Perched 1,800 meters above sea level in the western mountains of Saudi Arabia, Taif is often referred to as the City of Roses and is a beloved escape from the heat of the surrounding regions. Known for its cool climate, fragrant rose gardens, and scenic views, Taif offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local charm that every visitor should experience.
🌹 Why It’s Called the City of Roses
Every spring, Taif’s valleys bloom with over 900 farms of Damask roses, producing more than 300 million flowers. These roses are not only stunning to behold but also form the basis of the famous Taif rose oil, used in luxury perfumes like those of Guerlain and Chanel. Visitors can tour local rose factories such as Al-Kadhi Rose Factory or Abdulrahman Alkurdi Distillery to see how the petals are harvested and distilled.
Best time to visit: March to April during the annual Rose Festival.
🏞️ Mountain Views and Natural Escapes
Taif sits on the Sarawat Mountain range, offering majestic views and several spots for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor adventure.
1. Al Hada Mountain
Drive along the serpentine Al Hada Road with its hairpin turns and scenic viewpoints. The area is also known for its cable car ride that connects to the Al Kar Tourist Village, giving panoramic views of the cliffs and valleys.
2. Al Shafa Mountains
A quiet mountain area south of Taif, Al Shafa is perfect for a peaceful retreat. It’s known for terraced farms, fruit orchards, and a much cooler climate. Local shops sell honey, herbs, and jams made in the region.
🐒 Wildlife and Nature Parks
Don’t be surprised to see baboons along the roadside – especially near Al Hada. For a more controlled experience, visit:
- Taif Zoo
- Saiysad National Park – Ideal for families and picnics, with green spaces and water features.
🕌 Cultural & Religious Highlights
- Shubra Palace: A stunning historic palace that was once a royal residence and now serves as a museum.
- Al-Abbas Mosque: A central and historic mosque popular with locals.
🛍️ Local Markets & Souvenirs
Taif’s souks are filled with rosewater products, handmade perfumes, local honey, dried herbs, and traditional sweets like qasab (sugarcane) and sambosa.
Top markets:
- Souq Okaz (especially during the cultural festival)
- Bab Al Rih souk
🍽️ Food to Try
- Saleeg – A rice dish cooked in milk, often served with roasted chicken.
- Mutabbaq – A stuffed savory pancake.
- Camel meat stew – Served in many local restaurants.
🚘 Getting There
- Taif is about 1.5 hours (90 km) from Makkah by road. Book Makkah to Taif Taxi here.
- It’s also connected by road to Jeddah (~2.5 hours) and Riyadh (~8 hours).
- The Taif Regional Airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
