Stretching more than 200 kilometers along the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast, Jazan has all the prerequisites for a memorable holiday. From December through March, the weather is drier and more moderate, making winter an excellent time to explore this small province’s wealth of culture and nature. Discover Jazan’s diverse landscapes, including alabaster beaches, azure seas, green forests and craggy mountain peaks. The port city is perhaps best known as a jumping-off point for the unspoiled Farasan Islands, a protected archipelago of islands and coral islets that is not only home to an abundance of wildlife and colorful marine creatures but also a haven for those keen to explore Saudi’s heritage and diverse geography. From the ancient palm-roofed fort that overlooks the town to the merchant houses and evocative stone buildings of Al Qassar Village, Jazan’s appeal is as varied as its scenery.
From Al Muwasem Beach in the south to Al Shuqaiq Beach in the north, Jazan’s gently curving shoreline is ideal for family holidays. Highlights include walking barefoot along the sand, basking in picture-perfect waters, or relaxing and unwinding. Nearby resorts offer an array of watersports, boat rides and fishing trips, or you can snack, sip and snap an Instagram-worthy sunset from a spot at the town’s seaside restaurants and cafés.
Plan a private trip with one of Jazan’s expert local dive centers, your gateway to an exotic underwater wonderland. Take the plunge into year-round warm waters rich with colorful fish life and bright coral formations, and scattered with uninhabited islands. Divers might glimpse sea turtles, dugongs or manta rays, or explore mysterious shipwrecks. For those happier on the surface, there’s still plenty to marvel over while snorkeling in these clear waters.
The jewels in Jazan’s crown are the idyllic Farasan Islands, which are a source of endless adventures. Only three of the 84 islands are permanently inhabited, with the remainder largely a protected marine sanctuary. This is a land of white-sand beaches, lush mangroves, low inland cliffs and wide blue skies. It’s also home to an array of birds and wildlife, including the idmi gazelle, pink-backed pelican and flocks of flamingos. In winter, migratory birds from Europe also make the islands their home. Explore the islands on foot or by snorkeling in the shallows, and then end the day with an evening campfire under a serene and starlit sky.
