The cool and breezy southwesterly province of Aseer offers a striking contrast to the hot, sandy desertscapes that usually spring to mind when you think of Saudi Arabia’s great outdoors. Instead, there are misty mountain trails, dense forests and centuries-old villages to explore. With its rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes, the region offers some of the most stunning spots in the Kingdom alongside the warmest of welcomes. It's beloved by families and solo women travellers for this very reason – new visitors are greeted with smiles everywhere they go.
The terrain is greenest and considered at its most beautiful between late autumn and early spring, but the mild and cool weather in Aseer (also spelt ‘Asir’) means it’s comfortable to visit all year round – the coolest months are between November and March when the mountainous areas can get quite chilly. These are just a few of Aseer’s most beautiful places to visit.
1. The Fog Walkway
Also called the Dabab Walkway, this fabulous 7km-long elevated pathway lets visitors take a misty walk through the clouds, enjoying panoramic views of the Tihama Mountains as they go. Located in the Al-Dabab neighbourhood on the edge of Abha, it can be an utterly otherworldly experience, especially when visited at sunrise or sunset (although the latter time does get very busy).
There are well-maintained picnic spots nearby, plus several children’s play areas, making this an ideal place for a family day out. The walkway is a spacious 14m wide so locals often use this scenic stretch for sports activities too, with the clean air and inspiring views providing excellent motivation for a long jog or cycle ride.
2. Habala Hanging Village
Across the whole Aseer province, historic villages with distinctive cultures and fascinating histories still survive, often hidden away in remote mountain locations. Perched on a cliffside, Habala Hanging Village is definitely one of the most intriguing. More than 370 years old, the settlement was built deep in the valley by the Khatani tribe, who are thought to have been fleeing the Ottomans.
The fantastically remote location they chose, built into the mountainside and more than 400m down a steep cliff face, made it extremely hard to access. In fact for a time, the village could only be reached by rope ladder. Nowadays, visitors can take a cable car to explore this remarkable place and view the village’s traditional sandstone homes set against the mountain backdrop. It’s easily one of the most beautiful sights in Saudi Arabia.
3. Green Mountain (Jabal Thera)
A uniquely inner-city beauty spot, Green Mountain is a greenery-covered hill that stands tall among the surrounding urban buildings and is visible from many vantage spots in Abha. It’s illuminated with bright green lighting at night, making the mountain appear to glow in the dark. Originally used for military purposes, it’s now a popular tourist destination, and is open daily after 2pm. Cafes and coffee shops are available for refreshments at the mountain’s summit, and the city views from here are stunning. Take the cable car up the hill for a relaxed ride and to enjoy the ultimate cityscape panorama.
4. Aseer National Park
Undoubtedly one of the greatest highlights of the whole region, the stunning Aseer National Park should be at the top of any beauty-seeker's itinerary. The park is home to all the quintessential mountain experiences that visitors dream of when they think of Aseer; challenging hikes, rare wildlife sightings, overnight camping, paragliding and endless other outdoorsy adventures. The reserve sprawls across approximately 6,490 square kilometres of wilderness, and includes wadis, waterfalls and farmlands as well as the mountain ranges.
For a classic mountain adventure, visit Jabal Sawda (Soudah), the highest peak in Saudi Arabia. Juniper forests, lavender bushes, acacia and arar trees cover the mountain slopes and there are plenty of easy paths to take as well as steeper, rockier climbs. Sunset views from here are among the best in the country. Be aware that the weather is very changeable high in the mountains, and a sunny day can quickly turn foggy and chilly, so bring suitable gear with you on any excursion.
5. Rijal Almaa Village
Another of Aseer’s charmingly beautiful villages, Rijal Almaa is a wonderful place to view traditional Asiri architecture and artwork in a glorious mountain setting. This heritage village features around 60 multi-storey stone houses with colourful doors and windows framed in sparkling white, earning it the nickname of the ‘gingerbread village.’ Inside these historic homes, visitors can view inspiring examples of the region’s famous Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art.
This distinctive interior design style uses symbolic geometric patterns of red, green, yellow, blue and black that represent family, religion and other aspects of traditional Asiri culture. As well as being one of the prettiest heritage sites in the country, the village has an on-site museum, making it an ideal day trip for history buffs eager to learn about the region's cultural roots. For the best experience, visit during the annual Flowerman Festival, where you can witness traditional music, crafts, and the iconic floral headpieces worn by local men.
6. Shamsan Castle
This historic fortress, dating back to the Ottoman era, offers a glimpse into Aseer’s past. Recently restored and rehabilitated for tourists, the castle features ceiling beams crafted from Juniper tree wood, while the walls are made of volcanic stone, bound with clay mortar and plastered in gypsum. Shamsan has an unusually irregular layout, with three defensive towers which are open for visitors to explore. Perched on the top of Shamsan Mountain, at an elevation of 2200m, the castle overlooks Abha and provides superb views of the city and surrounding mountains. A dreamy spot to catch the sunset.
7. Raydah Natural Reserve
Managed by the Saudi Wildlife Authority, Raydah Natural Reserve was listed as a protected area in 1989 and is located deep in the Sarawat Mountains. Wild olive trees and several species of cacti grow on the slopes here, and it’s home to nine bird species endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, including the Arabian woodpecker (Dendropicos dorae), and the Aseer magpie. It’s a remote and peaceful place to hike and immerse yourself in nature – taking a local guide is recommended.
