Abha is the capital of the Asir region, set high in the Sarawat mountains in the south-west. Its altitude gives it far milder summers than most of the Kingdom, which makes it one of the most popular summer escapes for Saudi families.
Around the city are juniper forests, mountain viewpoints and villages known for Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the colourful geometric wall painting tradition inscribed by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
The places most worth your time, grouped by type.
NatureSome of the highest peaks in the Kingdom, covered in juniper forest and often wrapped in cloud; a summer escape from the heat.
~25 km west of Abha · half a day
HeritageA hanging village on a cliff ledge, once reached only by rope ladders and now by cable car.
~60 km south-east of Abha · half a day
HeritageA village of tall stone tower houses with white window frames, set in a green mountain valley, with a heritage museum.
~45 km west of Abha · half a day
LandmarksA hill in the heart of Abha lit green at night, with cafés and panoramic views over the city.
Central Abha · evening
MuseumsA restored quarter of Abha with galleries, studios and walls painted in Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, the region's UNESCO-listed decorative art.
Central Abha · 1–2 hours
Ideas worth trying — book them with tour operators listed in our directory.
Ride down from the high peaks to Rijal Almaa through misty mountain scenery.
2–3 hoursJuniper forests and viewpoints along the Sarawat escarpment.
Half dayStone towers, colourful Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art and local markets.
Half dayA suggested plan you can adjust to your own pace.
Everything for your trip from our directory: stays, food, shopping and services.
Abha is mild rather than cold in summer, with pleasant days and cool evenings compared with the rest of the Kingdom.
It sits below the escarpment west of Abha and is usually visited as a half-day trip by car.
The capital: modern skyline, historic Diriyah and big seasonal events
Red Sea gateway with historic Al-Balad and a long seafront
Hegra's Nabataean tombs and some of Arabia's most striking desert landscapes
City of roses on the Sarawat heights above Makkah
