Taif

Taif is a mountain city in the Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia, about 85 to 100 km east of Makkah, and has long served as the region's summer retreat because its altitude keeps temperatures well below those of the Red Sea lowlands. The drive takes about an hour and a half by car, climbing the Al Hada road through steep switchbacks with wide views over the escarpment. The usual choices are a taxi or an Uber or Careem ride at about SAR 250 to 450 each way, or a SAPTCO coach, whose fares are lower and should be confirmed in the SAPTCO app. A private car is the most flexible option for a day trip because the sights are spread across the city.

The central sight is Shubra Palace on Shubra Street, a early twentieth century Hejazi-style building that now serves as a museum and is a good introduction to the city's heritage. Taif is also famous for its rose farms, which produce rose water and rose oil; the harvest is concentrated in spring, roughly March to April, and farms and shops sell rose products, honey and local produce. The city's markets are good places to buy honey, dates, raisins and perfumes, and the cooler parks and viewpoints around the Al Hada area give a break from the heat of Makkah. Visitors who prefer outdoor time can walk in the shaded gardens or visit the mountain lookouts.

A sensible one-day plan leaves Makkah after Fajr prayer so that the climb is done in the cool morning. The first stop is Shubra Palace shortly after opening, followed by a visit to the markets for honey and rose products. Lunch can be taken at a local restaurant serving Saudi dishes such as mandi or kabsa. The afternoon suits a drive to a viewpoint or park before the return, planning to arrive back in Makkah before Maghrib to avoid the evening traffic on the mountain road.

The best season is April to October, when Taif is noticeably cooler than Makkah; winter nights can be cold, so a jacket is useful. Rose season in spring is the highlight. Rest stops are available at petrol stations and cafes along the Al Hada road, and the city has plenty of restaurants. Because the mountain road can be congested at weekends and during holidays, an early start and a fixed return time are recommended.