Al Hada is a mountain resort on the edge of the escarpment near Taif, high above the hot coastal plain. It is reached by a spectacular road of tight hairpin bends, and families come up for the cooler air, the parks and the views.

The mountain road

The Al Hada road is one of the most famous drives in the country, zigzagging up the steep face of the mountains between Makkah and Taif. The views change at every bend, and the climb itself is the reason many people come.

Taif, the cool city

Taif sits high in the mountains and is much cooler than Jeddah or Makkah, which is why it has long been known as Saudi Arabia's summer capital. The region is also famous for its damask roses, which are harvested each spring and distilled into precious rose oil.

At the top

Al Hada has hotels, parks and viewpoints along the edge of the escarpment, and a cable car runs down the mountainside to the Al Kar resort in the valley below.

Tips for your visit

• Go for sunset — the light over the escarpment is beautiful in the evening.
• Bring a layer — it can be cool at the top even when the coast is hot.
• Weekends — the viewpoints are busiest on weekend evenings.
• Rose season — visit in spring to see Taif's rose farms in bloom.