Saudi Calling: 5 Lush Wadis You’ve Got to See to Believe

Nature in Saudi is as different as the seasons – epic mountains, green oases, immense deserts, and of course, the beautiful wadis you can find around the Kingdom. So, what is a wadi? In basic terms, it’s a river valley, but because of different local climates, some flow all year while others only do during the rainy season. But wadis are a great place to enjoy the outdoors no matter your speed: picnics, hiking, rock climbing, dune bashing, and a couple of strange phenomena (stay tuned for those!), there’s no better place to escape for a recharge. 

1. Wadi Hanifa 

The best-known of Saudi’s hundreds of wadis, Wadi Hanifa is also the easiest to reach. That’s because at around 120 km (about 75 miles) it stretches all the way to the southern part of the capital, Riyadh. There’s also plenty to do, with 47 km (29 miles) of paved walkways winding around the valley’s rock formations, and six parks – including Stone Dam Park, where you can sit back and listen to the roar of the water. 

Make sure to stop by one of the restaurants before making the journey back, or stop by Valley Padel for a game with your friends. Just a half-hour’s drive back to the center of Riyadh, Wadi Hanifa is the perfect nature retreat.  

2. Wadi Lajab 

Nicknamed “heaven in the desert,” Wadi Lajab really is an adventurer’s paradise. Nestled in the southwest Jazan Province – famous for its fruit groves and coffee – it’s a green pocket of the Red Sea coast dotted with green mountains and forests. Hikers and rock climbers will want to scale the towering canyon and explore the many caves in the valley. But no trip is complete without following the stream to the gushing waterfall, where you can cool off and take an energizing swim in the freshwater pools. 

Sounding good? You can catch a quick flight from Jeddah, or Riyadh, to Jazan City’s airport – and sidenote: it’s a quick ferry ride from there to the Farasan Islands, a group of protected coral islands that are a must for crystal-clear scuba diving and snorkeling.

3. Wadi Al Fann 

Literally the “Valley of the Arts” in Arabic, this wadi spans about 65 sq km (25 sq mi) and once linked the two capitals of the ancient Nabateans of AlUla (Hegra). Set to officially open in 2026, it definitely takes the cake for the coolest in Saudi, and some lucky visitors managed to catch a sneak-peak this spring at the AlUla Arts Festival, including the premiere of a musical performance with 14 dancers. 

Initially, this living art gallery will host larger-than-life outdoor artworks created by five Saudi and international artists, with more to come. The amazing contrast between beautiful contemporary art and glassworks, massive rock formations and deep-blue skies will truly be a sight to behold. With Saudi now signing cultural exchange agreements with France and the UK to upgrade Saudi museums and preserve heritage sites, Wadi Al Fann is looking sweeter by the day.

4. Wadi Safar 

This is one to keep your eye on! Wadi Safar is set to become the go-to spot for green tourism and outdoor sports. With a mission to preserve local plants, trees, and wildlife, the hotels, park trails and sports facilities are spread far apart, allowing nature to grow freely – but also giving you an unspoiled view of the 8,000 sqm wadi (more than 86,000 sq ft). 

It’s also just a half-hour drive from At-Turaif – the UNESCO World Heritage complex of castles you can visit just outside Riyadh today. This is why the designers have adopted that same local ‘Najdi’ style of airy, mudbrick and wood architecture to ensure Wadi Safar’s ultramodern concept doesn’t look out of place in this historic center of the Kingdom. 

5. Wadi Al Baida (Wadi Jinn) 

Here’s a tale to tell around the campfire: About 30 km (19 miles) northwest of Madinah, through endless date palm groves, lies Wadi Al Baida. Also known as Wadi Jinn (a.k.a. the Valley of the Genie), it’s a popular spot spot for picnics, camping, and curious pilgrims venturing out of Makkah and Madinah, but it’s also home to a slightly spooky phenomenon. 

The legend goes that the canyon’s slopes play tricks on people who dare to scale the heights – edging their cars up the incline or even causing water to run uphill! The real reasons are less fantastical. Scientists say that the dizzying rock formations, inclines, and declines cause an optical illusion that makes it look like your car is edging upwards when you’ve got it in neutral, when it’s actually going backwards. Guess you’ll have to try it to find out! 

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring ancient art, or puzzling over optical illusions, Saudi Arabia’s wadis are an escape into nature like no other. Each valley has its own story, landscape, and rhythm — inviting you to slow down, dive in, or simply take in the view. All that’s left to do? Pick your wadi and go.