Taif

When the summer approaches holidays to Taif become one of the most popular choices for a domestic staycation amongst those living in the Hijaz area of Saudi Arabia. This is hardly surprising when summer temperaturs in Jeddah and Makkah can reach 50 degrees. 
Taif in contrast has a gentle temperate climate as a result of its location 1700 m above sea level. However, a holiday in Taif is not just about escaping the summer heat. Taif holidays take you to a destination with traditional architecture and souks, stunning landscapes and scenery and wide tree lines streets.

Taif is commonly referred to as the City of Roses, as the fragrance of roses spreads through the air from the orchards that surround the city. The orchards are also famous for the cultivation of fruit – particularly honey-sweet figs, grapes, prickly pear and pomegranates. 

The ancient architecture of Al Hijaz is apparent in the Taif historical wall and a journey to the Okaz Museum, National Museum, and Shubra Museum will take you on a journey through time to understand Saudi heritage and Arabian culture. Probably the most exciting adventure of all in this area is a journey by cable car above towering mountains and lush greenery which is such a contrast to the typical image of golden sands that is so synonymous with this country.