Saudi Arabia hasn’t been a tourist destination for long, but within the short period that it has occupied a permanent spot in the travel realm, the country has emerged as one of the must-visit destinations for adventure seekers. One of the many reasons is the mystery that surrounded the kingdom for so long. But now you can explore this conservative, traditional yet modern desert terrain to your heart’s content through its adventurous activities.

Saudi Arabia - Photo by Abdulrhman Alkhnaifer on Unsplash

Head to the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, and you’ll discover a ghost town by the name of AlUla Old Town. The town was occupied from the 12^th century to the 20^th century. This vast town is exceedingly well-preserved and protected. You’ll discover a vast array of traditional houses and shops. Plus, there are five ancient town squares for you to explore to discover Saudi Arabia’s history and heritage. There’s a virtual tour that’ll give you a sneak peek of what’s to come, but you definitely would want to go there to explore the abandoned buildings yourself. Add cycling, buggy tours, and trekking to your itinerary for a thrilling experience.

Located in the region of AlUla is another excellent discovery: Herga. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring ornate rooms carved out of desert boulders, Herga preserves an intriguing piece of Saudi Arabia’s history. There are 111 tombs with massive dimensions, some of which date back to the 1^st century. One feature that stands out is the Lonely Castle, which is a four-storey structure carved out of a boulder. The site is about one hour from Ascott Corniche Al Khobar, a popular recommendation for tourists looking for Al Khobar furnished apartments.

Another daring adventure in Saudi Arabia is to visit the Edge of the World. One of the most popular sites in the country, the Edge of the World is a collection of cliffs that are over 300 metres high. They tower over the vast desert terrain of the country. From Riyadh, the capital of Saudi, it takes about 90 minutes to get here. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up to the top to revel in the sweeping views of the area. A sturdy pair of boots is essential for the journey. You can choose to come here on your own, or if you feel you might need some assistance along the way, opt for a guided tour.

Apart from sightseeing, trekking, hiking, and discovering ancient towns, there’s a lot more that awaits adventurous souls visiting Saudi Arabia. Some of these adventures are land-based, while some are carried out in the water.

For a memorable scuba diving experience, visit the coastal regions in Jeddah. Here, you’ll also find an ancient town worth visiting. On your scuba diving excursion, you can discover a British shipwreck, which is now called the Saudi Titanic. If you’re in Tabuk, you can see half of the wreck jutting out of the water.

Camping in the desert terrain is another popular activity in Saudi Arabia. Camel rides and dune bashing offer more adventure for those seeking an exhilarating experience in the vast desertland of Saudi Arabia.

Come winter, some parts of Saudi Arabia experience snowfall, allowing you to enjoy some snow sledging and mountain snow drives.

For those looking for the ultimate adventure in Saudi Arabia, the best time to visit is during the cooler months, typically from October to March. This period offers a cool respite from the summer heat, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

Here are some things to remember for the best experience in Saudi Arabia: