Aseer’s beautiful mountains, misty plains and cool mornings are what pleasant surprises are made of. Though it will be green terraced fields, crisp clean air and mountain views that welcome you to Aseer Province, that is not all that it has to offer. Read on for a brief introduction to what Aseer has to offer.
Experiences in Abha, the provincial capital, cover a wide range. From foggy strolls on the Al-Dabab Walkway in the shadow of the Sarawat Mountains to drinking that cup of tea prepared on embers in the High City, and going back in time to discover the tradition of the area at Fatimah’s Museum – it’s all there to be explored.
Accommodation
Book your stay from a variety of accommodation options in Abha – platforms like Gathern let you choose from serviced residences and camping in caravans to farm stays and spending your time with local residents at their homes.
Farm stays and caravan camping offer outdoor cooking, hikes along mountain trails and farm lands, waking up with the sunrise and taking pictures of nature and animals in their natural habitat. There are also conveniently located hotel options on King Abdulaziz Road and in the city center. Book establishments like Sarwat Park Hotel, Assalam Palace, Abha Palace Hotel and Boudl Abha Hotel for your days in Abha.
Attractions
Explore Abha’s heritage – visit the Al-Nasb District, an ancient neighborhood still standing in the traditional style of construction. Spend your day in the vibrantly colored neighborhood and take in historical inscriptions and art. A famous monument is the Al-Nasb Mosque which boasts ancient features of architecture.
Al-Basta District is another neighborhood, one of Abha’s oldest. Enter a world of old castles, buildings, monuments and see the ancient Al-Qabil bridge. Complete your day with souvenir shopping at traditional stores in the square. You can sit down for an authentic Saudi meal at one of the restaurants there. Try the Al-Hosn Al-Turathi Restaurant for traditional food like mefa bread, areka, khameer and haneeth. Adventure on your mind? Hire a car, pack a picnic basket and drive into winding, foggy mountain roads on the Sarawat Range. Enjoy spectacular views and weather as you pass through tunnels and cross waterfalls.
Food
Beekeeping and honey extraction are one of the main occupations in the region. As such, quality honey has not just become a part of traditional cuisine but is also used in alternative medicine. You will be able to get a taste of Aseer’s local honey sprinkled on dishes across the city. Go shopping for packs to Souq Al-Thulatha.
Traditional preparations to try while in Aseer include haneeth, aseeda and areeka, tasabea, mashgotha and miva bread. There is also a rich menu of international food available in Abha – dig into breakfast at Dough Source Restaurant and Meshraq Restaurant or head to Milos Restaurant for a dash of Greek food. Grab your lunch and dinner at one of three Jorry Elite Restaurants for Lebanese and Italian cuisine, or go to Alkarkand Seafood Restaurant and Glass Garden Restaurant. Tonir Restaurant is the place for Armenian cuisine while those craving Indian curries and spices can head to the Indian Nights Restaurant. The Aseer Mall is also an option with its many restaurants and coffee shops.
Shopping
Shop local at Abha’s traditional markets – Souq Al-Thulatha, Souq Al-Nesa and Souq Al-Khanajer. Choose from local clothing, jewelry, tools, traditional crafts, food, trinkets, houseware, belts, sheaths and daggers. There is also a range of traditional gold and silver products available. A visit to the Aseer Mall will be about bigger brands and stores that sell contemporary fashion and products. Plan a day trip to Khamis Mushait Boulevard, which is a short drive from Abha.
Its choice of shops, restaurants and cafes include local as well as international brands – perfect for a day of shopping combined with a good meal. Dig in to beans, shakshuka and liver at the Gulf Council Restaurant or check out the elaborate menu at Karak Eqbal Restaurant. Seafood lovers can choose between Shripianu Restaurant and Shrimp Zone for their meals; while others can head to Chili’s. Take a break from your shopping spree by stopping at Overdose Café and Cinnabon Café for coffee and something sweet.
Thinking about waking up to frosty, foggy mornings during your visit to Saudi Arabia? Head to Aseer, your cool and pleasant summer holiday destination. Book your flights and hotels accommodation on Cleartrip now! Check out our summer offer here!
