When most of Saudi Arabia is seeking shade and shelter from the summer heat, the Aseer region offers something altogether different: cool breezes, mist-covered mountains, and a rhythm of life that invites visitors to slow down and stay awhile. Perched high in the southwestern highlands, Aseer is home to a patchwork of villages, each with its own pulse, personality, and view of the clouds.
Among these, three destinations stand out for their charm, culture, and connection to nature. If you are looking for a summer experience that feels both grounded and elevated, Aseer’s Sky Village, Rijal Almaa, and Almuftaha Village may be just what you need.
Sky Village: Above the Clouds, Beneath the Silence
There is something extraordinary about Sky Village, and it begins the moment the road starts to climb. At more than 2,000 meters above sea level, this mountaintop hideaway does not feel like it belongs to the same world as the cities below. The air is crisp, the clouds drift at eye level, and the pace of life is pleasingly slow.
Walkways curve gently around the slopes, revealing sweeping views of Abha and the vast Al-Sarawat mountain range. The village’s architecture, simple and earthy, feels at home in the landscape. It is the kind of place where morning coffee becomes a ritual, best enjoyed outdoors with fog curling around the terrace and birdsong filling the stillness. It is a place that asks for nothing more than your presence.
Rijal Almaa: A Village Written in Stone
Roughly 45 minutes from Abha, the village of Rijal Almaa appears like a mirage of sandstone towers and history. Recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance, this former trade hub has transformed into one of the Kingdom’s most photogenic heritage sites. But its beauty is not just visual. It is in the cool air that greets you as you arrive. It is in the echo of stories told across generations. It is in the golden hour, when the sun warms the stone facades and the mountains cast long shadows through the alleyways.
There is no rush here. Visitors wander through museums, browse handmade goods, or simply sit and soak up the quiet. Locals welcome conversations, offering insights into customs, cuisine, and the village’s long-standing traditions. On cooler evenings, folklore shows and traditional dances spill into the streets, creating a vibrant contrast to the peaceful surroundings.
Almuftaha Village: Where Art Breathes in the Open Air
In the heart of Abha lies Almuftaha, a village not only built of stone and adobe but also shaped by colour, creativity, and cultural revival. While the mountain weather makes this an ideal spot to explore any time of year, it is during the summer that the village comes alive with a special energy. The air is light, the streets are lined with murals, and almost every corner tells a story.
Almuftaha has long been a center for local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can stroll between open galleries, peek into studios, or sit beneath shaded archways as music and poetry fill the air. It is a space where tradition and imagination coexist, supported by a climate that invites lingering rather than retreating indoors. In the evenings, the village often hosts cultural performances and pop-up exhibitions in open courtyards, giving passersby a chance to join the rhythm of the community.
Cool Air, Warm Hearts
What unites these three villages is more than location or climate. It is the sense of welcome, the invitation to slow down, and the opportunity to experience a different side of Saudi Arabia. Here, the summer does not demand retreat. It encourages exploration.
Whether you are seeking high views, heritage, or a place to be inspired, Aseer’s villages offer a kind of refreshment that goes beyond the weather. It is the kind of travel that lingers long after the journey ends.
Comments (0)