Taif

Rose farms, mountain air, and 10°C cooler than Makkah.

Taif sits at 1,700 m in the Sarawat mountains, 90 minutes by road from Makkah, and runs roughly 10°C cooler. It is the standard day trip from Makkah, particularly in summer, and is known for its rose farms and the Al-Hada mountain road.

Taif at a glance

Taif key facts for Umrah travellers
From Makkah88 km, ~90 min
Altitude1,700 m
Temperature~10°C below Makkah
WorthDay trip

What to see

Al-Hada road

The switchback mountain road up from Makkah, and the cable car.

Rose farms

Best in April and May when the damask roses are distilled.

Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas

The main historic mosque of Taif.

Shubra Palace

Ottoman-era architecture, now a museum.

Getting there

Taif is 88 km from Makkah, about 90 minutes by road up the Al-Hada mountain switchbacks. A private car costs SAR 300-450 return; group tours run SAR 60-90 per person.

Best April to May when the damask roses are distilled. At 1,700 m it runs roughly 10°C below Makkah, which makes it the standard summer escape.

Questions

What is there to see in Taif?

Al-Hada road: The switchback mountain road up from Makkah, and the cable car. Rose farms: Best in April and May when the damask roses are distilled. Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas: The main historic mosque of Taif.

How long should I spend in Taif?

Day trip. Rose farms, mountain air, and 10°C cooler than Makkah.