Mövenpick Hotel & Resorts - Aqaba - Destination Guide - Sightseeing

Aqaba Castle and the Excavation of the Historical City of Ayla

According to an early inscription, the Mamluk castle was built in the early 16th century. Semi-circular towers flank the entrance, and the coat of arms of the Hashemite family can be seen above the entrance.

The excavation of the historical city of Ayla is found right in front of the hotel, next to the poolside. It can be visited at any time of the day.

Distance: 1 km

More details: www.aqaba.jo

Wadi Rum

A desert with incredibly beautiful sandstone formations, famous from movies such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Indiana Jones”. A visit to Wadi Rum when on holiday in Aqaba is a “must”, and spending the night in one of the camps there is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Distance: 40 km

Birds Observatory

Get a glimpse of birds on their annual migration at the Aqaba Birds Observatory. Aqaba has long been a stopping place for migratory birds on their autumn and spring journeys to and from Africa.

Purpose-built church

Excavations are slowly revealing the outlines of the Byzantine town of Ayla although stones from its building were often reused in later settlements. Today, most of the old settlement is covered by modern Aqaba.

The highlight of the excavation site is the remains of a mud brick building dating from the late 3rd or early 4th century. It is thought to be the world's oldest known purpose-built church.