8 Beautiful Spots In Makkah For Sunsets  

Pack Up Your Prayer Beads and Camera, It's Time to Explore and Chase the Golden Skies in the Holy City!

Makkah, Islam’s holiest place, is bordered by the desert plains and rugged hills, perfectly forming naturally sky-high viewpoints that make it an idyllic place to experience the best magical sunsets. As the sun begins to sink behind the desert horizons, minarets, and mountains, it casts a soft blush of mauve and apricots over the modern skyline and ancient landscapes. And the Maghrib prayer (performed just after sunset) echoes through this sacred city, dusting the air with visual beauty and spiritual depth. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking to reflect or a photographer on the hunt for snaps, you wouldn’t want to miss the sunset in Makkah. Let’s take you through 8 beautiful locations in Makkah for sunsets, each with its own story. 

A short three-kilometer drive from the Grand Mosque, Jabal Khandamah is a peaceful mountaintop location enjoyed by locals and photographers alike. It is high enough to achieve a panoramic view of Masjid al-Haram, along with the impressive Clock Tower. As the sun begins to set, the white domes of the mosque illuminate, revealing hints of amber and rose. At high altitude, the air is cool enough to enjoy evenings outside. But make sure to bring your tea, coffee, and snacks as there are no dining options here. With uneven rock valley roads and an incredibly laid-back feel, Jabal Khandamah offers a location to take a simple pause and reconnect with nature, making it one of the best places to visit in Makkah.

Referred to as the Mountain of Light, Jabal al-Nour carries major spiritual value, as it is home to the sacred Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation of the Qur'an. As you hike the mountain, the beautiful city of Makkah slowly stretches out beneath you, and by the time you reach the summit, the setting sun paints the mountains in shades of gorgeous golden light. From the top, the Cave of Hira offers unforgettable views of Makkah, including the Grand Mosque in the distance.   

For a sunset scene straight out of a film, visit the rooftops of the hotels around the Grand Mosque. Choose from Fairmont or Swissôtel, featuring terrace lounges or rooftop cafes to enjoy a warm cup of tea while taking in the stunning scene above the Kaaba as it glitters under the fading golden sky. The experience is surreal, as you see a pilgrim's crowd moving below you in perfect unison, while the sky melts from amber yellow to violet.

   
The following are some of the top hotels located just steps from the mosque:

6.7 Pleasant

Mira Ajyad

Masjid Al-Haram Mecca, SA

5.5 Fabulous

Nada Al Deafah Hotel

Ajyad Al Sad 21955 Mecca, SA

6.7 Pleasant

شقق أجياد السد

شارع أجياد Mecca, SA

If you want to view the sunset in Makkah with a deeply spiritual feel, then you should visit Jabal Thawr. This sacred mountain has the historic Cave of Thawr, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) stayed after they fled Makkah during the migration. The climb is more difficult than Jabal al-Nour, but the peace, the views, and the serenity will be the reward. The sun sets behind Makkah’s rolling hills, casting an evanescent golden light over the landscape, and sacred silence washes over the mountain, perfect for reflection and gratitude.    

Mount Al-Hada is one of the most notable national heritage sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The mountain is part of the majestic Al-Sarawat mountain range, which stretches for a length of about 87 kilometers between Taif and Makkah, offering sweeping panoramas. As the sky melts into the bands of peach, lavender, and rose, the cool mountain, rising to an altitude of 2,177 meters above sea level, carries the scent of acacia trees, distant valleys, and wild juniper trees below. Along the side of the road, you can come across quaint roadside stalls, decked with local fruits, traditional snacks harvested and Taif rose water, and hot beverages. Whether at the break of dawn, the brilliance of noon, or dusk, the captivating drive along this beautiful route is always fascinating.  

Mount Thabir is regarded as one of the spiritually significant peaks in Makkah, where Allah sent a lamb to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), as the divine substitute for him to sacrifice instead of his son, Ismail. The mountain rises to about 1,101 m above sea level with exceptional views across Makkah from the summit. A haven for photographers and nature lovers alike, the summit offers enchanting sights during the golden hour after sunrise or before sunset.

Jabal Qubais holds historical relevance to Makkah and carries spiritual significance for many Muslims. Some traditions suggest it may have been the location where the Black Stone was kept during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Standing at around 420 meters, it is easily accessible via Masjid Al-Haram Road. In the early morning, the mountain is bathed in a soft golden glow, offering sweeping views and a peaceful ambiance perfect for quiet reflection. From the summit, you could capture the entire holy city in one panoramic photograph, providing both visual and spiritual relief, making it one of the best places to see in Makkah.  

Standing alongside the sacred Kaaba in Makkah, Jabal Omar represents both geographical and historical importance. Jabal Omar can easily be accessed via King Abdul Aziz Road, which brings you swiftly to the main surrounding area of the Grand Mosque. With a bit of elevation, the panoramic views of Masjid al-Haram are incredible, draped in the gold light of the early morning.