With several bucket-list destinations right on its doorstep, Abha is perfectly placed for diving into Aseer’s deep-rooted landscapes and traditions. Many of the region’s must-see spots are just a short drive away from this beautiful mountain city, making it an ideal base for unforgettable day trips.

Travellers craving back-to-nature experiences in the great outdoors will find dramatic mountain paths, beautiful lakes and wild wadis surprisingly close by, while those seeking culture and history can delve into the past in unique heritage villages.

These are some of the best day trips from Abha.

1. Get out into the lakes and mountains of Tanomah

Little-known outside Saudi Arabia, Tanomah is a great place for outdoor adventures. A charming city surrounded by mountains, lakes and waterfalls, it offers endless opportunities for exploring, either independently or with tour operators. The nearby mountains have both easy and challenging routes through spectacular scenery, with plenty of wildlife to see along the way (keep your eyes peeled for geckos and gazelles).

Tanomah and the surrounding region are famous for waterfalls too – the most accessible is Tanomah Waterfall, which can be found in a family-friendly park on the outskirts of town, and there are more falls deep into the mountains. Prefer to get out on the water? It’s easy to rent equipment for kayaking and boating on Al Namas reservoir during the summer months. There’s so much to explore in Tanomah, and plenty of accommodation available, so this is a day trip that can easily be extended into a leisurely weekend visit.

How to get to Tanomah from Abha:
It’s a very straightforward drive from Abha to Tanomah, and should take less than two hours by car. Take Route 15 out of Abha and follow the road north until you reach Tanomah. Hiking and kayaking excursions can be booked through Hussak Adventures.

Rijal Almaa ancient village near Abha in Saudi Arabia

Rijal Almaa ancient village near Abha in Saudi Arabia

Rijal Almaa Heritage Village

2. Admire the historic architecture of Rijal Almaa

Rijal Almaa is a historic village that dates back 900 years, and has been recently restored to showcase its incredible heritage architecture. The windows of the village’s multi-storey stone houses are painted red, blue and green, and framed with sparkling white sugar quartz. The striking fairytale effect has earned Rijal Almaa its nickname ‘the gingerbread village.’

Visitors can freely explore houses at this historic site, where traditional Aseeri artwork, intricately carved wooden doors, antiques and old photographs remain on display. There’s also a small museum at Rijal Almaa, with permanent exhibitions about the village’s history and culture.This is a very easy, family-friendly day trip from Abha, as there are plenty of places to grab lunch or snacks on the village's terraces before making the scenic drive back to the city.

How to get to Rijal Almaa from Abha:
It takes about an hour and ten minutes to drive from Abha to Rijal Almaa heritage village, taking Routes 214 and 2442. The mountain roads can be steep with tight turns, so if you’re not confident behind the wheel, it may be better to hire a driver for the day.

The hanging gardens of Wadi Lajab in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

The hanging gardens of Wadi Lajab in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.

The hanging gardens of Wadi Lajab

3. Take a walk on the wild side at Wadi Lajab

Venture into Jazan Province for one of the most beautiful hiking spots in the country – Wadi Lajab. This valley is a haven for wildlife, with fish swimming in the streams, rare birds overhead, and thick green moss growing along the slopes of the canyon. A superb place for moderate-to-challenging treks, the often-narrow pathways pass giant boulders, waterfalls and ponds, with plenty of shady viewing spots to stop for photos or picnics.

This is also a popular destination for wild swimming, with natural freshwater pools deep enough for a refreshing dip. Come prepared with decent walking shoes as parts of the paths can be challenging, and you can expect to scramble across large rocks to reach the best swimming spots.

How to get to Wadi Lajab from Abha:
You can get to Wadi Lajab from Abha in under three hours by road, and if you’re travelling independently, you’ll need to hire a 4x4 to drive in the wadi. Saudi Tours offers day trips from Abha with transport and a picnic lunch included.

Jabal Soudah in Asir National Park. Shutterstock

Jabal Soudah in Asir National Park. Shutterstock

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4. Go hiking in Asir National Park

Asir National Park is one of the most accessible and rewarding places to visit near Abha. Although the national park’s spectacular mountains are just a short drive from the city, they feel a world away, with lush juniper forests to wander through, steep, rocky paths to navigate and heart-stopping scenery to admire. Saudi Arabia’s highest mountain, Jabal Soudah (Sawda), is within the park and can be scaled in less than a day. It’s the perfect place to experience Aseer’s classic misty mountain views and dreamy sunsets.

How to get to Asir National Park from Abha:
Take Route 214 out of Abha, and drive to Al Souda village area, which is around half an hour away. The trailhead for a hike up Jabal Souda starts close to here – locals will be able to point it out if you have any trouble locating it.

Habla Park cable car in Saudi Arabia

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5. Explore the unique ‘hanging village’ of Al Habala

A visit to the hanging village of Al Habala is one of the most memorable days out in the region. This remote settlement was constructed around 370 years ago when the Khatani tribe were trying to evade the Ottomans and built their homes in a deliberately inaccessible location, 300m down a steep cliffside. The settlement’s name comes from the Arabic word for rope, because when it was constructed, it could only be reached by rope ladder. There’s a nearby park with views over the village and the Sarawat Mountains. During the summer months, visitors can take a cable car down to the village itself.

How to get to Al Habala from Abha:
It takes around 50 minutes to reach Al Habala by car from Abha, taking Route 2110.

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