Visiting Al Taif

Taif is a city located in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia. It is situated in the mountains of the Hejaz region and is known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and historical sites. Here are some things to do and see in Taif:

Visit the Shubra Palace: Shubra Palace is a beautiful historic palace located in the heart of Taif. It was built in the 1900s by King Abdulaziz and was used as a summer residence for the royal family.

Explore the Al Rudaf Park: Al Rudaf Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is a large park with beautiful gardens, picnic areas, and a lake where visitors can rent paddleboats.

Enjoy the Al-Hada Mountain: Al-Hada Mountain is a popular destination for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing. It is also home to several resorts and hotels.

Visit the Rock Carvings at Al Shafa: Al Shafa is a mountain located near Taif, and it is home to some of the most significant rock carvings in the region. The carvings are believed to be over 2000 years old and depict various scenes from ancient Arabian life.

Explore the Souq Okaz: Souq Okaz is an ancient market that has been around for over 1400 years. It was once a meeting place for poets, scholars, and merchants, and today, it is a popular tourist attraction.

Learn about the Rosewater industry: Taif is known for its rosewater production. Visitors can take a tour of the rosewater distilleries and learn about the process of making rosewater.

Visit the Taif Zoo: Taif Zoo is a popular destination for families. It is home to over 600 animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes.

Take a cable car ride: Visitors can take a cable car ride from Al-Hada Mountain to Al-Kurr Village. The ride offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Explore the Wadi Mitna: Wadi Mitna is a beautiful natural park located near Taif. It is home to a variety of plants and animals and is a popular destination for hiking and picnicking.

How to get there from Mecca?

Taif is located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Mecca. There are a few options for transportation from Mecca to Taif:

Car: The most convenient way to get to Taif from Mecca is by car. The journey takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. There are car rental agencies available in Mecca or you can hire a taxi for the trip.

Bus: There are also several bus companies that operate between Mecca and Taif. The trip takes around two hours, and buses depart regularly from the main bus station in Mecca.

Private Transfer: Many hotels and tour operators offer private transfers from Mecca to Taif. This is a more comfortable and convenient option if you don't want to worry about transportation logistics.

Helicopter: For those looking for a more unique and luxurious option, helicopter charters are also available from Mecca to Taif. This option can be quite expensive, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.