Top 16 Most Beautiful Tourist Destinations in the Middle East

1. Giza – Egypt

The Giza Pyramids are known as the last surviving wonders of the ancient world. They are the oldest architectural structures named in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World list and the only ancient structures still standing. The Giza Pyramids are considered a masterpiece of ancient human architecture, challenging any modern structure built in recent centuries. Constructing a structure like Giza has always been a topic of debate among scholars because of its colossal size and almost perfect proportions.

Although the Pyramids often overshadow many other tourist sites in Giza, it cannot be denied that this city is very beautiful, with rich natural landscapes, along with many architectural marvels imbued with the culture of the Egyptian people. Visit once to see if the information in the books and newspapers is correct!

2. Socotra Island, Yemen

The next destination is Socotra, also one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the Middle East. This island lies 250 miles off the coast of Yemen. The largest island in the archipelago of 4 islands in the region, it sits adjacent to the Horn of Africa facing the Gulf of Aden. To give a brief introduction to this island, Socotra is a landscape of ancient granite mountains, limestone cliffs, and red sandstone plateaus.

Moreover, the archipelago boasts a rich and distinct flora and fauna with 825 plant species: 90% of reptile species and 95% of snail species on Socotra are found nowhere else in the world. Furthermore, the island is home to 192 species of rare birds, 253 species of coral, 730 species of fish, and 300 species of crab and shrimp.

Contrary to its 'deadly' name, the Dead Sea is always brimming with vigorous life, welcoming millions of tourists annually for leisure, relaxation, and swimming.

If the Himalayas are considered the roof of the world, then the Dead Sea is the deepest depression on Earth. Despite its nickname, the Dead Sea is a highly sought-after tourist destination, not only for its beauty but also due to concerns that this natural wonder might disappear due to depletion. Exploring the Dead Sea during your trip here will provide you with unforgettable experiences as you float on its surface, allowing your imagination to soar.

The Dead Sea is located at the border of three countries: Israel, Palestine, and Jordan in the Jordan Valley, about 55km east of Amman. It is a renowned tourist spot and resort area known as the 'Earth's Bellybutton' and was first called the Dead Sea by an ancient Greek writer.

The Dead Sea is not a sea but rather the largest saltwater lake in the world, its water being super salty. Surrounding the rivers flowing into the Dead Sea are mostly deserts and limestone cliffs. These limestone layers contain a lot of mineral salts. Therefore, the water flowing into the Dead Sea has a very high salt content.

Al-Hasa Oasis is the largest natural oasis in Saudi Arabia and Asia. This wonder is located more than 40 miles away from the Arabian Gulf coast. This vast oasis covers an area of 30,000 hectares and is supplied water from over 60 artesian springs, sustaining over 3 million palm trees and providing water for millions of people in the region.

Lebanon, a beautiful country often dubbed as the Switzerland of the Middle East, is globally renowned for its wonder, the Jeita Grotto. The Jeita Grotto Cave Complex spans nearly 1,000 hectares, nestled within one of the oldest limestone mountain regions in the Middle East, believed to have formed over 400 million years ago.

This site holds special geological significance, reflecting Earth's ancient history and evolution. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence suggesting human habitation in these caves dates back to prehistoric times. To reach Jeita, visitors can only traverse by boat. Each cave within the Jeita Grotto is a mystical realm beneath shimmering silver-hued stalactites, transparent stalagmites, including the world's longest stalactite.

Rub' al Khali, in Arabic, translates to the 'Empty Quarter.' It's known as the world's largest sand desert, spanning across Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. It covers an area of up to 650,000 km2.

Exploring Rub’ al Khali, travelers will encounter endless stretches of red sand dunes, some towering up to 250 meters high, amidst scorching temperatures that sear the skin. Life seems almost non-existent here; however, Rub’ al Khali is among the world's richest oil reserves.

Next, Mytour will take you to Iran to explore a unique desert. Located in Kerman, the southeastern province of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the phenomenon of Kaluts consists of walls eroded by the desert over the years. This desert is the hottest place in Iran with temperatures rising up to 65 degrees Celsius. For travelers who enjoy exploring and conquering new lands, visiting Kaluts is a must!

Wadi Rum has been a dwelling place and harbored many prehistoric civilizations. It's a magnificent valley of sandstone and granite. The present-day inhabitants of Wadi Rum are the Zalabia Bedouin tribe, known for their eco-tourism ventures catering to foreign travelers. Make sure to explore this valley at least once!

Tinah Island is one of the vital natural wonders with an ecosystem of significance to the Middle East, unfortunately not open to tourists. It's a cluster of coral reefs and underwater sandbanks located within the Marawah Biosphere Reserve. The coral reefs here thrive surpassing those found anywhere else in the world. Bu Tinah Island also serves as a shared home and sanctuary for rare wildlife species such as dugongs and Hawksbill turtles.

Situated in northern Kurdistan Iraq, just 10km from the Turkish border, Amadiya is an incredibly charming village perched atop a flat-topped mountain, boasting a history of no less than 5,000 years. From the Assyrians to the Persians, as well as some Jewish and Christian communities, dozens of different civilizations and religions have left their mark on this historic site.

Moreover, Amadiya is believed to be the home of the Three Wise Men, who journeyed to Bethlehem to meet Jesus after his birth. Today, Amadiya is a Muslim Kurdish village, surrounded by some of the most prominent mountain landscapes, characteristic of northern Iraq, and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Middle East.

Another fascinating destination in Iran is Mount Damavand, towering at 5,600 meters, it's the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East. The majestic and captivating beauty of Damavand grants it a special place in Persian mythology. It's also the tallest and most majestic volcano in Asia. This area is also a habitat for various species including brown bears, leopards, wild goats, and red sheep.

Esfahan stands as Iran's most magnificent city, boasting its Islamic mosques adorned with colossal domes and intricately patterned ceilings, making them the most impressive structures in the Middle East, without a doubt. This city is among the oldest and historically richest in the region, with a sizable community of esteemed scholars and intellectuals, its significance and influence often likened to that of Athens and Rome on a regional and global scale.

Today, Esfahan is a surprisingly modern, clean, and vibrant city, home to some of the nation's most highly educated and accomplished individuals.