Offering mesmerizing scenic beauty, there are numerous places to visit in Asir region that attract tourists worldwide. In Asir, tourists can gaze at charming views from the top of the mountains or visit various must-see tourist spots. Hikers can explore the unspoiled environment of the hilly region in Asir and camp beneath the stars in natural settings. One can go on a day excursion across Asir and visit the Al Muftaha art hamlet or shop at the vibrant traditional marketplaces. Besides, there are about 651 archeological sites in the region that have been registered with the National Antiquities Register. These sites feature stones, inscriptions, and drawings dating back to pre-Islamic times. The Asir region offers numerous stays and houses authentic restaurants to taste flavorful Saudi Arabian cuisine.
Tourist places to visit in Asir Region
Tourist spots in Abha, Khamis Mushait and nearby cities come under the Asir region. Therefore, the region has many famous tourist spots. Here is a list of tourist places to visit in the Asir region:
1. Green Mountain or Jabal Thera
Green Mountain is known as ‘Jabal Thera’ because of the green lights and greenery that envelope it. The mountain offers a pleasant climate, which is especially beneficial in Saudi Arabia, where the desert heat may be oppressive. Restaurants and an internet cafe are among the various amenities available on the mountain. Tourists can trek to the mountain’s summit or take a cable car ride to the mountain park and enjoy the valley’s stunning scenery. The cable car ride is much better at night when the entire city is illuminated and provides for a memorable spectacle.
How to reach Jabal Thera: The best method to get to Green Mountain’s summit is via cable car, where one can enjoy panoramic views.
Things to do at Jabal Thera: Here, one can indulge in mountain hiking, a cable car ride and enjoy the natural beauty.
2. Asir National Park
The Asir National Park is Saudi Arabia’s first national park, covering around 1,600 square kilometers. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Asir region, and home to over 300 different bird species. It is the national park first opened in the last quarter of 1980. It has 67 campsites and 45 picnic spots for tourists visiting the park. The park also has many trekking and hiking trails for adventure enthusiasts to explore. It houses Jabal Sawda, the highest mountain in Saudi Arabia, towering at 10,484 feet. Leaving the campsites aside, the park is mostly undeveloped.
Location: King Abdul Aziz Road, Al Shifa, Abha
Things to do at Asir National Park: Tourists can go camping or indulge in a picnic at one of the 67 camping sites. Nature trails, walking and hiking paths, and lookouts abound in the park, making it ideal for adventurers. One can take a cable car ride inside Asir National Park to reach and see views from Jabal Sawda.
3. Abu Kheyal Park
Abu Kheyal Park is a beautiful area for families to organize picnics because of its stunning vistas and lush flora. Tourists can go for long walks in the park and get a breath of fresh air. This park is also ideal for adventure seekers interested in mountain climbing. Jacaranda trees make it an unforgettable visit during the spring season. The park blooms with purple blossoms, and it becomes the perfect spot for clicking amazing pictures.
Location: Al Shifa, Abha
Timings: Sunday to Saturday, 8 am – 7 pm
Things to do at Abu Kheyal Park: Children, adults, and old people can go strolling, jogging, and enjoy the park’s natural environment.
4. The Fog Walkway
The Fog Walkway is one of Saudi Arabia’s most magnificent natural wonders and one of the popular places to visit in Asir region. This mesmerizing sight, located in the southern city of Abha’s mountaintops, gives tourists the sensation of wandering through clouds and fog. The promenade overlooks the gorgeous Tihama mountains and is chilly and misty all year, providing tourists with an unforgettable experience. Tourists can also enjoy snacks and favorite dishes at eateries in the nearby region.
Location: Alsahab Walk, Al Dabab, Abha
Things to do at The Fog Walkway: Tourists can take a stroll along a 600-meter walkway or stop by the booths and eateries to enjoy some delectable dishes.
5. Rijal Alma Village
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rijal Alma, is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important cultural and archeological sites. It is located in Asir’s southwestern part of the Kingdom. The village is 900 years old and has 60 multiple-story buildings made from clay, stones and woods. Situated in a mountainous region, the village also has a museum known as ‘Men of the Brightest Heritage Museum’.
Location: Asir, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Places to see in Rijal Alma Village: Tourists can explore the Palace of Riyadh and the Palace of Hakim.
6. Al Habala Village
The Al Habala Village is also known as Habala Hanging Village as such as it is situated on the edge of a high cliff face. This old town was once only accessible by rope, and it is thought that residents fleeing the Ottomans lived here. Tourists can spend some time in this abandoned village to get a sense of Saudi Arabia’s past. They can take a cable car ride to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and desert.
Location: Al Habala, Abha
How to reach Al Habala Village: It is an hour’s drive from Abha and conveniently reached via a car.
7. Al Muftaha Village
After the rehabilitation of its stunning heritage buildings, theater, and tourism services, the medieval village of Al-Muftaha has become one of the city’s most important tourist attractions. It includes buildings built in the Asir region’s traditional construction style along internal and external passages. Small holes and strong walls define Al-Muftaha Village, which protects the mud walls from rain and provides shade to the buildings. It has a mosque with walls decorated in impressive calligraphy and features art galleries that display artworks of regional artisans.
Things to do at Al Muftaha Village: Tourists can visit the aesthetically decorated Mosque to offer prayers and the impressive Art Gallery to appreciate local artists’ artworks.
8. Shamsan Ottoman Castle
Shamsan Castle is located in Abha at the foot of a mountain, where several old tombstones, buildings, and wall foundations have been discovered. Stone dating from the third millennium B.C. and Ceramic fragments of red clay dating from the first millennium B.C. have also been found. Shamsan Castle is a massive rectangular structure with three towers and is the main entrance on the city’s west side, with a city view.
9. Abha Dam Lake
Abha Dam Lake is a dam and a lake in the middle of the desert, making it a one-of-a-kind site. The lake is not particularly large, and the water level varies according to the season. Around the lake, there are a few parks and green places. It’s the ideal setting for a picnic with family and friends.
Location: Abha- 62512, Saudi Arabia
Things to do at Abha Dam Lake: Travelers can go for camping and picnic at Abha Dam Lake.
Suggested Read: Camping In Saudi Arabia: Top Sites For Adventure Amidst Rustic Nature
10. Al Raqdi Museum
The Al-Raqdi Museum, established by Muhammad bin Ali Al-Raqdi, has nine departments that are Copper-Making Department, Apparel Section, Traditional Women’s Silverware, Old Kitchen Section, Handicrafts, Agricultural Equipment, and the Old Asiri Council Section. A Thami Session section, an Asiriya Village section, a Stone Architecture Building, a Coastline Session section, and a Traditional Items’ section are also included in the museum. Tourists can catch a look of the historical displays at the Al-Raqdi Museum and learn about Saudi heritage.
Location: Thirah, Abha
Timings: Sunday, 9 am – 12 am
11. Al Rashid Mall
Al Rashid Mall is a large shopping mall with a sophisticated design that serves as a one-stop destination for all the shopping and entertainment needs. It has a lot to offer, with several high-end brands, restaurants, and cafes. Al Rashid Mall also has a large amusement section with various games and rides, ensuring that the kids have a good time. It is home to renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger, US Polo, Reebok, H&M, and some popular eateries and many chain restaurants.
Location: 4455 King Fahd Road, Albadee, Abha
Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 9:30 am – 11 pm, and Friday, 2 pm – 11 pm
12. Bees Tower Honey Refinery
Nestled amidst the lush green beauty of mountains, Bees Tower Honey Refinery is about a 10 to 20-minute drive from Rijal Alma Village. It is a calming getaway from the city to relish a cup of piping hot coffee either on the open terrace or inside the furnished wooden refinery. The inside space of the Bees Tower Honey Refinery is lit up subtly with yellow lights and has a pleasant ambiance. One can also taste and purchase pure honey, available in at least 12 different flavors.
Location: Al Batilah, Saudi Arabia
Asir region offers beautiful tourism destinations all year, but the best months to visit are April, August, and November. The weather during these months remains moderately pleasing and apt for exploration. Five days and four nights itinerary would be the ideal choice to explore the region.
Asir is a culturally and geographically diverse region with plenty of attractions for all types of visitors. Tourists can explore various places to visit in Asir region, take advantage of the cool temperature in the middle of summer in the Tanomah Mountains, learn about the history at the Museums, or spot various bird species at Asir National Park.
Places to visit in Asir Region FAQs
What are the best adventure activities in the Asir Region?
In the Asir region, travelers can indulge in sightseeing, paragliding, shopping, and cable car rides to channel the inner adventure enthusiast in them.
Does the Asir Region have historical ruins?
Yes, the Asir Region has thousands of years of ruins, including Jorash, Tabalah, Al-Abla, Darb Al-Feel, and other well-known archeological sites.
Are there camping sites in the Asir Region?
Tourists can camp at Asir National Park and Abha Dam Lake in the Asir Region.
What is the name of the Museum at Rijal Alma Village?
Men of the Brightest Heritage Museum is the name of the museum at Rijal Alma Village.
Does Al Rashid Mall have a food court?
Yes, Al Rashid Mall has a food court and has local and global food chains like Burger King and McDonalds.
