Half-Day Trip to Taif from Makkah

Prepare for a shift from skyline views in Makkah to cool mountain breezes in Taif! If you're looking for a quick getaway that feels like a different world, a half-day trip to Taif from Makkah might be your ideal plan. Known as the City of Roses, Taif is located high in the mountains and offers cool relief from Makkah's desert heat. It is a hidden gem only a scenic drive away, making it one of the best options on your Makkah sightseeing bucket list. Picturesque winding roads, hills covered in mist, rose gardens, bustling local souks, cool breezes beckoning you to stay, nature, and culture, Taif has it all and more, in a matter of hours.     

Buckle up, we are going to show you how to plan your perfect half-day trip to Taif from Makkah!    

Distance: Taif is located about 85–100 km from Makkah, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive through the mountains.

What was once a castle is now a museum, named Shubra Palace, a royal treasure hidden among the gardens of Taif. Strolling along the beautiful corridors of this historic mansion, you’ll observe various architectural designs and ornate features based on Saudi architectural details. It is a four-story building, home to approximately 150 rooms with beautiful wooden latticework on the windows and balconies, and marble from Carrara, Italy, in the interiors. The palace features many artifacts, including early Islamic objects, rare stones, jewelry, coins, seals, iron locks, household items, and antique weapons such as swords, spears, and shields.  

Known as the cultural heart of Taif, the Souq Okaz Festival is the city's metaphorical pulse, bringing to life its rich history. From camel racing to horse racing, Souq Okaz is brimming with attractions. The historic marketplace is 41,000 square meters, and there are more than 200 shops that offer pottery, glassware, silverware, wall art, textiles, leather goods, and traditional handicrafts. You can also find beautiful historical manuscripts and rare literary gems in the various shops.

Stroll among rows and rows of over 900 million Dasmak roses, flaunting their charm in every shade of pink and red in gardens at Taif. Every spring, during the Taif Rose Festival, you may stroll through these spectacular gardens, filling the air with sweet, calming scent of thousands of flourishing roses. Here you can attend plenty of live performances, musical events, and perfume-making workshops, with active crowds and the stunning backdrop of nature surrounding them. What’s more? These roses are harvested by hand and later extracted into rose oils and water, that then are used to make everything ranging from cleansing rituals of the Holy Kaaba to perfumes.

If you're looking for panoramic views, Al-Hada Mountain is your place to be. Head up to the mountain via a touring car, taking the winding road up through the landscape into the breathtaking panoramic views of Taif and the highlands surrounding it. Feeling the crisp wind and standing at such high altitudes will add a dramatic edge to the experience compared to the sunbaked plains at lower elevations. Make sure you capture some great shots along the winding drive and take in those jaw-dropping views of the Sarawat Mountain range.     

Craving a bit of outdoor adventure? Wadi Mitna is your place to go. Tucked away in the Sarawat Mountains, this lush valley is a beautiful place to hike, enjoy picnic spots, and relax in a shady area under a tree. This wadi is said to be the place where the Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) took shelter in the aftermath of rejection in Taif. Walk along the winding paths, listen to the crystal clear streams, and soak up the greenery.   

Located just on the outskirts of Taif, high in the Sarawat Mountains, Al Shafa is a quaint village known for its pleasant climate and beautiful views of terraced farms, valleys, and cliffs. Home to many old houses surrounded by mountain views, it is a perfect location for a relaxing half-day trip. Explore the peaceful roads of Al Shafa, admire its historic homes, walking trails, local markets selling herbs, handmade goods, and honey, and picnic areas.     

Al Rudaf Park is a beautifully landscaped park where you can enjoy time with your family outdoors, where well-manicured gardens seamlessly blend with open skies and natural rock. This park provides an inviting atmosphere with open children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, fountains, and walking areas. You will also come across massive boulders spread across the landscape, palm-lined paths, and seasonal flowers, making it a great place to visit when traveling to Taif from Makkah.