Amman, Aug. 14 (Petra)-- 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.

In a report, the magazine said the Gulf of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea, is an ideal destination for scuba diving enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing seaside getaway.

According to the report, September is a golden period to visit Aqaba, as the summer heat begins to ease while sea temperatures reach a comfortable 26 degrees Celsius. The waters also offer excellent underwater visibility, allowing visitors to clearly explore marine life and coral reefs.

The report highlighted Aqaba’s diverse diving sites as a key factor behind its status as a world-class diving destination. These sites combine marine nature with shipwrecks and sunken aircraft that have been transformed into tourist attractions, including the Cedar Pride shipwreck and the Underwater Military Museum.

Visiting the area in September also gives travelers an opportunity to avoid the summer tourist crowds while enjoying moderate weather along Jordan’s coastline, the report said.

Lonely Planet is one of the world’s largest and most established travel references, with its periodic rankings based on assessments by travel experts and the quality of tourism experiences offered by destinations.

//Petra// MF