Aseer has always been well-known and well-loved by Saudis as an ideal holiday destination – this beautiful mountainous region has cooler climes than the rest of the country, stunning scenery, and is packed with cultural and historical sites. Outside of Saudi, Aseer (also written as ‘Asir’) is lesser-known, but this is set to change fast, as the region is investing in numerous development projects that are bound to attract visitors from further afield.
The beautifully restored villages and castles look straight out of a fairytale, the mountains are crisscrossed with exhilarating trails and the warm welcome make it a favourite with solo women travellers in search fun and safe destinations. These are some of the best places to visit in Aseer.
1. Rijal Almaa
No trip to Aseer would be complete without visiting Rijal Almaa. This truly unique heritage village dates back 900 years, but has been restored and developed to showcase its striking architecture. The village’s buildings are built into the mountainside, and all feature boldly coloured windows and doors, framed in white sugar quartz, giving it the nickname of the ‘gingerbread village’. Visitors can wander in and out of the historic buildings, visit the on-site museum to learn more about the region’s traditions, or stop for a snack at one of the al-fresco cafes and restaurants. Even during Saudi's summer months, Aseer remains cool enough to enjoy outdoor adventures.
Needless to say, since Rijal Almaa is perched high in the mountains, the views of craggy cliffs and green valleys from the village’s terraces are simply spectacular. It’s a great day-trip from Abha any time of year, but the best time to go is during the annual Flowerman Festival. During the last two weeks of September, local tribes celebrate their cultural traditions and the men typically wear fragrant flower wreaths on their heads.
2. Honey Cottage
One of Aseer’s ultimate feel-good experiences is the Honey Cottage, an enchanting wooden cabin built into the mountainside (not far from Rijal Almaa) and surrounded by lush greenery and bright pink bougainvillea. The walls of this quirky family-home-turned museum are lined with over forty jars of honey produced from local beehives and visitors are invited to help themselves.
It’s an education in the richness and flavour of the local produce, as well as a lovely place to hang out – there are cosy reading areas and window seats on the upper floors as well as a cafe and even some co-working desks available. All overlook the endlessly green, refreshingly cool, storybook-esque mountain scenery beyond.
3. Mount Soudah
The highest peak in Saudi Arabia is Jabal Soudah at a lofty 3,015 metres above sea level. It stands amid the wider mountainous Soudah area, which is filled with dense juniper forests and cloudy vistas. There are numerous ways to make the most of this beautiful location, whether trekking one of the many scenic trails (bringing a local guide is recommended), camping, paragliding or nature spotting. Whatever your plans, make sure you bring a picnic and stay for sunset – you’ll never want to leave.
4. Tuesday Market
For an authentic local market experience, try Abha’s Tuesday Market (Souq Al Thulatha), one of the oldest in the Aseer region. It’s named after its busiest day, and here you’ll find traders offering everything from handicrafts and homewares to flower garlands and traditional clothes. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, such as oud and jars of regional honey, but it’s worth going just to soak up the atmosphere – grab a Saudi coffee or freshly fried street food as you wander around.
5. Abu Sarrah Palaces
Anyone wanting to delve deep into the region’s cultural heritage should make sure Abu Sarrah Palaces are on their itinerary. These three imposing structures were built in the 1830s by an influential Abha merchant and lived in by generations of the Abu Sarrah family, before being renovated and opened to tourists just a few years ago. Visitors can explore each room of the palaces from the livestock floor to the grand majlis, view original stone and woodwork, and examine the historic artefacts on display. Views of the surrounding fields and crops from the palace’s rooftop are an unforgettable sight.
6. Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Museum
Travelling through Aseer, it’s impossible not to notice the distinctively colourful, geometric patterns that appear on many walls and doors. This is Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artwork, a UNESCO-listed, traditional style of interior decoration done exclusively by women. Learn more about the significance and symbolism of the shapes and designs at the Al-Qatt Al-Asiri Museum, also known as the Fatimah Museum of Asiri Heritage.
The museum is also the family residence of renowned Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artist, Fatimah Faye'e Alalmai, and there are some fantastic examples of her work on display here as well as exhibitions about the origin of the art form and how it has been passed down through generations of women in the region.
7. Al Hareedah and around
There are numerous world-class diving and snorkelling sites along Saudi’s Red Sea coastline already, with water sports enthusiasts heading to the most famous sites around Jeddah and Yanbu. However, Aseer may soon be appearing on divers’ bucket lists too, with a specialised diving centre and school set to open.
Swimming, snorkelling and diving in the region’s clear waters will enable visitors to make the most of the fabulous marine life, while fishing and boat rides are already popular here. The water is also much more pleasant than elsewhere in the Kingdom during the hot summer months. The laid-back, waterfront city of Al Hareedah is a great spot for a coastal break, with plenty of places to eat out, shop and stroll.
8. Abha
The capital of Aseer province, Abha is a relaxed and pretty place to get a feel for Asiri culture. Surprisingly lush, with tree-lined streets and green walkways, jacaranda trees famously bloom across the city in May. It’s an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the region (many of the best places are within a few hours’ drive of the city centre) but it’s also a great city in its own right, packed with coffee shops, galleries, restaurants and markets, among other highlights. Choose one of the city’s tranquil parks, such as Andalus Park or Abu Kheyal Park, for a leisurely walk and to make the most of the sunshine and cool air the city is known for.
