Best 10 Madinah Day Trips

Renowned for its extensive Islamic history and religious significance, Madinah serves as a starting point for spiritual explorations as well as a gateway to amazing historical landmarks and natural beauties. After taking in the ambiance of the Prophet's Mosque and exploring other historical places to visit in Madinah, you'll soon know that Madinah offers several intriguing day trips, each of which has something special to offer every visitor.

From Quba Mosque, which is one of the oldest and significant mosques in the history of Islam, to Al Ula, which is well known for its famous archeological sites like Madain Salah featuring breathtaking sandstone architecture, you won’t find a moment to get bored.

So, are you ready to whisk away into dreamy paradises with these day trips? Let’s dive in!

Located only five kilometers from Madinah, the Quba Mosque is famous for being the very first mosque ever constructed in Islamic history. Visiting the mosque provides a chance to step back in the earliest days of Islam while also admiring the mosque's stunning architecture, which serves as an emblem of Islam. Since admission to the mosque is free, the tranquil surroundings and spiritual mood make it an ideal place for prayer and reflection. Additionally, the mosque has a beautifully kept garden that offers you a welcoming ambiance.

Set just a fifteen-minute drive from Madinah, the Uhud Mountain is a place of great religious and historical importance. It was the site of the well-known Battle of Uhud fought in 625 CE, and serves as the final resting place of numerous important Islamic historical figures, including the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, who is known as the Master of Martyrs. In addition to providing a spiritual experience, visiting this location allows one to consider the bravery and selflessness of the Muslim community. The mountain also offers sweeping views of the surroundings and a serene setting for meditation and reflection. Round off your trip with one of the best things to do in Madinah, that is, climbing up Archer's Hill, a key place during the conflict, and get a glimpse of the resting places of the people who lost their lives.

The stunning place of Al-Ula, which is around 330 kilometers away and takes four hours to drive from Madinah, is well known for its remarkable rock formations and ancient history. It is home to the famous archeological site named Madain Saleh, aka Saudi Arabia's Petra, where you can explore magnificent sandstone constructions and finely carved tombs from the Nabataean culture. Al-Ula is also renowned for its striking scenery, which includes the Jabal Al Ahmar tombs and Elephant Rock. Visitors can join a guided tour to learn about the region's extensive past, which dates back thousands of years.

If you and your family are looking to unwind by the sea, then Yanbu is a great place to go. Set only 220 km from Madinah, it is well-known for its immaculate beaches and colorful coral reefs, attracting many water sports lovers and divers. It takes around three hours to drive there, and when you get there, you'll explore a variety of activities and be blessed with jaw-dropping views of the shore. The city offers Saudi Arabia's top diving locations, especially in the Red Sea region, where you will come across bright coral reefs and say hello to rays, turtles, and colorful fish. In addition to its aquatic attractions, Yanbu is home to a quaint old town called Yanbu Al-Bahr, where you may stroll through the historic buildings and traditional marketplaces as well as the picturesque Yanbu Corniche, a seaside promenade with dining options and recreational spaces.

Khaybar Fort, an old building perched on a rocky plateau with a view of a verdant oasis, is roughly 180 kilometers away from Madina and takes two hours to reach. It holds historical significance as the location of the historic battle of Khaybar that took place around 628 CE between the Jewish Banu Nadir clan and Muslim forces under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him). The fort itself is a striking building composed of stones and mud bricks, offering stunning vistas of the date palm plantations that surround it. For those who are interested in Islamic heritage and military architecture, a day trip to Khayber would be one of the best things to do in Madina.

The stunning valley of Wadi Al-Far'a, which is roughly 200 km from Madina, provides a tranquil getaway into the natural world. The trip takes around three hours from the city of Madinah, and once the visitors arrive, they are welcomed by verdant greenery, cascading streams, and a peaceful ambiance that makes it an ideal place for hiking, picnics, or just unwinding in the splendor of nature. The valley is especially beautiful in the springtime, when the greenery is at its peak and the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor pursuits. The best thing is that it is a free place, so anyone wishing to take in the Madina region's natural beauty can do so at a reasonable cost.

Surrounding Madinah are fertile date farms, offering tourists an in-depth look at one of the most valuable agricultural products in the area. These date farms offer a peek into the entire date farming process and are only a short drive from the city. A trip to the famous farms in Madinah, like Al-Aliya Date Farm, Salman Al-Farsi Date Farm, Qootof Al-Tamr Farms, and even beyond, is an idyllic way to get fresh vegetables and enjoy a variety of dates, including the well-known Ajwa dates. Many farms offer guided tours where you may learn about the various date varieties, their cultural significance in Islam, and the harvesting techniques that have been used for decades.

Badr is located 150 kilometers away from Madina and takes about two hours to reach. Being the site of the first significant conflict of Muslims with the Quraysh of Makkah in 624 CE, it is an extremely important place in Islamic history. You can wander around the battlefield while learning about the pivotal event or head straight to the Badr Museum, displaying exhibits that explain the significance of the fight and give you an overview of the momentous conflict that shaped Islamic history. Moreover, it is home to the Mountains of Badr, a part of the surrounding scenery that is referenced in historical sources, as well as Martyrs' Cemetery, which serves as the place of burial of many companions.

From breathtaking rock formations and immaculate beaches across the Gulf of Aqaba to historic Nabatean inscriptions, the Tabuk region provides an intriguing fusion of historical landmarks and natural beauty. It takes almost four hours to get there from Madinah, and it is about 320 kilometers away. Tabuk has a strong connection to Islamic history as it was the place of the Prophet Muhammad's renowned Expedition of Tabuk during 630 CE. This occurrence represented a significant turning point in the Islamic history of war, and the location of the ancient Tabuk Fortress today serves as evidence of this illustrious heritage. You will also come across a Wadi Disah, a stunning valley with natural springs, lush palm trees, and towering sandstone cliffs.

Tayma is among the oldest communities in Arabia, having over 4,000 years of confirmed human occupation. It is roughly 340 kilometers away from Madinah, and driving there takes nearly four hours. The Bir Haddaj, one of the world's largest ancient wells, the Tayma Museum, displaying items from thousands of years ago, the Al-Naslaa Rock Formation, a uniquely divided rock, and Qasr Al-Ablaq, the remnants of a historic palace, are some of its primary attractions. For people who enjoy history, culture, and the tranquility of old desert landscapes, Tayma is an ideal destination.

Visiting Madinah? Book your stay from our handpicked list of top hotels—comfort, location, and value all in one place!

7.4 Good

Aljaad Madinah Hotel

Western Central Area 99999 Medina Saudi Arabia Medina, SA

7.6 Good

Emaar Elite Al Madina Hotel

Northern Central Area Medina, SA

8.7 Very good

Dar Al Iman InterContinental

Dar Al Iman Intercontinental2657 Badaah Unit No:10 Medina, SA