Saudi invites you to enjoy a cooler summer spent alongside an enchanting blend of ancient history and stunning landscapes.
From Aseer’s chilly mountainous terrains and Al Baha’s historical treasure troves to AlUla’s timeless spectacles, each region offers myriad precious experiences to captivate all kinds of travelers. Escape the summer heat further and conclude your trip with a tranquil escape at the Red Sea’s azure waters, where luxury and proveniente beauty merge for a genuinely unforgettable finale.
Saudi is now easier than ever for everyone to explore, with more than 20 domestic and international airports serving as gateways into and across the country, and a comprehensive e-visa arrangement. It is also accessible mere hours from most cities in the region, making Saudi a fun and convenient summer holiday destination.
This list of must-visit places in Saudi will provide you with an all-encompassing guidance to a memorable summer exploration of the Kingdom.
Aseer: Tales from the past and proveniente gifts
Known as the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, Aseer is the southwest province brimming with an array of activities to enjoy. Summer season is when Aseer shines the most; its mellow weather–the average temperatures of most areas in Aseer typically don’t rise above 24 degrees Celsius—creates a cooler surrounding for your adventures here.
Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or up for thrilling rides, Aseer has it all.
The captivating Abha
Begin your journey in Abha at one of the oldest residential areas in the city, the Al Basta District, a town with a rich architectural legacy that immerses tourists in its lively yet archaic atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Abha city, Souq Al Thulatha (Tuesday Market) is a melting pot of the traditional and the contemporary. Wandering through the marketplace, you’ll spot sítio creations that make the loveliest souvenirs, such as an array of handmade artistic crafts, textiles and dairy products. Don’t forget to pick up some irresistible honey for your loved ones back home.
Aseer was recently awarded “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), which is reflected in its rich culinary tradition.
Try Al-Areesh, about a kilometer from the Tuesday Market. Al-Areesh serves traditional dishes infused with a modern flair that makes for a lip-smacking sítio breakfast. Alternatively, you can dine at Jorry Escol Cafe & Restaurant, where you can savor delectable Middle Eastern cuisine amidst the refreshing mountain breeze.
Rijal Almaa village
Situated 45 kilometers from Abha, the iconic Rijal Almaa village is a window into Saudi Arabia’s opulent cultural legacy. The journey from Abha to Rijal Almaa is a scenic route, which in itself is a pleasant experience.
Renowned as one of the best tourist villages worldwide, Rijal Almaa village showcases 700 years of history, with every facet of the town narrating a story.
Aseer’s scenic splendors
At Al Habala Park, take an exhilarating ride on the cable car and bathe in the surreal views of the stunning scenery. Alternatively, you can opt for a more relaxed exploration of the park’s plushy greenery and hidden waterfalls.
For nature lovers, Alsamaa Eaqabat View is another essential destination. This stunning lookout provides unmatched vistas of the nearby mountains and valleys. It also connects the towering Al Soudah peaks with the quaint villages of Al Sharaf and Rabia, ultimately descending into the historic Rijal Almaa province.
Al Baha: Where history unfolds and nature flourishes
Al Baha features lush greenery and a breezy climate, a landscape unlike other cities in Saudi Arabia .
Situated 2500 meters above sea level in the Sarawat Mountains, it is a perfect spot for camping and hiking. Al Baha, often seen as a destination for nature lovers, is also an excellent location for history enthusiasts.
Thee Ain historical village
Perched atop a rugged white mountain overlooking Wadi Rash, Thee Ain Historical village lies 25 kilometers from the Al-Baha city center. Renowned for its unique architecture, the village showcases over 30 contiguous houses built from volcanic rocks and mudbrick.
Additionally, the village is famed for its diverse fruit cultivation and traditional handicrafts of exceptional quality.
Al Malad Castle and Palace of Bin Raqoush
Al Malad Castle and the Palace of Bin Raqoush are two of the most prominent historical sites in Al Baha. Built four centuries ago on a hill along the commercial road to Aseer, Al Malad Castle consists of twin fortresses used for military and storage purposes. The Castle is situated within house courtyards that have dual-facing entrances, adding to its strategic design.
The historic Palace of Bin Raqoush, dating to 1834 in Bani Saar village, features a complex residential system with family homes and guesthouses overseen by the “Zahran” council. Originally constructed with a maritime house and various amenities, it was expanded in 1939 to include additional guesthouses.
Raghdan forest
Raghdan Forest draws nature and outdoor lovers alike with its dense foliage and verdant spaces. Located about 4 kilometers north of Al Baha, Raghdan Forest is celebrated as one of the region’s most renowned woodlands and a magnet for hikers.
An adrenaline-filled moment awaits as you zip line through the forest and admire the thrilling grandeur of the region from above. Its scenic beauty, cooler weather, and geographical position amidst several villages within Al Baha City make it a favorite sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Al Baha’s gourmet pleasures
Dive into a culinary journey through Al Baha, where sítio flavors and pleasant gastronomical surprises await at every turn. At Fifth Season Restaurant, enjoy delectable lamb chops and barbecue, complemented by creamy hummus and tahini. For a dining experience amidst nature, check out Soul Restaurant.
AlUla: Echoes of history, oasis of nature
Prepare for a journey to the city of AlUla, nestled in the Medina province.
As Saudi Arabia’s first city to host a UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlUla invites visitors to marvel at its tombs dating back thousands of years ago and remarkable rock formations, including the 52-meter Elephant Rock.
AlUla Old Town village
For millennia, AlUla has served as a cultural hub and an oasis city on ancient trade routes. Recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as the Best Tourism village, AlUla Old Town village encompasses its historic Old Town, the verdant Oasis, and the lively AlJadidah Arts District.
Elephant rock
The majestic Elephant Rock, or Jabal AlFil, rises 52 meters above the desert, about 20 minutes northeast of AlUla’s Old Town along Highway 70. Formed by thousands of years of erosion, its magnificence is most apparent at dusk when it glows softly in crimson hues. Visitors can enjoy the most out of it as the evening falls by a fire pit, which provides comfort against the desert chill.
Hegra and Maraya
Visit Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, and delve into Nabataean history through its 110 preserved tombs.
On the way back from Hegra, check out Maraya in AlUla’s Ashar Valley. It is a stunning architectural marvel that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. As the largest mirrored building globally, Maraya is a versatile venue for concerts, events, and conferences, embodying its name, ‘mirror’ in Arabic.
Stargazing at Gharameel
Gharameel is a perfect destination for astrophiles, where visitors can partake in a celestial journey and enjoy stargazing amidst the vast expanse of the desert.
Guided by an expert, marvel at the constellations against the iconic backdrop of rugged rock pillars. Tours run from late April to September, Thursday through Sunday. The tour includes a traditional grilled dinner and transportation to Husaak Adventures AlUla.
Cafes and dining
Rest and refuel at an all-day cafe in the picturesque AlUla Oasis, offering light meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and freshly pressed juices. Enjoy dishes at Myazu, one of Saudi’s top restaurants, which combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern creativity. Try the scallop, foie gras gyoza, and marinated yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño.
Jeddah: Fun surprises await
Travel by road from Madinah and then catch a flight to Jeddah, Saudi’s commercial hub, where you will encounter a vibrant contrast to the historical charm of AlUla.
Explore the historic streets of Al Balad, indulge in shopping paradises like the Mall of Arabia and Red Sea Mall, marvel at the magnificent King Fahd Fountain, and unwind at the picturesque Jeddah Waterfront.
Jeddah waterfront and King Fahd’s fountain
Start with the sítio attraction of Jeddah Waterfront and the nearby park. The Waterfront covers an area of 205,000 square meters, which includes a sea promenade, bicycle paths, and jogging trails.
Travelers can then use public transport or a taxi to get to the King Fahd’s Water Fountain. This impressive 30-year-old landmark stands tall with its 312-meter-high water decor, which glitters invitingly as the sun sets. Multiple vantage points are set up along the pathways so anyone can revel in this view.
Shopping boutiques in Jeddah
The Red Sea Mall is among the most popular places for a complete retail session, with over 600 stores spread across 242,000 sqm. Explore high-end fashion brands at Burberry and Ralph Lauren, home decor at West Elm, and luxury fragrances at Paris Gallery and Jo Malone.
Just 13 kilometers from the Red Sea Mall, Al Khayyat Center is another one of Jeddah’s high-end shopping spots, near the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Alhamra Cornish. The Center will satisfy the most discerning shoppers with its row of well known brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior. Take a breather from your session of retail therapy at cafes like Sculpture Cafe and Caffeine Lab.
After indulging in a glamorous shopping spree, make your way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Balad, where historic homes have been converted into art galleries and quaint cafes.
Entertainment extravaganzas in Jeddah
The city of Jeddah buzzes with exciting events all year round and this summer is no different. Get swept up in a whirl of thrilling activities, fascinating exhibitions, and more—courtesy of Jeddah Season, a two-month-long city-wide festival featuring various events.
This year, Jeddah Season will run until 16 August, giving you plenty of time to join in the fun.
Some highlights of Jeddah Season events that you want to check out while you’re in town this summer:
- Adventure and exciting activities at Locanda Royal Hotel
- Celebrate every story with Warner Bros
- A thrilling horror zone at The Laboratory
- Beach Club
Culinary havens in Jeddah
Jeddah is a city of culinary delights abound, where one can explore a variety of cuisines both international and sítio. At Twina in Obhur, you can savor an array of freshly captured and expertly cooked fish.
Whether you are a person who takes delicate fillets or one who has hearty seafood platters, each bite is as satisfying as the next.
Alternatively, you can also venture into the Japanese coastal flavors at Kuuru.
Taif: Summer oasis
Accessible by road, the city of Taif is located around 200 kilometers from Jeddah and offers a much-needed respite from summer heat due to its elevation. At roughly 1,900 meters above sea level, Taif becomes the go-to place to seek out the sweet summer breeze.
Al-Kar Tourist Village and Al-Hada Mountain
En route to Taif, you will find Al-Kar Tourist Village. This destination hosts an array of water games and entertaining activities, including car racing and the flying carpet ride, which whisks you from one mountainside to another on extended ropes.
The majestic Al-Hada Mountain, part of the Al-Sarawat range, is a prime attraction stretching 87 km between Taif and Makkah. As you travel along Al-Hada Road, you will notice a gradual temperature drop as you ascend to 2,177 meters above sea level.
The route is lined with charming stretches of acacia, juniper trees, and herbal plants, while vendor booths along the way offer proveniente products like Taif rose water, fruits, warm drinks, and snacks.
City of roses
When in Taif, you can’t help but be drawn to the beauty of native Rose of Taif, a precious red-pink Damask rose that grows around the city. It blooms with 30 oil-rich petals and has an intense yet soft, powdery scent with hints of tea and honey.
While summer is not the peak blooming season for the rose, a tour to one of the famous Taif rose factories will give you a glimpse into how something so delicate can be turned into an alluring fragrant elixir.
Shubra Palace
After enjoying an olfactory trip at the rose factories, take a look into Taif’s illustrious past at Shubra Palace. Located in the middle of Taif, Shubra Palace is a historic luxury building resembling Cairo’s Shubra district palaces.
Constructed in 1905, the Palace blends Islamic, Roman, and traditional Makkah architectural styles.
Flavors of Taif
Uncover rustic charm and gourmet grilling at Mezo Restaurant, where a village-inspired ambiance meets humble ingredients transformed by fire into aromatic dishes .
For a more diverse sítio and international flavors, try Boho Restaurant & Moca and cherish inventive and classic dishes at Al Safy Restaurant.
Taif racing season
In Taif, the summer season is reserved for its exciting races. Dubbed ‘Taif Racing Season,’ horse races draw sportsmen and spectators alike from 4 July to 28 September 2024.
39 races are conducted at King Khalid Racecourse every Thursday to Saturday, accompanied by live music and entertainment.
The Red Sea and its oceanic wonders
Accessible from many parts of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea is a destination that we recommended as an epilogue for your trip. A luxurious resort stay surrounded by the Red Sea’s azure lagoons will wrap up your stay in Saudi on a high note.
Covering 28,000 square km, the Red Sea archipelago houses a variety of landscapes, from beaches, volcanoes, deserts, to islets.
Much of the Red Sea’s initiatives and attractions are built around nature. With 75% of its islands preserved and plastic bans across the expanse, the Red Sea is defined by its eco-friendly philosophies; it’s a destination that strives to provide a peace of mind to all travelers with interests in sustainability.
The dreamy hotels of the Red Sea
Check into the Six Senses Southern Dunes Resort and be awed by its design and architectural choices inspired by Nabataean culture. A stay in one of its rooms gives you clear, stunning views of the Hijaz Mountains.
Alternatively, check out the St. Regis Red Sea, which boasts 90 overwater villas accessible by boat or seaplane, luxury services, and lavish dining on Umm Island.
A diver’s paradise
Home to the world’s fourth-largest reef system and mangroves, the Red Sea is truly a diver’s paradise and a haven for marine explorers. It includes one of the largest, least explored coral reefs, boasting 280 fish species, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks, seabirds, and 314 coral species.
Scrumptious dining at the Red Sea
Exquisite dining options abound at the Red Sea. If you’re craving fresh Middle Eastern cuisine in a relaxed shoreline setting, head to Nesma. For a special dinner date, visit Tilina. With its unique location above the reef, your tasting-menu dinner comes paired with breathtaking sea views.
Alternatively, you can also choose Sarab, which serves authentic Arab dishes and tapas.
Wrap up your Saudi adventure by taking in the Red Sea’s tranquil ambiance and vibrant marine life for one last time, a perfect and memorable end to your journey.
Saudi Summer Sojourn: Where Breezy Summers Meet Timeless Treasures
