Amman: The Gulf of Aqaba has been ranked eighth on the list of the world's best travel destinations for September by Lonely Planet, the renowned international travel and tourism magazine.
According to Jordan News Agency, the magazine highlighted the Gulf of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea, as an ideal destination for scuba diving enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing seaside getaway. The report emphasized that September is a prime time to visit Aqaba due to the easing summer heat and sea temperatures reaching a comfortable 26 degrees Celsius. This period also offers excellent underwater visibility, allowing visitors to explore marine life and coral reefs clearly.
The magazine's report underscored Aqaba's range of diving sites as a significant factor contributing to its status as a world-class diving destination. These sites feature a mix of marine nature, shipwrecks, and sunken aircraft that have been converted into tourist attractions, such as the Cedar Pride shipwreck and the Underwater Military Museum.
Visiting Aqaba in September offers travelers the chance to avoid the summer tourist crowds while enjoying moderate weather along Jordan's coastline, the report noted.
Lonely Planet, one of the world's largest and most established travel references, bases its periodic rankings on assessments by travel experts and the quality of tourism experiences offered by destinations.