Once you’ve ticked all the cultural must-sees of your to-do list, it would be crazy not to take advantage of the pristine private beaches that Jeddah has to offer. Think palm trees swaying in the breeze, golden stretches of sand and tranquil blue waters Bliss.
Being located on the Red Sea means that this sun-soaked destination has some of the best beaches in the Middle East.
To help you know where to head for a little sun, sand and sea, we’ve rounded up the best beaches in Jeddah.
So, grab your beach bag, flip flops and towel and go enjoy a little chilled out you-time. Oh, and don’t forget the sun cream.
Al-Saif Beach
This cool sandy hangout has been open to the public since 2015 and is hugely popular with local families. Laced by palm trees, you’ll see little kids flying their kites on the pretty stretch of sand. The water is shallow, which is a bonus to mums and dads swimming in the sea with tiny tots. It also gets our award for best place to view the sunset in Jeddah – in our humble opinion that is. One thing to note is the lack of places to get some food or a drink, so take your own with you to prevent having to leave early to find some sustenance.
Jeddah, www.jeddah.gov.sa.
Durrat Al Arous
The oldest private beach in Jeddah is open to anyone and everyone who fancies a spot of beachside relaxing – no membership needed. Plus, it’s huge. As well as 1000 beach villas, a diving school and golf course, the stretch of coast even has its very own theme park. Booking is required and you can rent the villas on a day-by-day basis, but book ahead, particularly during the local holidays, as spots get booked up incredibly quickly. Located approximately 40km north of Jeddah, this is a popular sandy destination for local families.
Durrat Al-Arus, Jeddah (+92 321 305 1519).
Indigo
Looking for a super swanky, sophisticated and upmarket beach experience? Indigo just might be the most exclusive and extravagant of the beach experiences in Jeddah. To enjoy the delights of this cool beach you need an annual membership, and these are only available by invitation. The resort is modelled to look as if it is straight out of Bali. It is located in Obhur, Jeddah’s go-to destination for everything Red Sea. Members can choose from studio apartments and four-bedroom villas on the beach and enjoy infinity pools, waterfalls, spas, arcades and boat trips. With cascading waterfalls and infinity pools, it’s easy to see why this beach resort has become the coolest spot in town for visitors lucky enough to be invited. Facilities also include a gym and a spa alongside an arcade and screening room. And fancy a beachside massage? You’ve got it.
Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Obhur, Jeddah (+966 12 234 4624).
OIA
With its white stone houses and super chic cafés that line the sparkling blue sea you might well feel like you have been transported out of Saudi Arabia and onto one of the Greek islands. There are loads of water sports and aqua activities including sailing and kayaking. Plus, little adrenaline-junkies – and their parents to be fair – can burn off some energy on the floating water park. There atmosphere is relaxed, yet sophisticated and you can grab a bite to eat at the main restaurant, Pareya, that serves up all kinds of beachside favourites from salads and sandwiches to burgers. Kids can also get a nice refreshing milkshake here to cool them down too.
8984 Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street, Al Loaloa District, Jeddah (+966 55 532 5649).
Silver Sands Beach
Grab the buckets and spades, as well as plenty of suncream, and head to this little stretch of idyllic coastline where the sand is powdery white and the sea is crystal clear. When the little people get hungry – and if bringing a picnic on top of all the other beach paraphernalia was a sandy step too far – there is a pizza restaurant serving up a quality margarita that will satisfy rumbling tummies.
Open daily 9am-6pm. Prince Abdullah Al Fiasal Street, Al Lulu, Jeddah.
