Aqaba is one of the most popular tourist spots in Jordan. Tourists looking to visit other interesting places around this Jordanian city should consider Aqaba day trips. Nearby Aqaba are cities that are popular for their historical and cultural sites.

Wadi Rum

Lying approximately 68 km north of Aqaba is Wadi Rum, an area which is said to have one of the world’s most beautiful desert landscapes. Here tourists can see mountains of sandstone towering over the vast pink desert. Climbers will surely enjoy the tasks put forth by Rock Bridge and Jabal Rum, two of the highest peaks in the area. There are several Bedouin families staying in Wadi Rum and are known for their warm hospitality towards tourists. Visitors can also arrange vehicle tours and camel trips from the Government Rest House.

Pharos Island

A 45-minute trip from Aqaba will take tourists to Pharos Island, another popular site for holidaymakers. The island is located in the Gulf of Aqaba and offers tourists a wonderful place to enjoy sand and sea. Visitors can explore the famous Crusader Castle on the island or enjoy water sporting activities like diving, snorkeling and swimming. There are many tour operators which offer day trips to Pharos Island, usually for less than $50. These trips leave early in the morning and return in the evening.

Petra

Also known as The Rose Red City, the ancient city of Petra is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jordan. Petra can be reached from Aqaba by just a 2-hour drive. It is the pride of Jordan’s national treasures and includes the heritage of the Nabateans. These were Aqaba people who settled in the south of Jordan over 2,000 years ago. Petra has been declared a world UNESCO site and is admired for its huge architecture, ingenious complex of water channels, noteworthy dams, and refined culture.