Taif: Explore the City of Roses
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Taif, the home to the appealing valley and mountains filled with fragrant rose flowers, is often called the City of Roses. A short drive from Makkah, Taif City, is situated in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Taif's high altitude and the presence of palm trees create tranquil weather, making it known as the unofficial summer capital of KSA.
Taif is a highly sought-after tourist destination among both locals and foreigners. It offers stunning mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, fields of flowers, a wealth of historical sites, and ancient markets. The journey to Taif is also a highlight, as it winds through the mountains, passing by fruit markets, rose farms, and deep valleys, captivating the eyes of travelers.
The main attractions of Taif include:
• Museums:
Shubra Castle Museum, which features over 4000 relics and archaeological artefacts, as well as Islamic architecture and Roman-inspired design.
Sharif Museum, which is a private collection of valuable historical artefacts, and periodically holds auctions.
Library and Museum of Abdullah bin Abbas Mosque, which is a functioning mosque that also houses a rich library and museum with ancient Islamic artefacts.
• Al Hada and Al Shafa Mountains, which offer hiking opportunities and viewpoints.
• Dhaka Park viewpoint
• Al-Wahba Crater - A great spot for hiking
• Saiysad National Park, a beautiful park with seasonal streams.
• The Taif Souq, a beautifully restored historical center
• Taif Central Market
• Taif rose fields
• Green Mountain Park/Resort, an expansive theme park.
Best time to visit
Taif city has a warm and temperate climate, with rainfall levels that range from 5-23 cm (2-9 inches) per year. The temperature remains moderate during winter, spring, and autumn, making these seasons ideal for tourist activities.
How to reach Taif
By air
Taif Regional airport offers both domestic and international flights, which is 30km away from Taif City.
Roadways
Tourists can travel from Makkah via highway 15 to reach Taif in nearly 1 hour. They can also travel from Jeddah by route 80 to Highway 15 to Taif.