A small province in Saudi Arabia, Jazan amazes tourists with its diverse landscapes, which include serene beaches, blue oceans, lush woods, and jagged mountain peaks. There are plenty of things to do in Jazan; exploring this port city’s richness in culture and nature being the most vital ones. The city is situated along the tip of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast and is one of the best destinations to try the diverse sea food and experience life underwater through scuba diving. Once famous for being a trade route, the city is now a keeper of artefacts and handicrafts which date way back to the bronze age.
Best Things to Do in Jazan: Explore the Distinct Culture
Jazan is an important seaport in Saudi Arabia. It has amazing markets spread across the city where tourists can buy traditional Arabic items and precious souvenirs for their dear ones back home. One of the most relaxing things to do in Jazan is to soak yourself in the hot springs at multiple spots or bask under the sun at any of its tranquil beaches. Tourists interested in learning more about the rich culture of this beautiful city must visit the museums, which preserve the amazing stories of the past.
- Peep Into Jazan’s Heritage at The Al-dossaria Castle
- Hike to the Mesmerising Fayfa Mountain
- Learn About History at Jizan Heritage Village
- Take a Dip in the Fresh Waters of Wadi Jalab
- Explore the Exotic Flora and Fauna at the Farasan Islands
- Bask in the Sun at Golden Beach
- Enjoy Thrilling Scuba Diving at Farasan Islands
- Delve into the Local Cuisine at Pearl Shell Seafood Restaurant
1. Peep into Jazan’s Heritage at the Al-dossaria Castle
One of the most important historical and archaeological landmarks is this castle, located at the highest peak in the Jazan region, overlooking the Red Sea. Built in a square shape, this castle is a paradise for history buffs, showcasing decades-old Arabic graffiti on some of the walls along with the amazing architecture. The castle is also a museum, hence a veritable gold mine of records and artefacts illuminating pivotal periods in the history of the area. This castle is one of the most interesting places to visit in Jazan because of the scenic view from it and the exhibits inside it.
Location: Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia
Top Attractions: history, artefacts
2. Hike to the Mesmerising Fayfa Mountain
One of the exciting things to do in Jazan is hike to the peak of the beautiful Fayfa mountain. What makes the hike more delightful is when the tourists stumble into charming historic castles on their way up. Famously known as the "neighbour of the moon", these mountains are covered with lush greenery and clouds that create an illusion that they are floating in the air. The hike is not a difficult one, and anyone who is moderately healthy can walk up the mountains to encounter the breathtaking view.
Location: Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Top Attractions: Hikes, castles, scenic views
3. Learn about History at Jizan Heritage Village
One of the most important places to visit in Jazan is this heritage village, which has been preserved since the 15th century. The village symbolises the rich heritage, culture, lifestyle, and cuisine of the people living in the province. People can learn about the history from the variety of exhibits like mud houses, traditional stone, ancient art, an old market, handicraft galleries, etc. There are eateries where tourists can relax and have a cup of tea or coffee with some snacks after absorbing all the knowledge. Visitors can also shop for handicrafts, pottery items, and other such things from the village.
Location: King Abdullah Rd, Industrial Area, Jazan 82621, Saudi Arabia
Top Attractions: history, ancient art, old market.
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4. Take a Dip in the Fresh Waters of Wadi Jalab
The valley of Wadi Jalab has an enigmatic charm that will certainly intrigue a true globetrotter. The wadi is situated between two high mountains that are covered with thick moss, giving the whole thing an illusion of a hanging garden. Although the wadi offers several notable viewpoints, the main attraction of this place is the ever-running fresh water. One of the fun things to do in Jizan is hike through this breathtaking valley to reach a waterfall created by several streams, which is a great spot for tired hikers to swim or bathe or fish or just relax near the pristine water. The other option for travellers wandering in the valley is to try rock climbing if they want to feel that adrenaline rush.
Location: Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia
Top Attractions: Fresh water, hiking, rock climbing
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5. Explore the Exotic Flora and Fauna at the Farasan Islands
A true traveller will not miss visiting and learning about the largest and most inhabited island in the province. The main attraction of this island is its biodiversity. The island's dense mangrove forests are a major breeding ground for a wide variety of birds, including pink-backed pelicans, white-eyed gulls, red-billed tropics, osprey, crab plover, sooty falcon, and flamingos. Other than encountering these birds, tourists also have the opportunity to encounter marine animals underwater. And after the tourists are tired from all the sightseeing, they can relax at the beach and watch the beautiful sunset.
Location: 40 to 90 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Jazan.
Top Attraction: different birds, plants, forests, marine animals, beach
6. Bask in the Sun at Golden Beach
It's time to visit the golden beaches with golden sand to have a break from the white sand beaches. One of the fun things to do in Jazan is to visit this kind of hidden area, best for people looking for someplace quiet and serene. Swimmers can try it in the water or approach the wildlife that roams the beach with caution.People looking for water sports can try snorkelling or diving to see some of the best coral reefs.
Location: Ash Shati, Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Top Attraction: walk on the beach, sunset, water sports
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7. Enjoy Thrilling Scuba Diving at Farasan Islands
One of the exciting things to do in Saudi Arabia is indulge in as many water sports as one can. With respect to scuba diving, with the wide diversity of animals and plants on the island, imagine the kind of marine life one would encounter underwater. The island has several diving spots, and tourists can opt out of any of them. The divers will have an opportunity to see the colorful and vibrant coral reefs along with the diverse fish species like black marlin, napoleon fish, clownfish, dolphins, tuna, blue-spotted rays, whitetip sharks, and snappers.
Location: 40 to 90 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Jazan.
Top Attractions: diving, marine life, corals, thrill
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8. Delve into the Local Cuisine at Pearl Shell Seafood Restaurant
Jazan's diverse geographic resources are responsible for its delectable food. One of the places to visit in Saudi Arabia is this restaurant that serves the best Saudi meals, including the fresh seafood dishes. There is a buffet option, which is a great way to try a variety of local foods such as grilled fish, shrimp, and Saudi dishes such as kabsa, matariez, etc.,at a reasonable price. If you plan to visit this restaurant, don’t miss their delicious BBQ platter and a wonderful chicken steak with a creamy lemon sauce.
Location: Jazan Inn Hotel, Corniche Road, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Top attraction: Local food, flavor, ambiance
There are several things to do in Jizan that will help tourists learn more about the city’s culture and about the diverse activities they can indulge in for fun. Jizan is known to be among the beautiful provinces of Saudi Arabia, and one must not miss the opportunity to visit such an intriguing and exciting place. So, if you are planning a vacation, take advantage of the Saudi Arabia holiday packages and explore the different cities of this beautiful country with ease and comfort.
Things to Do in Jazan - FAQs
Jizan is a port city and the regional capital of Jizan, which is located in the southwest of Saudi Arabia and just north of the Yemeni border. It is popular for being the agricultural heartland of Saudi Arabia, producing high quality tropical fruits like mangos, figs, and papaya.
Jazan is famous for being the perfect destination for a holiday. There are several tranquil beaches, beautiful mountains; dense green forests; and diverse flora and fauna both on land and underwater. The province is also home to many heritage sites that preserve its rich history and culture.
Yes, being a port city on the Red Sea, there are several diving spots in Jazan spread all around. The city offers a variety of water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, etc. Tourists will get a golden opportunity to encounter a diverse variety of coral reefs and marine animals.
Here are some important tips to remember while exploring Jazan.
- Always keep your passport with you
- Dress appropriately in religious places
- Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Always try different local dishes
- Mingle with locals to learn about the culture
- Always carry the city’s local currency
The months from December to February are the best to plan a holiday in Jazan. The weather during these months is pleasant enough for tourists to explore the city without any hassle.
There are plenty of exciting activities to do in Jazan.
- Enjoy thrilling scuba diving at the Farasan Islands
- Take a dip in the fresh waters of Wadi Jalab
- Learn about history at Jizan Heritage Village
- Explore the exotic flora and fauna of the Farasan Islands.
3 to 4 days are more than enough to explore the significant and beautiful sites and indulge in all kinds of thrilling and fun activities in Jazan.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport is the main airport in Jazan. It is also known as Jizan Regional Airport, and its flights operate to international destinations like Egypt and Emirates.