Saudi Arabia is famous for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages primarily. Tourism in other cities is also well-developed yet there are many destinations that are worth-visiting but go unnoticed. Most of Saudi Arabia is highly developed, a huge expanse is still preserves its natural beauty. The country has breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, de-stressing beaches, and more. It offers a perfect getaway for people caught up with the hustle and bustle of city life. From a huge list of underrated destinations in Saudi Arabia, here are the top 5 that deserve a lot more attention.
Beautiful Yet Underrated Destinations, KSA
1. Hail – Hub of history & culture
The city is home to legends like Arabian Nights and Hatim Al Tai. It formerly served as the capital of the whole Arabian desert and is currently the capital of the north-central region of the Kingdom. In the past, Hail developed into an important commercial center due to ample rainwater draining from the nearby mountains and its presence on caravan trade routes. Today, Hail is famous for its beautiful tourist spots and hosting international desert events like Hail International Rally. The city is one spot to experience the history and culture of Saudi Arabia altogether.
Tourist attractions: While in Hail, tourists can explore Al Nafud desert, Aarif fort, Barzan castle, Al Qishlah castle, Hail souq, and Hail flea market.
Restaurants: Tourists can sit in Al Turathy Restaurant to enjoy the exquisite food of Saudi Arabia and glance at preserved artifacts. Families can have mouth-watering seafood at Al Marsaai Restaurants.
Hotels: Holiday Villa Hail and Luxury Millennium Hail Hotel provide a warming and comfortable stay for people visiting Hail city.
Best time to visit: As Hail experiences cold winters; therefore, the best time to visit the city is from March to November.
Nearest airport: Travelers can reach the city via Hail International Airport, which is located 10 km from the city center.
Must Read: 5 Things To Do In Hail, The Homeland Of Hatim Al-Tai Of Arabian Nights Fame
2. Unaizah – A lesser-known gem
North of Riyadh and the South of Buraydah, Unaizah is the second-largest city in Al Qassim province. It has immensely helped in spreading Islam and was the stopping spot for people traveling from Mesopotamia to Makkah and Madinah. The city has massive sand dunes to its west and north known as Al-Ghamis Sands. Another geographic marvel surrounding the town is Al-Ghadha Woods in the north. Unaizah is famous for its salt lake, Al-Aushaziayh (sabkha), and other hidden tourist spots present in and around the city.
Tourist attractions: The Unaizah tour is incomplete without the visit to Alghda Heritage village, Al Mooze mosque, Clock Square Onaizah, Lake Al Oushzih, and Al Bassam Heritage site.
Restaurants: The city offers many popular eateries, including Lokma Tamam, Fawal Qismat Alafrah, and Kyan Cafe.
Hotels: There are numerous staying options in the city furnished with modern amenities like Boudl Al Fakhria, Al Malfa Resort, Gulanar Hotel, and Aber Unayzah.
Best time to visit: The winters are semi-blustery and chilly, while the summers show low humidity and are relatively dry. The best time to visit Unaizah is late spring, as it is the time when a soothing environment blankets the city.
Nearest airport: The nearest airport to Unaizah is Gassim Airport ELQ which is only 46.3 km away.
3. Al Kharj – Blend of tradition, fun and frolic
Al Kharj is an essential governorate located southwest of Riyadh. It is home to many hidden tourist spots and is one of the most underrated destinations in Saudi Arabia. It lies 100 km south of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The old parts of the town still preserve the traditional palm and mud-brick houses. The city is a hotspot for various alluring parks and archaeological museums. It is one of the top choices in the country for people to settle however it is not much popular as a tourist destination.
Tourist attractions: The most popular tourist spot in Al Kharj is Ayun AlSeih, also known as Eyes of AlSeih. It is a combination of two holes filled with water made by meteors ages ago. Other attractive spots include Al Kharj Park Zoo, Al Kharj Water Tower, Al-Baijan Amusement Park, Jaw Mall, and King Salman Walkway.
Restaurants: Restaurants like Al Romansiah Restaurant, Awtar Cafe and Restaurant, Al Kanadeel Restaurant keep buzzing with people and tourists.
Hotels: Adwaa Rafa, Marahel Kharj Aparthotel 3, and Retaj Hotel Apartments offer next-level stays for tourists coming from various regions and countries of the world.
Best time to visit: As Al Kharj experiences pleasant weather in January, February, and December, tourists flood in to enjoy marvelous locations during these months.
Nearest airport: Riyadh RUH Airport, 110 km away, is the nearest airport to Al Kharj City.
Must Read: Top Places To Visit In Al Kharj: Ayun AlSeih, Al Kharj Zoo, Al-Baijan Park
4. Khyber – A lush green oasis
Enriched with a series of important events, Khyber has a great historical past. It is the place where the Battle of Khaybar was fought in 628 CE. Fort Khaybar is one of the primary highlights here. It is an oasis located around 153 km north of the holy city of Madinah. Due to ample wells and a complex yet effective irrigation system, Khyber is surrounded by uncountable palm trees. The lush greenery present today gives an idea about how the city must have looked like 2000 years ago when it had a constant freshwater source. The city is also known for its exquisite dates cultivation.
Tourist attractions: Khyber is a well-fortified city having forts like Al Saab, Al-Nizar, and Abi. There are around eight such fortifications in the region of Khyber.
Hotels: Thahmad Hotel Apartments is a welcoming and all amenities inclusive stay in Khyber.
Best time to visit: The city experiences a mix of every weather condition throughout the year. Therefore, tourists can visit the city at any time of the year and enjoy the peaceful tourist spots.
Nearest airport: Bisha Airport, which is 31 km is the closest airport to Khyber main city.
5. Tayma – Home to archaeological sites & museums
Situated on the northwest side of Saudi Arabia, Tayma is conveniently located at the point where the Nefud desert begins to cross the trade route between Dumah and Madinah. The oasis present in the region is the reason for Tayma’s progress and development. The archaeological excavations show that the city has been a settlement since the bronze age. The city has a rich historical past; therefore, numerous excavation sites are present in Tamya, showcasing the ancient culture of Saudi Arabia.
Tourist attractions: Bir Haddaj in Tayma is a famous well that was built centuries ago. It attracts tourists from Saudi Arabia and all around the world. Many archaeological sites and museums present in the Tayma depict the various historical arts and writings of the region.
Restaurants: Eateries like Al Aali Restaurant, Taima Restaurants, and several others offer excellent dining options for visitors.
Hotels: Tourists can stop by in luxurious hotels like Jawharat Al Amaken Hotel and Al Ula Alac Resort to enjoy a comfortable and lavish stay.
Best time to visit: January and February are the two major months of increased tourism in Tayma.
Nearest airport: The nearest airport to the Tayma region is Tabuk Airport which is approximately 200 km.
The locations mentioned above are just a glimpse of less explored tourism in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom offers much more than the handful of regions highlighted in this blog. If you have explorative shoes on, Saudi Arabia will never disappoint you in any sense. The kingdom hosts a number of oases, mountainous regions, beaches, historical sites, modern cities, and various other awe-capturing landscapes. The tours to Saudi Arabia are increasing at an unprecedented rate as no one wants to leave this magical Kingdom out of their list of must-visit countries.
Suggested Read: Incredible Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia That Will Make You Go Wow!
Underrated Destinations In Saudi Arabia FAQs
Which are the most underrated destinations in Saudi Arabia?
Less explored travel destinations in Saudi Arabia are Hail, Unaizah, Al Kharj, Jabal Hassan Island, Tayma, Dhee Ayn, Domat Al Jandal, Rijal Alma, Ukhdood, and Khyber.
What is the best time to visit Hail city?
Tourists are suggested to visit Hail from March To November when the weather is relatively hot.
Which is the nearest airport to Al Kharj city?
At around 110 km from Al Kharj city, Riyadh RUH Airport is the nearest airport to Al Kharj.
Which are the best tourist spots in Unaizah?
Though there are many tourist spots in Unaizah, Al Mooze mosque, Lake Al Oushzih, Clock Square Onaizah, Alghda Heritage Village and Al Bassam Heritage site are the most popular ones.
Which is the nearest airport to Tayma?
Approximately 200 km away from Tayma city, Tabuk Airport is the closest airport to Tayma.
