AlUla travel guide: Saudi Arabia’s adventure and wellness wonders

From sandstone cliffs and ancient tombs to turquoise water and overwater villas, Saudi Arabia is shaped by contrast. The country offers a remarkable range of landscapes, spanning vast deserts and idyllic shores. With our Visit Saudi guide, get ready to add inspiring settings to your itinerary such as AlUla and the Red Sea.

With its five-star desert and rock-formation stays, AlUla leaves a lasting impression. You’ll spend your days hiking dramatic trails and immersing yourself in heritage and culture. From there, the Red Sea awaits. Two short flights or a four-hour car ride away, marine activities and overwater villas grace the Red Sea coast. 

From hiking along cliffs to snorkelling in crystal waters, this AlUla travel guide brings together heritage and outdoor adventure.

Getting to AlUla is straightforward, thanks to a growing number of connections to AlUla International Airport (ULH). Whether you’re adding AlUla to a wider Saudi Arabia itinerary or making it your main destination, you can fly direct to AlUla airport from Riyadh or Jeddah. 

Flights take around two hours from Riyadh and just over one hour from Jeddah. Once you land at AlUla airport, most destinations, like Ashar Valley, are a one-hour drive away. You could also drive from Medina to AlUla in about four hours, depending on traffic and your route.

From ancient civilisations etched into sandstone to valleys made for adventure, you’ll find a mix of UNESCO heritage, natural beauty and immersive experiences when looking for things to do in AlUla. 

Visit Hegra AlUla and the monumental tombs

On a Hegra tour, you will discover Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the region’s most significant archaeological landscapes. Carved into sandstone by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, its monumental tombs rise dramatically from the desert floor. Walking among these preserved façades offers a sense of stillness, with guided tours providing deeper insight into the once thriving civilisation.

Explore the AlUla Oasis and hike the heritage trail

Stretching nine kilometres, AlUla Oasis is a lush agricultural corridor that’s ideal for morning walks, guided cultural tours and photography sessions. 

Hiking the Heritage Oasis Trail, AlUla, is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the area on foot. The three-kilometre marked route follows historic settlements that blend archaeology with natural scenery. Along the trail, you’ll see mudbrick architecture, date farms and stunning views across the valley. It’s accessible to most fitness levels and works well as a half-day family activity, preferably in the morning.

Watch AlUla Desert Polo – fashion and music shows included

The Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is one of the most unique sporting events you’ll come across. Each January, international players and spectators gather at AlFursan Equestrian Village for a two-day, world-class tournament set against AlUla’s striking sandstone backdrop. The atmosphere is electric, both on and off the field, with fashion shows, live music and an energetic social scene to enjoy.

Go rock climbing in Ashar Valley

AlUla’s sandstone formations aren’t just beautiful, they’re also fun to climb. Guided rock-climbing experiences in Ashar Valley cater to different skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. It’s a striking way to experience AlUla’s landscape from a completely different angle. 

Take a 4x4 desert safari across volcanic terrain

Enjoy a guided adventure into AlUla’s surrounding desert, across ancient lava fields and through the canyons. Expect sweeping views, geological storytelling and plenty of photo stops. Many tours include sunset pauses and refreshments, ensuring the journey is as memorable as the destination.

View the sunrise from an AlUla hot air balloon

Flights usually take off in the morning as the desert transforms from soft blue hues to warm shades of gold. From above, everything feels wonderfully still, and the rugged terrain stretches out quietly below. AlUla hot air balloon rides are seasonal and depend on the weather, but winter offers the most reliable conditions.

Look for accommodation in AlUla that complements the unforgettable desert setting. Whether you’d like a wellness-focused base or a villa surrounded by rock formations, these properties cover a range of settings and styles across the region:

• Our Habitas AlUla: set in Ashar Valley, this design-led stay stands out for its wellness focus, with yoga, meditation and cultural experiences shaped by the desert. It’s a calm base that’s connected to nature.

• Banyan Tree AlUla: this high-end resort in Ashar Valley is known for its elegant tented villas, many with private pools and striking valley views. 

• Dar Tantora The House Hotel: based in Old Town, this heritage hotel is built around restored mudbrick dwellings, giving you a unique way to experience local culture and architecture.

• Cloud 7 Residence AlUla: this apartment-style stay is right in the city. It offers a pool, a fitness centre and a flexible setup for long stays. It’s a practical choice for a convenient town base.

• Shaden Resort: near Elephant Rock, this resort combines mountain and desert scenery with a broader range of room types and well-appointed facilities, including a large pool and spa. 

The cooler months from October to April are generally the most comfortable for exploring on foot, and particularly suited to hiking the Heritage Oasis Trail, AlUla. These months are also a great time to attend events in AlUla. Some must-attend events include:

• AlUla Arts Festival (January–February): a multi-week celebration of contemporary art set against AlUla’s desert landscape, this festival has installations, exhibitions and performances that transform heritage sites and open-air valleys into immersive cultural spaces.

• AlUla Skies Festival (April): a celebration of astronomy and adventure, this festival features hot air balloon rides, stargazing experiences and nighttime hikes under clear desert skies. 

After hiking desert trails and exploring ancient sites in AlUla, the Red Sea feels like a natural, ‘put your feet up’ next step. But first, decide on how you want to get there.

• Drive from AlUla to the Red Sea coast: Yanbu, the closest major coastal city, is about five hours by car. Or stop off at Umluj on the way to Yanbu, which is approximately a 4 hour drive south from AlUla.

• Fly from AlUla to the Red Sea coast: there are no direct flights from AlUla to the coast. A typical route involves two short flights – from AlUla to Jeddah (one hour and 20–30 minutes), then from Jeddah to Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Yanbu or to Red Sea International Airport in Hanak (one hour). 

Red Sea attractions: from scuba diving in Saudi Arabia to incredible island hopping

Whether you’re diving deep, snorkelling near the surface or setting out by boat, this stretch of coastline offers experiences that feel both energising and restorative.

Yanbu diving

Diving in Yanbu is a highlight of the region, offering access to vibrant coral reefs and clear waters. It attracts divers of all levels who want to see marine life, reef walls and shipwrecks. The Iona Wreck is one of the best places to dive in Saudi Arabia. The wreck rests in shallow water, beautifully encrusted with coral. It’s accessible to recreational divers and offers sights of abundant marine life.

Snorkelling the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia gives you easy access to the colourful coral gardens just offshore, especially around Yanbu and Umluj. With calm, clear water, snorkellers spot reef fish, turtles and coral formations minutes from the shoreline.

Island hopping and private boat excursions

The Red Sea coast is dotted with untouched islands and secluded sandbanks. Choose from half-day or full-day boat excursions, where you get to swim in turquoise lagoons, relax on white-sand stretches and explore multiple reef systems.

Sunset sailing along the Red Sea coast

For a slower-paced marine experience, sunset sailing trips offer stunning views across open water. These cruises often include light refreshments and time to swim in sheltered bays. 

Red Sea kayaking and paddleboarding

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding provide a quiet way to explore coastal inlets and mangrove areas. The calm waters are suited to beginners, offering scenic views and occasional marine sightings. Early morning paddles are especially peaceful.

The Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia, is a long-term vision to develop tourism along the west coast while protecting ecosystems. It emphasises sustainability, marine conservation and controlled development so you can experience protected reef systems and carefully managed natural landscapes. 

You can:

• Explore coral reefs with certified guides who explain local ecosystems and conservation efforts.

• Take seasonal boat trips to spot dolphins and migratory birds, depending on the time of year.

• Discover untouched islands and sandbanks with small-group boat tours.

• Glide quietly through mangrove channels and shallow lagoons, observing coastal habitats.

• Attend conservation and reef education sessions to learn how they protect marine life.

Overwater villas in Saudi Arabia are redefining expectations of travel in the Middle East. Set above calm, reef-rich waters, these accommodations are part of the Red Sea Project resorts initiative – great for couples and honeymoon-style escapes:

• Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve: surrounded by aquamarine water and coral reefs, this stay offers elegant beachfront and overwater villas with private pools and sea views. Enjoy water-based adventures like snorkelling and diving, or simply relax in a serene island setting.

• The St. Regis Red Sea Resort: located on a private island in the Red Sea, each overwater and beachfront villa has a private pool and dedicated butler service. Expect refined interiors with expansive sea views and strong dining credentials.

• Shebara Resort: this futuristic island resort is known for its striking overwater villas. The spot gives you easy access to marine experiences like snorkelling and diving within the project area.

Other Red Sea Project stays include:

• Desert Rock Resort: carved into the Hejaz Mountains, this five-star accommodation offers a striking desert setting, as well as wellness experiences, guided hikes and mountain views. 

• The Red Sea EDITION: this stylish beachfront resort on Shura Island combines private beach access with sea views and a social atmosphere. It’s a strong option if you want to stay within the Red Sea project area while enjoying fine dining and easy island access. 

• SLS The Red Sea: with bold interiors and vibrant poolside spaces, this resort brings a playful feel to Shura Island. Come here for beachfront access from private villas and sweeping Red Sea views.

• Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea: surrounded by mountain and dune landscapes, this desert resort offers a quieter inland base within the Red Sea Development area.

The best time to visit the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia is generally from October to May. During these months, temperatures are comfortable and sea conditions are calm. Daytime highs typically range between 24°C and 32°C. Diving and snorkelling trips:

• Diving and snorkelling: October to May offer clear water and comfortable surface conditions.

• Marine life spotting: March to May is especially vibrant underwater.

An AlUla travel guide should do more than point you to rock formations and the sea. It should show how the region connects, linking desert to oasis, heritage to adventure and sand to sea. When you explore AlUla and the Red Sea, the journey feels deliberately contrasting, moving from quiet cultural moments to wide-open adventures.