Amazing places
Jeddah and Taif
About an hour and a half flight from Riyadh, you reach the 2nd largest city in Saudi Arabia, the cosmopolitan city of Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast.
Gateway to the holy city of Mecca, a bustling port and commercial centre, rich in ancient history, with easy access to the beautiful Red Sea coastal resorts and stunning coastline of Western Saudi Arabia.
Visit the old wooden balcony city, ultra modern Jeddah district and the surrounding green mountain areas leading to Taif.
Popular destinations
Stunning coastline North of Jeddah
Stunning beach resorts just a short taxi ride away to the North of Jeddah. Relax on the warm tropical-feel fine white sand beaches, among the shady palm trees, then explore the crystal clear, turquoise-coloured warm waters - teaming with natural sealife, easily accessible to divers and snorklers of all expereince levels. Learn to dive and explore deeper waters for an unforgettable underwater experience of a lifetime.
Taif and spectacular mountain villages
Just a few minutes drive from the ultra modern brand new and huge international airport of Jeddah, you are transported to a very different landscape - a world of immensly beautiful stunning mountain scenery, dotted with rustic mountain villages, vast farms, local wildlife including the famous baboons, on the road leading to the mountain town of Taif - 2 hours drive away. Famous for rose farms and Taif rose oil, the fertile farming lands are rich and beautful, you could easily imagine you are in a Mediteranean landscape, such is the contrast.
Nestled high up in the mountains, about 2 hours drive East of Jeddah you reach the crisp, clear air of the mountain town of Taif..
Al Hadda
Around 45 minutes drive out of Taif on the Al Hada (Mecca) road you reach a stunning landscape of mountain and deep valley scenery, peppered with small rustic, mountain farming villages and winding mountain roads. Reaching Al Hada, a major town in the mountains you will be surprised to find a strawberry farm, where you can visit and taste the local produce. The strawberry ice-cream is highly recommended!
A bit further winding through the incredible mountain scenery toward the edge of Al Hada, is the Bird Park, open to the public. The bird park is where you can experience many colourful tropical birds flying and feeding from your hand, while walking around open caged areas. Buy birdseed on the way in for a couple of Riyals and you will soon be surrounded by a huge variety of colourful birds all trying to get at the seed - great for photo opportunities with the family.
Beautiful, historic old Jeddah
Beautiful old Jeddah, a city of balconies, cool chilled-out little squares, chilled out relaxing restaurants and great sea food, caught fresh from the Red Sea and very cheap!
Many cats chillout here and a great indoor aquarium with a huge wow factor!
Jeddah is so atmospheric at night and often hosts many international sporting events and festivals! check out "Jeddah Season" in the Autumn/Winter when the climate is a little cooler, a nice winter sun destination and the huge array of cultural events on offer!
