If you're drawn to the East and Eastern culture, Aqaba is sure to impress, it has the relaxed atmosphere of a small town that's a popular getaway! The city offers a pleasant atmosphere with its numerous diving and snorkeling clubs in the south and a starting point to the major destinations of the Wadi Rum desert and the ancient city of Petra. An interesting fact about Aqaba is that in 1998 during excavations archaeologists came across the remains of a church that dated back to the late 3rd century. This means that this church was built before the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and makes it the oldest Christian temple ever discovered! Located at a crossroads, the ebb and flow of Jordan's different cultures can be seen not only in the architectural heritage but also in the interesting cuisine. It is delicious and varied, a strange mix between Bedouin flavors and local variations of the region's most typical dishes. Again, in the old city of Aqaba, you will find countless small restaurants hiding amazing culinary treasures! A must-try is the mansaf, the hummus, the local kebab, the baklava, and the specialty say die, which is made from freshly caught fish cooked in a sauce of caramelized onions, spices, nuts, and herbs.