Where To Spot Jacarandas In Abha Saudi Arabia?
The small hilltop town of Abha in Saudi Arabia’s Asir mountains is filled with purple jacaranda blooms every spring.
From mid-April to end-May, this serene city transforms into a painter’s palette of purple hues, thanks to thousands of jacaranda trees in full bloom.
From the bustling Art Street to the serene corners of Abu Kheyal and Andalus Parks, there’s no shortage of beautiful purple spots to explore. Abha also hosts a unique festival called the Jacaranda Season, which allows you to explore local heritage districts decorated in purple.
I live in Riyadh, and jacaranda-spotting in Abha is one of my favorite spring pastimes of late.
If you want to do the same, here’s the ultimate guide to the best jacaranda spots in Abha. It includes many tips on keeping track of the blooming season as well as where to get the best pictures.
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Best Places to Spot Jacarandas in Abha
Art Street
Art Street is the first place you should head to in Abha for jacarandas.
This lively thoroughfare isn’t just known for its artistic ambiance and local galleries. Every spring, Art Street is adorned with jacaranda blossoms that create a breathtaking canopy of purple.
Art Street offers plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of these beautiful flowers.
A small park with beautiful murals on the side has more trees and some benches to rest your tired legs. It is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. You can also head to one of the numerous cafes on Art Street. Kaya Cafe is my favorite.
Abu Kheyal Park
If you want to enjoy a leisurely day in the mountains surrounded by jacaranda trees and beautiful scenery, head to Abu Kheyal Park.
Located opposite Abha High City, the spacious Abu Kheyal Park is one of Abha’s prime jacaranda spots. Here, you can picnic under the purple blooms while taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Early mornings are particularly magical, as the jacarandas shimmer under the golden hour sunlight.
Enjoy a coffee or dine at Jorry Cafe and Restaurant, next to the park. The views of the hills with jacaranda trees in full bloom are stunning.
Andalus Park
Nestled in the heart of Abha, Andalus Park is another excellent location for jacaranda spotting.
Strolling along the walking trails lined with blooming jacaranda trees is a pleasure. There are also many play areas for kids here.
Random Streets in Abha
Sometimes, the best jacaranda spots are found off the beaten path.
Venture into Abha’s narrow, hilly lanes, and you’ll find jacaranda trees blooming in unexpected corners. These hidden gems offer a more intimate and tranquil experience, far from the bustling crowds.
One of my favorite jacaranda spots was across the car park from my hotel, Blue Inn. There was this beautiful jacaranda tree laden with flowers, and the area around it was completely empty, so I got some really cool shots here.
Abha’s Jacaranda Festival
To make your jacaranda-spotting experience even more memorable, plan your visit to the Jacaranda Season festival, held every spring in Abha.
Jacaranda Season is held at the Al Muftaha Village. It celebrates the blooming season with various cultural events, exhibitions, and activities that highlight the beauty and significance of the jacaranda trees. There are musical performances, karaoke sessions, and lots of good food.
The festival operates at two different times during the day: 7 am—12 pm and 5 pm—11 pm. Book your Jacaranda Season tickets here.
Helpful Tips for Spotting Jacarandas in Abha
- The jacaranda trees in Abha typically bloom from mid-April to end-May. They are usually at their peak in the first 2 weeks of May.
- Keeping track of the blooms is crucial to catch them at their peak. I found local reviews to be a helpful source of information, especially when there’s not much available on the internet. Check out the latest photos from locals from Art Street here. If you see jacaranda flowers in them, then the flowers are blooming. 🙂
- It is not unusual to have some rain during spring in Abha. It is best to be prepared with an umbrella.
- For the best photographic opportunities, wake up early to capture the jacarandas in the soft, golden light of dawn. The sun starts getting quite bright and harsh around 9 am, so aim to get your shots before then.
- If you’re visiting on the weekend (Friday and Saturday in Saudi Arabia), take advantage of the quiet mornings. Most attractions and shops in Abha open late in the day (around 4ish), especially on weekends. This means you’ll have the town almost to yourself until around 4 pm when locals venture out.
Explore Abha beyond Jacarandas
Jacarandas are a great reason to visit Abha. But they don’t have to be the only one.
Because of their remote location in the Asir Mountains, Abha and the surrounding towns and villages have developed a unique culture. When in Abha, don’t miss out on these local experiences.
- Visit the charming gingerbread village of Rijal Almaa, renowned for its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
- Learn about the traditional Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art form, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, that adorns the interiors of homes with intricate geometric patterns. Read my article on Al-Qatt Al-Asiri here.
- Discover the fascinating traditions of the Flower Men of Asir, known for their vibrant flower crowns and unique customs.
- Indulge in delicious local dishes such as haneeth, a slow-cooked lamb dish, and remember to buy some local honey, renowned for its exceptional quality.
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