Saudi Arabia is no longer just a land of deserts and historic mosques; it has transformed into a mesmerizing travel destination filled with surprises waiting to be discovered. If you are planning a Tour in Saudi Arabia, you are in for more than just the typical sightseeing experiences. The country has numerous hidden gems which tourists tend to overlook; whether it is an ancient place or a breathtaking view. This list of the best Saudi Arabia hidden gems illustrates some of the most striking Saudi Arabia hidden gems that can be enjoyed by inquisitive travelers.
1. Al-Ula: The Ancient City of Wonders
Al-Ula is located in the northwest and it is a combination of history, culture and nature. It is well known with its rocky mountains of dramatic sandstones and ancient rock formations. This is the first Saudi UNESCO site, the Hegra (Madain Saleh) UNESCO site. Tourists will be able to walk through Nabatean tombs hewn out of gold rock and learn about petroglyphs, which are thousands of years old. In addition to history, there is a surreal environment of the region suitable to photographers, hikers, and people who want to have peace.
2. Farasan Islands: A Coastal Paradise
The highlight of the red sea to the visitors who are tired of the city life is the Farasan Islands. This archipelago boasts of clean beaches, crystal clear waters and a rich amount of marine life, which should be in snorkeling, diving and boating. These islands are deserted and not crowded as compared to the more popular beach destinations. It is also possible to visit old Ottoman forts and have seafood in the local villages. It is a paradise that could not be missed in case one wants to see the off-beat destinations in Saudi Arabia.
3. The Edge of the World Dramatic Cliff Experience.
The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) will be astounding to adventure seekers. This cliff is situated close to Riyadh, and it provides a breathtaking scenery of an unlimited horizon of the desert. It is a perfect place where hikers and chasers of the sunset love to stay. The sheer size and the impressiveness of being on the edge of the world makes this one of the most memorable events in Saudi Arabia.
4. Asir National Park: Nature in Full Bloom.
Though Saudi Arabia is associable with deserts, Asir region in the southwest proves otherwise. A green and mountainous region of juniper trees, terrace agriculture, and fauna, Asir National Park is a place of interest. During summer the area becomes a green paradise with the mist-covered peaks and lower temperatures. The visitors may hike, see birds and visit traditional villages such as Rijal Almaa that is full of stone architecture and rich culture. This is among the mystical sites that will draw nature enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia.
5. Najran: A mix up of culture and the past.
Nazran is a historical and cultural city of southern Saudi Arabia. This is a non-trodden route attraction that provides a true insight into the traditional life. See the Najran Fort which is more than 1000 years old and visit markets where handcrafts are sold by artisans. Its mud-brick villages and archaeological sites also make it popular with its full cultural experience. Najran is a typical example of the untold gems that would be listed in a detailed Saudi Arabia travel guide.
6. Al Ahsa Oasis: A Green Marvel
Al Ahsa Oasis is one of the biggest natural oases in the world. There are Lush date palm groves, natural springs and ancient forts. The visitors are able to walk around the oasis, see historic spots and have a break at conventional Saudi tea houses. The oasis is not only natural beauty but also cultural heritage, which is the reason it has to be included in the list of places that should be visited by every traveler who wants to see the other face of the Saudi Arabia.
7. Taif: The City of Roses
Taif is located in the mountains where it is famous because of rose gardens and favorable weather. The Rose Festival is held every year to attract visitors across the country to see the harvesting of roses which are used as perfumes and essential oils. Cable-car rides, vibrant markets, and the old heritage sites are also available in the city. Taif is a perfect spot because of its colder climate and flowery scenes that can be enjoyed by the visitors who want to explore the hidden treasures of Saudi Arabia.
8. The Land of Petroglyphs, Jubbah.
The history lovers will value Jubbah, where some of the oldest rock carvings in the Arabian Peninsula are found. The petroglyphs show representation of animals hunting scenes and other ancient human activities which provide information regarding how life was thousands of years ago. Jubbah is also not that busy allowing one to mix the past with adventure in a peaceful environment.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a country that loves inquisitiveness. It has more than the famous cities and religious sites, which are full of secrets that could give memorable experiences. The country has a rich heritage and the dramatic cliffs of the Edge of the World to the calm and quiet Farasan Islands are only a few ways of discovering a new dimension of the diverse landscape. They are off-beat places that can be explored by a history enthusiast, nature or adventure lover. You have nothing to hide, start planning your next trip and discover a plethora of unknown riches.
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