Park and Spa

It’s time to splash in different water this morning. Saraya Aqaba Waterpark is a favorite of families, a place where waterslides, splashing fountains and pools make up the largest water amusement park in the country.

Additionally, many visitors seek out diving experiences in the Red Sea, which is rich with marine life.

If you’re looking for something a little more soothing, return to Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel and visit its lavish spa overlooking the Saraya Lagoon.

Guests can earn Marriott Bonvoy points for any treatments charged to the room. On the menu are massages and body wraps, many using Dead Sea salt and herbs.

This is also a good time to head back to the beach for one more dip in the Red Sea. On the way back, stop by Al Tarboosh for another shawarma wrap or some of the café’s many famous pastries, ideal for the drive back to Amman.