5 summer vacation destinations in Saudi Arabia

Escape the cities to cooler places without leaving Saudi Arabia ...

Thanks to Saudi Arabia's vast and varied landscape, there are beaches, mountains and even forests to explore throughout the year. While city temperatures can be scorching, there are plenty of places to go without leaving the country, where cooler temperatures and adventure will make your trip special and enjoyable.

Skip that expensive flight and vacation in one of these summer vacation destinations in Saudi Arabia.

Jeddah and the Red Sea coast

Average temperatures: 36°C to 39°C

Although temperatures in Djedda soar well above 30 degrees during the summer, the coastal breezes allow for morning or evening adventures. The best way to start your day is with an array of water activities that highlight the stunning underwater world: fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all popular pursuits in the glistening, pristine waters of the Red Sea coast. If you have more time and budget, then a stay at the St. Regis Red Sea is well worth the effort.

In the evening, a visit to the Al-Balad district, the Old City, is well worth a visit. It is a historical maze where Thousand and One Nights fairy tales seem to come true. Stroll through the souks and narrow alleys of Al-Balad and be blown away by the many impressions. You will end the day with a walk along the picturesque Corniche.

Abha

Average temperatures: 21°C to 30°C

Year-round pleasant temperatures and the constant chance of rain make Abha a popular destination for a summer vacation in Saudi Arabia. Pack your camping gear and sense of adventure and visit the southwestern region where time seems to have stood still. Located 2,200 meters above sea level among the Sarawat Mountains, a trip to Abha invites you to explore historic castles, visit old houses that have been transformed into living museums and learn about an exciting creative cultural scene. For the best views of the mountains, take the Abha cable car.

Taif

Average temperatures: 26°C to 34°C

Live among the cotton candy clouds with a summer vacation in Taif, a mountainous city located on the eastern slopes of the Sarawat Mountains. Taif is characterized by its cooler climate, thanks to its location at 1,700 meters above sea level. You will want to explore the more southern areas, where mountain peaks reach 2,400 meters, to enjoy rural life with centuries-old traditions as its beating heart. Taif is known for its production of roses, peaking in March and April where the roses are in full bloom. The production of fruits such as figs, grapes and berries also takes place throughout the year.

Al Baha

Average temperatures: 22°C to 31°C

Thanks to the temperate climate and cool breezes from May through August, you can spend your days enjoying nature in the many green parks, beautiful gardens and dense forests of Al Baha. In summer, the mountain side of the city is regularly shrouded in a thick fog, keeping the heat at bay and allowing you to enjoy nature. Between forest walks, outdoor yoga, souk tours and walks through ancient villages, no trip to Al Baha should be completed without tasting the local honey, one of the area's main exports. There is even a two-week honey festival in August.

AlUla

Average temperatures: 25°C to 41°C

A summer vacation in the desert may not sound immediately appealing, but thanks to the low humidity and mild temperatures at night (and the more budget-friendly rates at the best hotels), there is a good reason to spend your summer in AlUla. Start the day with a visit to Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, 'the Petra of Saudi Arabia.'. Also, store in the Old City, tour the Maraya Concert Hall or admiring the works of art in the galleries of the AlJadidah Arts District make a visit to AlUla more than worthwhile. A walk along the Heritage Oasis Trail, the adrenaline-inducing AlUla Giant Swing or sunset at Elephant Rock make AlUla considered the natural and cultural highlight of Saudi Arabia.