Saudi Arabia is shrouded in mystery. In popular news, we hear about the political strife and struggles over Saudi Arabia’s supply of oil. Not only do many nations advise against travel to this Middle Eastern country, but Saudi Arabia has also been hesitant to let visitors inside its borders until recently. Those who do venture into this relatively unknown nation, however, are greatly rewarded with rich culture, beautiful landscapes and ancient sites.

The country is home to gorgeous mountains, beaches and rivers. In the neighboring Red Sea are some of the least visited and most spectacular reefs in the world, ideal for snorkeling. Swimming, waterskiing, fishing and sailing are also popular in Obhir Creek, north of Jeddah, and on the Gulf coast south of Al Khobar. Saudi Arabia is also home to an incredible array of wildlife in the Asir, a range of coastal mountains. Throughout the country, travelers can also spot baboon, gazelle, leopard and the Arabian oryx.

Though these natural wonders are stunning, it is the Empty Quarter that is perhaps more dramatic than any of those. It is the largest sea of sand on the planet, which covers an area equivalent to the size of Texas or France. The sand dunes can be as large as ships and are constantly changing with the winds. They stretch for hundreds of miles in large ridges.

Travelers looking for historical site seeing will find no shortage of interesting places to explore in Saudi Arabia. The Madain Saleh is by far one of the most impressive sites in the entire country. The Nabataeans, who carved Petra in Jordan, also created Madain Saleh. It served as an intersection for traders, pilgrims and explorers as they made their way across the Middle East. On site there are intricately stone-carved temples and spectacular tombs.

In addition to Madain Saleh, visitors should also explore the ancient city of Jeddah, which is known for its restaurants and markets. Check out the gasaba towers, the ancient city of Qaryat-al-Fau, and the great dam and temple in Najran, which served as an ancient caravan stop. In Abqaiq, you can see a 5,000-year-old salt mine in operation, while a visit to an old settlement on Tarut Island affords visitors the chance to watch fisherman and weavers at work.

No visit to Saudi Arabia is complete without shopping. The country is home to countless traditional souks and several large department stores and malls, which are worth a stop while you’re traveling. Special deals may be found tucked in the market stalls. Because nightlife, theatres and bars are all but nonexistent in Saudi Arabia, shopping is a popular pastime. Jeddah, which is located on the coast, has several souks while Hofuf is the site of an active camel market. Hofuf is also known for its fabulous cuisine.

Finally, make sure you stop to visit the royal capital of Riyadh, a modern metropolis perched atop a town captured by Ibn Saud in 1902. Remnants of the old town can be seen at Masmak Fort and near Deera Square, where a handful of traditional Najdi palaces still stand.

by JoAnna Haugen