Saudi Arabia has many wonders from architectural marvels like the Maraya in Al Ula to historic sights like The Masmak Fortress in Riyadh, the magic is everywhere. However sometimes you discover something so captivating, that it doesn’t feel real at real. This is exactly what we felt when we saw Al Jouf.
Nestled in Northern Saudi Arabia, there exists a lavender field that looks like something out of a dream.
The wild lavender fields in Al Jouf are considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the country. The aromatic shrub extends over 200 kilometers painting a stunning sight of purple, with majestic camels sometimes being spotted in the background. The sunsets there are also quite exquisite, as there is nothing in sight like buildings to interrupt the sun falling into the horizon against the aromatic plants.
The Al Jouf region is actually one of the longest inhabited sites on the Arabian Peninsula, and has an abundance of adventure and discovery from the cuisine to the history. It is also widely-known for its olive tree cultivation, and it’s lavender fields.
The place is not only for indulging in the beauty of the scene, but also some tourists and visitors even bring their van campers and spend the night there. There are many locals live that around so if you’re lucky enough to make friends with one, you will be able to have authentic Saudi coffee as they show you around the fields.
When it rains, Al Jouf flourishes with amazing spring colors that are not witnessed often around the kingdom, specifically the North. Some locals even report that the flowers, shrubs, and herbs that have grown and budded, had not previously appeared for years, making it a sight to behold!
Next time you have a free weekend and don’t know where to go, plan a picnic or camping trip to Al Jouf. Alk Jouf is quite far from the major cities with a time span of 13 hour driving from Khobar, 9-hour drive from Riyadh, and 12-hour drive from Jeddah. Therefore, if you prefer to take the scenic route, make sure to plan ahead. And trust us, even if it’s just a cruise there, you’ll get to witness a sight like no other!
