Taif sits on the slopes of the Sarawat mountains east of Makkah and has long been the summer retreat of the Hejaz. It is famous for its Taif roses, distilled into rose water and oil every spring, and for its fruit farms.
The mountain road down Al-Hada, with its sharp bends and baboons by the roadside, is part of the experience, and the Al-Shafa heights offer cool air and wide views.
The places most worth your time, grouped by type.
NatureA famous road of hairpin bends climbing the escarpment, with viewpoints, a cable car and cool mountain air at the top.
West of Taif · 1–2 hours
NatureHigh mountain villages of terraced farms growing fruit, honey and roses, with wide views and cool weather.
~30 km south of Taif · half a day
NatureFields of fragrant Damask roses distilled into rose water and oil, with farms open to visitors in the blooming season.
Around Taif · spring
MuseumsA historic palace built in the early 20th century with carved wooden balconies, later used as a royal residence and museum.
Central Taif · 1 hour
HeritageThe revived site of the ancient Arabian market famed for poetry, now home to a seasonal festival of culture and crafts.
~40 km north-east of Taif · festival season
NatureA large park of lawns and huge rounded granite boulders, popular with families in the evening.
South Taif · 1–2 hours
Ideas worth trying — book them with tour operators listed in our directory.
In spring, watch the harvest and distillation of Taif's famous roses.
2 hoursPanoramic rides above the winding Al-Hada road.
2–3 hoursSeasonal pomegranates, figs and grapes in cool highland farms.
Half dayA suggested plan you can adjust to your own pace.
Everything for your trip from our directory: stays, food, shopping and services.
Roses are usually harvested in spring, around March and April, depending on the year's weather.
It is roughly a two-hour drive from Jeddah, depending on the route and traffic.
Hegra's Nabataean tombs and some of Arabia's most striking desert landscapes
Cool mountain air, green terraces and colourful Asiri villages
One of the world's largest palm oases, with caves and old souks
Canyons, winter cold and a quiet Red Sea coast in the far north-west
