7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Aqaba

Aqaba, is a haven for digital nomads seeking the perfect blend of work and leisure. With its stunning Red Sea coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture, Aqaba offers a unique living experience. But even the most picturesque work backdrop calls for a change of scenery now and then. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, the surrounding region is full of destinations for an exciting weekend getaway. Here are seven places to explore when you need a break from the laptop.

Wadi Rum

Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is a must-visit for anyone in Aqaba. This otherworldly desert landscape has been the backdrop for many films and offers a plethora of activities such as jeep tours, camel rides, and hot air balloon flights. The night sky in Wadi Rum, free from light pollution, is perfect for stargazing.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Wadi Rum is by car or a tour bus, which takes about an hour from Aqaba.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to stay overnight in a Bedouin camp for an authentic desert experience.

Where to Stay: Sun City Camp and Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp offer comfortable accommodations with stunning desert views.

Where to Eat: Most camps provide traditional Bedouin meals, but for a unique dining experience, try the Zarb, a Bedouin barbecue cooked underground.

Petra

The ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a fascinating destination for history buffs and adventurers alike. Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, the city's ruins include the famous Treasury, the Monastery, and a Roman-style theatre. Hiking through Petra's vast archaeological site is an unforgettable experience.

How to Get There: Petra is approximately a two-hour drive from Aqaba. Buses and guided tours are readily available.

Travel Tip: Visit Petra during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Where to Stay: Movenpick Resort Petra offers luxury accommodations right at the entrance to the site, while Petra Guest House provides a more budget-friendly option.

Where to Eat: Al-Wadi Restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes with views of the Petra mountains.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is renowned for its hyper-saline water, which allows visitors to float effortlessly. The mineral-rich mud found here is also famous for its therapeutic properties. A day at the Dead Sea is both relaxing and beneficial for the skin, making it a popular wellness destination.

How to Get There: The Dead Sea is about a three-hour drive from Aqaba. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is the most convenient option.

Travel Tip: Be sure to apply the Dead Sea mud for a natural spa treatment and don't forget to bring water shoes to protect your feet from the salt crystals.

Where to Stay: The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea offers luxurious accommodations and direct access to the sea.

Where to Eat: The Ashur Pizza & Grill Restaurant at the Ishtar Hotel serves delicious meals with a view of the Dead Sea.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, boasting a stunning array of landscapes, from sandstone cliffs to wooded highlands. It's a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts, with trails that cater to all levels of experience.

How to Get There: Dana is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Aqaba. It's best reached by car or through an organized tour.

Travel Tip: Pack your binoculars for bird watching, as Dana is home to a variety of rare bird species.

Where to Stay: Dana Guesthouse offers breathtaking views of the reserve, while Feynan Ecolodge provides an eco-friendly stay with unique candle-lit rooms.

Where to Eat: Feynan Ecolodge offers a vegetarian menu with dishes prepared using local produce and traditional cooking methods.

Little Petra

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Little Petra is a hidden gem that offers a more intimate and quiet experience. Also known as Siq al-Barid, it features similar Nabatean architecture to Petra but on a smaller scale. The site includes tombs, temples, and tricliniums carved into the sandstone.

How to Get There: Little Petra is just a 15-minute drive from Petra, making it an easy addition to your Petra itinerary.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the surrounding cliffs for a stunning view of the valley below.

Where to Stay: Stay in one of the hotels in nearby Wadi Musa, such as the Petra Moon Hotel, which offers comfortable accommodations.

Where to Eat: The Cave Bar, set in a 2000-year-old Nabatean rock tomb, offers a unique setting for a drink or a meal.

Al-Beidha (The White Village)

Al-Beidha, also known as "The White Village," is another lesser-known site near Petra. This ancient Neolithic village dates back to around 7200 BC and provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the earliest known farming communities in the world. The site is perfect for those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

How to Get There: Al-Beidha is located just north of Little Petra, about a 20-minute drive from Wadi Musa.

Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning to have the site mostly to yourself and to enjoy the cooler temperatures.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at the nearby Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp for an authentic desert experience.

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality with a meal at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp, where you can taste local dishes cooked over an open fire.

Shobak Castle

Shobak Castle, also known as Montreal, is a Crusader castle perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 12th century, the castle's ruins are a testament to the region's turbulent history. Exploring the castle's interior, including its secret passages and rooms, is an adventure in itself.

How to Get There: Shobak Castle is about a 1.5-hour drive from Petra. The best way to visit is by car or as part of a guided tour.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the small, hidden chapel and the castle's well, which is connected by a set of secret, winding staircases.

Where to Stay: The Montreal Hotel is a nearby option that offers basic accommodations with castle views.

Where to Eat: There are local restaurants in the town of Shobak where you can try traditional Jordanian cuisine, such as mansaf, the national dish of Jordan.