3 minute read
Discover spectacular destinations
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Discover spectacular destinations
A global 200 ecoregion, the Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia. Having played a crucial navigational role since ancient times, its coastline is now a popular tourist attraction where nature and archaeological monuments feature in abundance. Of course, its part to play in biblical history excites and intrigues intrepid explorers, who flock to witness its powerful, divine properties.
Petra, Jordan Agios Nikolaos, Greece
Aqaba - Jordan Agios Nikolaos - Crete, Greece
Aqaba attracts visitors year-round with its warm weather and the perfect combination of city-life, beaches and a rich history. Jordan’s southernmost city and it's only coastal city, Aqaba is the gateway to the Wadi Rum desert. Gaze in awe as the sun sets over the red sand dunes for an ethereal experience. While in Aqaba,you will have the opportunity to visit Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra is also called the "Red Rose City" because of the colour of the stone from which it is carved. Nestled in an enviable location, beside the Gulf of Mirabello is the laid-back town of Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque coastal port with a quaint small town feel, and a rich history. Situated on Crete’s north-east coast the town is partially built on the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara. The town’s most treasured gem is Voulismeni Lake, a cobalt blue lagoon steeped in Greek mythology, legend has it, that the goddess Athena and Artemis bathed in its waters. Relax lakeside by day in one of the many cafés, and as night falls watch as the lake comes to life with locals and tourists alike in its lively bars and traditional tavernas. Many of Crete’s most beautiful beaches are found with a stone throw from Agios Nikolaos including the white sands and turquoise waters of Voulisma Beach, plus there are several other attractions nearby including olive farms and typically Greek rural villages.
Elephant Rock in AlUla, Saudi Arabia Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Al Wajh - Saudi Arabia
Perched along the coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Province, Al Wajh is an atmospheric city oozing a laidback ambiance. Its old town, Al Balad, is a hidden gem where Hijazi-style architecture and Red Sea coral buildings adorn the quiet streets, and colourful balconies and ornate doors present fascinating photo opportunities. Walk through the old fishing village, stopping off for some fresh seafood, and relax on the white sandy beaches, the perfect place for sun-dwellers to sit back and soak up the beautiful weather. Just a short drive away, the magnificent city of AlUla is one of the oldest on the Arabian Peninsula. Considered an unseen wonder of the world, and home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, discover preserved tombs, dramatic rock formations, sand dunes and lush valleys.
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia
On the western shores of the Red Sea, Jeddah is a gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Ancient mosques and towering modern skyscrapers now exist side-by-side here, believed also to be the final resting place of ‘the mother of humanity’, Eve. Today, the city is a commercial hub with a cosmopolitan and forward-thinking approach. Visit Jeddah Corniche with its surrounding hotels and beaches, swim the pristine coral reefs, shop for souvenirs at a bustling souq and taste fresh Middle Eastern cuisine with a spectacular view of the seafront. Step back in time on a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Balad district, dating back to the 7th century. Retaining its traditional charm, Al Balad is home to the city's oldest mosque, Masjid Shaffie, and the old pilgrimage road, also known as Al Dahab Street, where you can haggle with street vendors for their wares.