Inspiration

Discover Alula

Alula: The Soul of Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia’s most captivating destination, where ancient civilizations, desert landscapes, and modern design coexist in perfect harmony.

Nestled in the northwest of the Kingdom, AlUla is an open-air museum of red-sand canyons, rock-carved tombs, and lush oases. Once a vital crossroads on the ancient Incense Route, it is now emerging as one of the world’s most luxurious and culturally rich destinations.

A Living Museum of History

For more than 200,000 years, AlUla has been a meeting point of cultures. Its fertile oasis supported trade between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean, and its people carved their stories into stone for generations to discover.

Today, this ancient land continues to thrive. Palm groves, citrus orchards, and aromatic herbs still grow beneath the sandstone cliffs, while UNESCO-protected sites and contemporary art projects reveal AlUla’s timeless beauty.

Best Things to Do in Alula

1. Explore Hegra (Mada’in Saleh)

Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is home to more than 110 Nabataean tombs carved directly into sandstone cliffs. Take a vintage Land Rover tour with a local guide for a fascinating journey through this desert necropolis.

2. Discover the Lost City of Dadan

Once the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite Kingdoms, this archaeological site unveils lion-carved tombs and ancient inscriptions. Only a fraction of the ruins has been excavated, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness history still being uncovered.

3. Visit Jabal Ikmah – The Open-Air Library

Admire thousands of inscriptions and petroglyphs documenting trade, rituals, and daily life from pre-Islamic Arabia. Scholars call it one of the most significant epigraphic sites in the region.

4. Wander Alula Old Town

Stroll through narrow alleys lined with mud-brick houses, traditional cafés, and artisan boutiques. Nearby Aljadidah Arts District hosts art galleries, colorful murals, and charming outdoor restaurants.

5. Watch the Sunset at Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)

This dramatic rock formation shaped by centuries of wind erosion is best viewed at dusk, when the desert glows in gold and crimson. A favorite local spot for evening coffee and live music.

6. Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Float silently above AlUla’s canyons and valleys at sunrise or sunset. The panoramic views of Hegra and the surrounding mountains are simply unforgettable.

7. Stargaze at Gharameel Nature Reserve

Recognized as the Gulf’s first International Dark Sky Park, this reserve offers some of the world’s clearest stargazing. Gaze at constellations under the vast desert sky far from any city lights.

8. Explore Sharaan Nature Reserve

Join guided safaris to spot gazelles, desert foxes, and the endangered Arabian ibex. Conservation programs here aim to reintroduce the Arabian leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world.

9. Visit Maraya Hall – The Mirrored Wonder

Located in Ashar Valley, Maraya Hall is the world’s largest mirrored building, reflecting the surrounding desert like a mirage. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, and fine dining by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton.

10. Experience Desert Art & Festivals

Events like Desert X AlUla and the Valley of the Arts turn the desert into a living gallery. Throughout the year, festivals celebrate music, performance, and sculpture, attracting artists and travelers from around the world.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Alula

AlUla’s accommodation scene blends sustainability, culture, and luxury. Here are the most recommended stays curated by Liberty Travel Albania.

1. Our Habitas AlUla

Set in the breathtaking Ashar Valley, this eco-luxury resort offers modular villas built from natural materials that blend with the landscape. Guests enjoy open-air dining, yoga under the stars, and cultural gatherings around desert firepits.
Perfect for: Couples, creatives, and eco-luxury travelers.

2. Banyan Tree AlUla

Designed as a desert sanctuary inspired by the Bedouin spirit, Banyan Tree features tented villas with plunge pools and panoramic mountain views. The resort’s spa offers holistic treatments rooted in Asian wellness traditions.
Perfect for: Wellness retreats and romantic escapes.

3. Shaden Resort AlUla

Set among red-rock canyons, this resort combines modern comfort with an authentic Arabian atmosphere. Private villas, infinity pools, and scenic terraces make it a favorite for families.
Perfect for: Families and small groups.

4. Caravan by Habitas

A creative glamping experience offering Airstream-style caravans with modern interiors and desert views. Guests share a communal atmosphere with nightly fireside gatherings and live music.
Perfect for: Adventure lovers and young travelers.

5. Cloud7 Residence AlUla

Contemporary apartments set near AlUla’s town center, ideal for long stays or those wanting the flexibility of self-catering comfort.
Perfect for: Independent travelers and extended stays.

6. AlUla Old Town Guesthouses

For an authentic touch, stay in renovated traditional homes within the historic district. Expect rustic charm, Arabian décor, and warm local hospitality.
Perfect for: Cultural explorers and heritage enthusiasts.

The Spirit of Alula

What makes AlUla truly unforgettable is its people. The locals’ warmth and pride in their heritage transform every encounter into a meaningful connection. Whether you’re sharing mint tea with a guide, learning pottery from an artisan, or listening to ancient legends under the stars, every experience adds a personal chapter to your journey.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit AlUla is between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable for exploration and outdoor dining. Days are sunny and mild, while evenings are cool and perfect for desert adventures or stargazing.

During summer (May to September), luxury resorts like Habitas and Banyan Tree offer indoor wellness programs, shaded pools, and special seasonal privileges for guests seeking serenity away from crowds.

Q&A

Q: Where is AlUla located?
A: In northwestern Saudi Arabia, about 325 km from Medina and 1,000 km from Riyadh, accessible via Alula International Airport.

Q: What is the best way to explore AlUla?
A: Combine guided tours with private experiences such as hot-air balloon rides, desert drives, and visits to archaeological sites.

Q: What makes Alula unique compared to other desert destinations?
A: Its perfect blend of ancient heritage, sustainable luxury, and thriving art scene make it unlike any other place on Earth.

Q: What kind of experiences can Liberty Travel Albania arrange?
A: Private guided tours, luxury resort stays, vintage desert safaris, cultural workshops, and transfers between Alula and other Saudi cities.

Discover Alula with Liberty Travel Albania

Experience the beauty and mystery of Alula with Liberty Travel Albania, your trusted partner for tailor-made luxury holidays in Saudi Arabia.

Our expert team will design a journey that combines culture, adventure, and comfort, featuring luxury stays at Our Habitas Alula or Banyan Tree Alula, exclusive excursions to Hegra and Elephant Rock, and moments of pure serenity under the desert stars.

We handle every detail, from flights and private transfers to dining reservations and guided tours, ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish.

AlUla is not just a place you visit; it is a place that stays with you.