Located in the Red Sea, the Farasan Islands are one of Saudi Arabia’s most captivating tourist destinations. These islands offer a rare blend of rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, and deep cultural heritage.
Farasan is home to Saudi Arabia’s first biosphere reserve, recognized by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere Programme. Its remarkable biodiversity includes untouched coral reefs, diverse fish species, and rare birds such as the white-eyed gull and the sooty falcon.
The islands feature untouched white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, especially at Ras Qarn and Al-Ghadeer Bay, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Farasan preserves several historical sites that reflect its cultural richness, including the Ottoman Fort, the German-built Al-Qurmah House from World War I, and the ancient Roman-era village of Al-Qassar.
Perched on a hill in northern Farasan, the Ottoman Fort overlooks the coast and was built using coral stones and palm trunks—showcasing traditional regional architecture.
Located on Qummah Island, Al-Qurmah House was built during World War I as a coal storage facility. With its rectangular design and triple entrances, it’s a standout heritage structure in the islands.
Al-Qassar is among the oldest inhabited villages in the archipelago, with coral-built homes and palm-lined surroundings—perfect for cultural and scenic exploration.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides between the islands and explore stunning lagoons and water passages like Al-Qandal Mangrove Forest, a rich marine habitat.
Farasan is a diver’s paradise, offering a chance to see colorful marine life, including parrotfish and pearl oysters, amid its vibrant coral gardens.
Secluded beaches like Abrat and Faqwah offer the ideal setting for peaceful beachfront camping beneath starlit skies.
Farasan is famous for its fresh seafood, especially parrotfish (Al-Harid), celebrated in an annual festival. The islands also offer authentic local cuisine reflecting coastal traditions.
Visitors can experience traditional fishing methods with local fishermen—adding cultural depth to their stay on the islands.
You can reach Farasan via daily free ferries from Jazan city. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
The ideal time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and events like the Harid Festival are held in April.
Farasan offers various accommodation choices, including hotels, beach resorts like Farasan Hotel on Al-Ghadeer Bay, and traditional guest houses.