10 Underrated Arab Cities To Add To Your Travel List
The Arab world is full of hidden gems that are often overshadowed by more famous destinations like Dubai, Marrakech, or Cairo. Here are 10 underrated Arab cities that deserve to be on your travel list. These ten Arab cities offer a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sights, without the crowds.
1. Salalah, Oman:
Known as the “Perfume Capital of Arabia,” Salalah is a lush green city in contrast to the rest of Oman’s arid landscape. Salalah transforms into a tropical paradise during the Khareef (monsoon) season (June to September). It is also the historical center of the frankincense trade.
Top Attractions:
Al Mughsail Beach and Nafkh Wells: A stunning coastline where waves crash against the cliffs, creating natural springs.
قراءة مقترحة
Wadi Darbat: A lush valley with waterfalls ideal for picnics and boat rides.
Al Baleed Archaeological Park (UNESCO): Ruins of an ancient coastal city associated with the frankincense trade.
Frankincense Souk – Where you can buy high-quality frankincense and traditional Omani perfumes.
Job's Tomb – A religious pilgrimage site with panoramic mountain views.
2. Constantine, Algeria:
Known as the “City of Bridges,” Constantine sits on limestone cliffs with deep gorges carved by the Sand River (Wadi Sands).
Top Attractions:
Sidi M’Cid Bridge: A vertigo-inducing suspension bridge with stunning valley views.
Ahmed Bey Palace: A masterpiece of Algerian Ottoman architecture with intricate mosaics.
Emir Abdelkader Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Africa, blending modern and Islamic design.
Cirta Museum: Houses ancient Numidian and Roman artifacts.
Wadi Mama Fatma: A hidden natural wonder for hiking.
3. Tataouine, Tunisia:
Famous as the filming location for the Star Wars movie “Tatooine,” this desert city is famous for its Berber granaries (ksars).
Top Attractions:
Ksar Ouled Soltane: A fortified granary with towering mud-brick silos.
Chenini and Douiret: Cliffside Berber villages with cave dwellings.
Souk Fam Tataouine: A traditional market selling spices and handicrafts.
4. Dahab, Egypt:
A peaceful Bedouin diving haven on the Red Sea, away from the crowds of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Top Attractions:
Blue Hole: A world-famous (and challenging) dive site with a coral-lined sinkhole.
Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery: A sunrise hike from Dahab to the summit.
The Lagoon (Masbat Bay): A windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot with its turquoise waters.
Bedouin Cafes: Sample Bedouin tea and seafood at a seaside restaurant.
Colored Canyon: A stunning desert hike through narrow, multi-colored rock formations.
5. AlUla, Saudi Arabia:
A Nabataean wonder (like Jordan's Petra) with futuristic desert art installations.
Top Attractions:
Al-Hijr (Mada'in Saleh): Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO-listed site, with over 100 Nabataean tombs.
Elephant Rock (Elephant Mountain): A natural sandstone formation shaped like an elephant.
Maraya Concert Hall: The world's largest reflective building, reflecting the desert.
Old City of AlUla: A mud-brick ghost town with labyrinthine alleyways.
6. Ajloun, Jordan:
A lush, forested haven in northern Jordan, home to a 12th-century Crusader-era castle and biblical landscapes.
Top Attractions:
Ajloun Castle (Qal'at al-Rabad): Built by Saladin's nephew to repel the Crusaders, it offers panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.
Mar Elias (The Trail of the Prophet Elijah): A pilgrimage site believed to be the birthplace of Elijah.
Dhibin Forest Reserve: One of Jordan's last remaining pine and oak forests, it's great for hiking.
Arjan Village: A peaceful rural retreat with olive groves and local handicrafts.
7. Tartous, Syria:
A coastal gem featuring Crusader ruins and a rare island castle, offering a glimpse into the beauty of pre-war Syria.
Top Attractions:
Arwad Island: Syria's only inhabited island, boasts a Phoenician-era castle and a fishing culture.
Tartus Castle (Our Lady of Tartous): A Crusader cathedral-turned-museum, it's one of the best-preserved sites in the Levant.
Marqab Castle: A massive castle perched on a volcanic hill near Baniyas.
Tartus Corniche: A seaside promenade with fresh seafood and sunset views.
Safita Tower: A watchtower with panoramic views of the coastal mountains.
Scenic Countryside: Tartous's tranquil, mountainous countryside boasts a temperate climate.
8. Taiz, Yemen:
Yemen's cultural capital, with mountainous landscapes and historic mosques.
Top Attractions:
Cairo Citadel: A hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city.
Ashrafiya Mosque: A stunning example of Yemeni Islamic architecture.
Bab al-Kabir: The grand gateway to the old city.
Coffee Plantations: Taiz is the heart of Yemeni coffee production.
Best for intrepid travelers (check safety first) and coffee lovers.
9. Dakhla, Morocco:
A desert-oasis paradise with pink sand dunes and surfing.
Top Attractions:
Dakhla Lagoon: A turquoise bay ideal for surfing and flamingo spotting.
Dragon Island: A surreal rocky outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean.
White Dunes (Bella Dakhla): Massive sand dunes overlooking the ocean.
Bedouin Camps: Sleep under the stars in luxurious Berber tents.
10. Batroun, Lebanon:
A 5,000-year-old coastal city with intact historical sites, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (dating back to the Phoenician era).
Main attractions:
Phoenician Seawall: A 2,500-year-old natural wall built by the Phoenicians to protect the city from the waves.
Old Market and Historic Churches: Colorful streets selling handmade soap and olive wood handicrafts.
Batroun International Festival: Open-air concerts featuring international artists.
Orange Rocks: Natural tidal pools carved into the orange limestone.
Msaylha Castle: A medieval castle clinging to a cliff, just 10 minutes from Batroun.
Conclusion:
Whether you're looking for a new urban landscape to explore, unparalleled nature on your next adventure, or something truly stunning and unforgettable, the Arab region boasts many wonderful destinations worth booking your next trip to.