Beautiful Places to Visit in the Middle East

I love travelling in the Middle East.  There is always a warm welcome there.  In this post I pick the 10 Most Beautiful Places in the Middle East. By the way, these are some of my most favourite places in the world.  The Middle East is a cradle of human civilization and the birthplace of major monotheisms. It beckons with a rich tapestry of world-famous attractions. From medieval bazaars and historic mosques to untamed deserts and remote oases, the region preserves its cosmopolitan and history-laden past. In this selection of the most beautiful places in the Middle East, we traverse the depths of antiquity to the futuristic skyscrapers.

Istanbul, Turkey

One of my favourite places in the world – Istanbul.  I had so much fun there, travelling solo and feeling very safe while doing so.  Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul unfolds as a city where history and beauty converge seamlessly. The majestic Hagia Sophia, with its soaring minarets and intricate domes, stands as an iconic symbol of cultural richness. Once a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum, its grandeur is unmatched.

Nearby, the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, captivates with its stunning blue tiles and cascading domes. As you traverse the historic streets, the city unfolds like a living museum. It’s adorned with vibrant bazaars, where the scent of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant colors of Turkish carpets. The Topkapi Palace, a former palace of Ottoman sultans, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past. Istanbul, with its blend of architectural marvels, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, invites you to wander through its streets. And you know, each corner reveals a new layer of its timeless beauty.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Picture this: If Tolkein’s elves sought a new haven beyond Middle Earth, the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey, would surely beckon them. The region’s extraordinary features, from peculiar rock pillars to whimsical cones and mushrooms, exude an otherworldly charm. As you explore troglodyte caves, ancient chapels, and entire underground villages woven into the rocks, you can’t help but feel the magical allure. Cappadocia is a place where hobbits could find their own cosy retreat.

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Cairo, Egypt

Islamic Cairo is a treasure trove of history and enchantment. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of its ancient streets. As you wander through the labyrinthine lanes, the city unfolds with a mesmerizing array of mediaeval wonders. Towering minarets punctuate the skyline, leading you to discover centuries-old mosques adorned with intricate tilework and stunning gateways that transport you to another era. The historic Al-Azhar Mosque, with its serene courtyards, stands as a testament to Islamic architecture’s timeless elegance. The bustling bazaars, where vibrant textiles and spices create a sensory feast, add to the city’s charm. Islamic Cairo isn’t just a destination; it’s a living testament to the cultural and architectural marvels that have endured through the ages, inviting visitors to stroll through its streets and absorb the magic of its storied past.

Tourist Egypt

Mada’in Saleh, Saudi Arabia

Mada’in Saleh, Saudi Arabia, boasts remarkable rock-tombs, while the Musandam Peninsula in Oman, known as the “Norway of Arabia,” showcases a scenic spectacle with towering Hajar Mountains and fjord-like inlets. Modern marvels unfold in Dubai, UAE, with the Burj al Arab, a sail-shaped icon adorning the futuristic skyline. Cappadocia, Turkey, with its enchanting landscape of otherworldly rock formations, completes the journey, inviting travelers to explore troglodyte caves and underground villages.Mada’in Saleh, nestled in the remote northern reaches of Saudi Arabia, is an extraordinary testament to the ancient Nabatean civilization’s architectural prowess.

This archaeological marvel boasts 131 vast rock-tombs carved into craggy red sandstone outcrops, creating a haunting and awe-inspiring landscape. As you explore the site, the intricately carved facades of these mausoleums, some reaching staggering heights, emerge like sculptures against the desert backdrop. Each tomb tells a silent story of a civilization that thrived amidst the arid beauty of the Saudi desert. The site’s remoteness adds an air of mystery, making the encounter with Mada’in Saleh a journey not only through time but also through the breathtaking artistry of an ancient people who left an indelible mark on the Arabian sands. It’s a destination that sparks the imagination and invites contemplation, reminding us of the rich and diverse tapestry of human history woven into the fabric of the Middle East.

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Petra, Jordan

The magic of Petra is etched in the memory of all who lay eyes on it for the first time. Picture this: as you meander through the narrowest of gorges, it feels like slipping through the eye of a mystical needle. Suddenly, you emerge into the enchanting lost city of the Nabateans, with the Treasury’s intricately carved Greco-Roman façade majestically emerging from the cliff-face before you. This awe-inspiring sight is just the beginning, as numerous temples and tombs grace the rocky defiles and hilltops above, creating a landscape of ancient wonders waiting to be discovered.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Discovering the cinematic allure of Wadi Rum is like stepping into the scenes of David Lean’s epic Lawrence of Arabia from 1962. Imagine Wadi Rum as the Middle Eastern version of the Grand Canyon, complete with the added charm of wandering camels. This extraordinary landscape carves through the rugged mountains of southern Jordan, showcasing ochre-colored cliffs that stand boldly in some places and dramatic ravines that create precipitous ravines in others.

A vast desert

As T.E. Lawrence aptly described it, Wadi Rum is a vast, echoing, and god-like spectacle that captures the essence of the region’s breathtaking natural wonders. One thing you do notice when you arrive in Wadi Rum is that it is huge, and I mean really huge. Again this is one of my favourite place in the world. A word of warning: it gets cold at night so bring some warm clothes.

Experience Jordan

Byblos, Lebanon

Embark on a journey to the charming ancient port of Byblos, located on the coast just north of Beirut, where the Mediterranean gracefully embraces the Middle East. This city boasts a rich history, being one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places. As you explore, you’ll find a captivating blend of remnants, with Phoenician temple ruins mingling with the imposing presence of a Crusader castle. Wander through the old medieval center, where Romanesque churches, Mamluk mosques, and quaint ochre houses cascade down to form a picturesque horseshoe harbor, creating a scene that feels straight out of a storybook.

Visit Lebanon

Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Discover Musandam, often hailed as the “Norway of Arabia,” although with its own unique warmth and charm. This region unfolds as the epitome of scenic splendor in the Middle East. Marvel at the majestic Hajar Mountains, their towering red-rock peaks dramatically plunging into the tranquil blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. The landscape forms a captivating labyrinth of sheer-sided khors (fjords), inviting exploration of hidden inlets and scattered islands, offering a breathtaking panorama that defines the region’s natural allure.

Visit Oman

Burj al Arab, Dubai, UAE

I visited Burj al Arab in Dubai, UAE, on a balmy night just as the sun was setting. I think of it as being where Arabian beauty seamlessly blends the ancient with the contemporary. While the Middle East showcases its historical charm, the modern skyline of Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai unveils wonders of futuristic architecture. The iconic Burj al Arab, a vast sail-shaped masterpiece, stands as a symbol of Dubai’s innovation and beauty, firmly placing the city on the global map. This architectural marvel, constructed within the last fifty years, represents a pinnacle of originality and breathtaking design in the heart of the vibrant Middle East.

visitdubai.com

Jerusalem, Israel

With a history that spans nearly two millennia, Jerusalem stands as one of the world’s enduring tourist destinations. Even in the Middle Ages, guidebooks for European pilgrims were crafted with dedicated bucket lists of saints and shrines, guiding travelers on their journey to the Holy Land. A visit to Jerusalem today remains a profound and powerful experience. It offers a glimpse into the sacred sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The ancient city’s streets, frozen in time, wind through bustling bazaars, creating a mesmerizing blend of the historical and the contemporary. Wander through the time-warped alleys, absorb the spirit of this cultural crossroads, and immerse yourself in the Biblical landscapes that unfold at every turn. Jerusalem invites you to embark on a journey through the ages, where echoes of faith, history, and tradition resonate in every corner, creating an unforgettable tapestry of spiritual and cultural richness.

goisrael.com

In conclusion, the Middle East unfolds as a tapestry of wonders while seamlessly blending the ancient with the modern, the natural with the architectural. From the historic streets of Jerusalem to the mystical allure of Petra and the futuristic skyline of Dubai, this region stands as a testament to the diverse tapestry of human civilization. The Middle East invites you on a journey through time and landscapes. Each destination paints a unique stroke on the canvas of cultural richness. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey that promises not just breathtaking sights but a deeper understanding of the myriad cultures and histories that converge in this captivating part of the world.