In the Kingdom and the UAE
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Farasan Islands | An archipelago of white beaches and coral reefs, home to the Farasan gazelle and migrating birds. | About 50 km from Jazan by ferry |
| Umluj islands | An archipelago of about 100 islands with turquoise water and white beaches, nicknamed the Maldives of Saudi Arabia. | Boat trips from Umluj |
| Snoopy Island | A small rock off the beach with reefs and turtles for snorkelling. | Al Aqah, Fujairah |
The Indian Ocean
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Maldives | Snorkelling the reefs around your resort island, manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, and whale sharks in South Ari. | Seasonal direct flights from Riyadh |
| Seychelles | Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, and granite boulders on white sand. | Mahé, Praslin and La Digue |
| Mauritius | Le Morne and its underwater-waterfall illusion, the Chamarel Coloured Earth, and Île aux Cerfs. | The Indian Ocean |
| Zanzibar | Stone Town and its Omani history, the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa, and the island of giant tortoises. | Tanzania |
Asia
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | Rice terraces and the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Lake Bratan, and the beaches of Nusa Dua and Jimbaran. | Indonesia |
| Langkawi | A cable car and a bridge over the forest, the island-hopping tour, Cenang beach and duty-free shopping. | Malaysia |
| Phi Phi Islands | Turquoise water between limestone cliffs, and colourful reefs for snorkelling. | A day trip by boat from Phuket or Krabi |
| Similan Islands | Among the world's finest places to dive and swim, with clear water and giant boulders. | 2026–27 season 15 October to 15 May, with a daily visitor cap |
| Palawan | The lagoons of El Nido and Coron among the rocks, and the underground river in Puerto Princesa. | The Philippines |
| Phu Quoc | White beaches, and a long cable car over the sea to Hon Thom island. | Southern Vietnam |
Europe
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini | The Oia sunset, the caldera walk, and the black beaches of Perissa and Kamari. | Greece |
| Capri | An island of white cliffs and clear blue water, with boat trips around its rocks. | Near the Amalfi Coast, Italy |
| Hvar | An island of clear bays and lavender fields, one of the Adriatic's most beautiful. | By boat from Split, Croatia |
| Madeira | An Atlantic island with peaks above the clouds, walks beside the water channels and rock pools. | Portugal |
| The Lofoten Islands | Sharp mountains rising from the sea, and fishing villages of red houses. | Northern Norway |
Egypt and Tunisia
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Giftun Island | An island of white sand and turquoise water inside a reserve, with snorkelling boat trips. | Daily trips from Hurghada |
| Tiran Island | Boat trips for snorkelling among the coral reefs and clear water. | Boat trips from Sharm El Sheikh |
| Djerba | A quiet island of beaches, white houses and traditional markets. | South-east Tunisia |
Tips before you go
- The best season for the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian islands is November to April, and for the Mediterranean islands May to September.
- Some islands and marine reserves cap daily visitors, so book your trip early.
- Bring a reef-safe sunscreen, and don't touch the coral when snorkelling.
Hotels in Islands
- Hotels in Langkawi
- Hotels in Phuket
- Hotels in Bali
- Hotels in Palawan
- Hotels in Madeira
- Hotels in Zanzibar
- Hotels in the Maldives
- Hotels in Santorini
- Hotels in the Seychelles
- Hotels in Mauritius
- Hotels in Umluj
- Hotels in the Farasan Islands
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Frequently asked questions
What are the nearest beautiful islands for Saudi travellers?
The Farasan Islands near Jazan and the Umluj islands in the Kingdom, Giftun Island off Hurghada, and Tiran Island near Sharm El Sheikh.
Which islands suit a honeymoon?
The Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Bali and Santorini, with their quiet beaches and private resorts.
Why are the Umluj islands called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia?
Because they're an archipelago of about 100 islands with turquoise water and white beaches, much like the Maldives.
When is the Similan Islands season in Thailand?
From 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027, with a daily visitor cap.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.