Mapping Saudi's most remarkable sites

Food and city centre attractions may plentiful, but its Saudi’s rich history and heritage that motivates many to truly get exploring the Kingdom.

With so much to discover, some dating back centuries, we've put together some of the country's spectacular wonders, including some hidden gems that don’t usually make it on tourist site lists.

The Artery of Ancient Tombs, AlUla & Khaybar

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Northwest Saudi is home to a vast stretch of well-kept ancient tombs believed to be 4,500 years old. After seeing around 18,000 tombs from a helicopter, analysts from the University of Western Australia used radiocarbon dating to conclude the samples they examined are dated between 2,600BC and 2,000BC. However, the tombs were still in use until around 1,000 years ago.

The funerary avenues in AlUla and Khaybar feature mostly pendant-shaped tombs or ring burials, and the way they are still originally positioned is a testament to next-level preservation. They're even the subject of a new book by Assouline.

Wahba Crater

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Located about 250km away from Taif, the Wahba Crater is a natural wonder that showcases the power and beauty of volcanic activity. This splendid crater is not only a sight to behold, but also a great hiking spot. While the origins of the crater have been subject to much speculation, geologists have reached a consensus that it was formed by an eruption caused by the interaction of groundwater and hot lava. If you're feeling adventurous, take the time to hike all the way down to the bottom of the crater, which is a whopping 250 metres deep. 

Mada'in Saleh (Hegra), AlUla 

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Saudi’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mada'in Saleh, is a testament to its historical and cultural significance. Originally known as Hegra, it is just a short 22km ride away from the ancient oasis city of AlUla. The area includes magnificent rock-cut tombs carved out of sheer sandstone, with each structure telling a story of ancient civilisations that once thrived there. 

Thee Ain, Aseer  

The village of Thee Ain is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

With its breathtaking landscape and pleasant weather, this idyllic rural community is truly a sight to behold. As you make your way through the winding roads, you'll be greeted by the magnificent sight of white stones that distinguish this place as the Marble Village. A 400-year-old history adds to the charm and allure of this historic township.  

Judah Thumb, Al Ahsa

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Here's a rock formation that has earned itself the intriguing nickname of the “Devil's Thumb.”

Legend has it that it was named by a local Boy Scout troop who was amazed and bewildered by its imposing presence in such a remote area. And it's not hard to see why – this towering rock truly sticks out like a sore thumb against the barren landscape. Getting there is no easy feat, as the pathway is unpaved and rugged. If you're planning a visit, be sure to journey over in a 4x4 to manoeuvre through the compressed rock and sand. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to camp under the starlit nights that this area is renowned for.

Catalina Seaplane Wreckage, Tabuk

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In Tabuk, a fascinating piece of history has lain abandoned for over 50 years. It is the wreckage of a war seaplane, a relic from the past that now serves as a reminder of the turbulent times it once endured. The plane rests on a windy beach, where low tides are common. But there are moments when the tides rise, and the water brushes against the decaying metal, adding an eerie touch to the scene. Despite its desertion, the seaplane still attracts visitors who are eager to explore its intriguing history. To ensure their safety, a fence has recently been erected around the plane, allowing people to get up close and personal with this 1930s American military marvel.

Tayeb Al Ism, Tabuk

Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, just 15 km north of the coastal town of Maqna, this valley is surrounded by magnificent palm groves and granite massifs. As you enter it, you'll be greeted by a mesmerising sight –  two massifs that seem to have been split in half, creating a captivating entrance. Leaving your car behind, you'll cross a pedestrian bridge that instantly transports you into a world of enchantment. The sound of trickling streams and palm trees scattered throughout the valley only add to the magical atmosphere.

Underwater Discoveries

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The waters around famed diving spot Jeddah are home to these three shipwrecks, regarded as some of Kingdom’s most famous sunken sites.

The Boiler Wreck at the Abu Madafi Reef is believed to be over a century old. Beautiful multi-coloured coral swathes the shipwreck’s caves, which are easy enough for beginner divers to explore. The more advanced can plunge down the wall by the west end of the wreck and earn sightings ofblue fin jack, kingfish, and even manta rays.

Abu Faramish Reef’s Ann Ann Wreck might just be the largest shipwreck in the country. The ship that sank in the 1970s is wedged between two reefs and stands almost vertically, with the stern at about 32 metres deep. It’s suitable for intermediate and expert divers, who can glide through the open galley, the captain’s room, the electrical room, and more, alongside the likes of blue-spotted stingrays, schools of tuna, and perhaps whitetip sharks.

The Cable Wreck, or Staphanos as it was called before, went off the radar in 1978 and is now found at 24 metres under. Divers (all levels) can flutter kick their way between the supplies it was carrying, including cables, beams, chain link fence, and, surprisingly, asbestos sheets. Other visitors to the spot in Abu Tair Reef include guitar sharks, goatfish, snappers, and the odd whitetip reef shark.