Rijal Almaa: Saudi Arabia’s 900-Year-Old "Gingerbread Village"

Global Accolades and Planning Your Journey

The world has finally recognized this hidden jewel, naming it one of the UNWTO's "Best Tourism Villages" in 2021.

• The Descent: Visitors rent a car in Abha and embark on a dramatic, scenic one-hour drive down the winding Aqabat Sama mountain pass.
• The Honey Cottage: After exploring the village, visitors must taste the highly prized organic mountain honey while overlooking the ancient towers.
• Golden Hour: Never rush back up the mountain; stay until sunset to watch the stone towers glow against the darkening mountain silhouettes.

Discover the most beautiful hidden natural escapes and ancient heritage sites across the Kingdom. Find your next road trip destination at Marhaba Saudi.