5 Breathtakingly Beautiful Places To Visit In Middle East

Spanning the coast of Israel to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East is filled with some of the most extraordinary landscapes and cities in the world. From awe-inspiring natural phenomenon to exquisite historic sites reflecting each country’s heritage and culture, we list 5 of the most beautiful places in the Middle East.

* The Dead Sea

Bordered by Jordan, Palestine and Israel, The Dead Sea is in fact a saltwater lake, known for being one of the world’s most saline bodies of water, as well as one of its most stunning. Thanks to its high salt content, The Dead Sea’s shores are filled with extraordinarily striking salt deposits and mineral formations, which beautifully contrast with its soft sands and the clear tranquillity of its water.

* The Dome of the Rock

Located on Haram Al-Sharif in the heart of Jerusalem, The Dome of the Rock is one of the world’s holiest sites and a stunning example of Islamic architecture. Built in the 7th century, the shrine features an octagonal structure, a magnificent golden dome and stunning tile work inspired by the Byzantine style. Inside the Dome is the Foundation Stone, a holy artefact of immense importance to those of both Muslim and Jewish faiths.

* Erbil Citadel

On a mound raised about 30 meters above the rest of the city lies Erbil Citadel, the ancient center of the Iraqi city of Erbil, and the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the world. The houses along the exterior of the citadel form a fort-like structure, while the interior is filled with narrow alleys, archways and intricate brickwork. Erbil Citadel was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2014, recognizing its immense cultural and historic significance.

* Hegra

Located in modern day Saudi Arabia, Hegra was one of the largest cities in the Nabatean Kingdom, second only to Petra in Jordan. The city was built in the 1st century AD, and originally consisted of a residential area and a necropolis. Of this, 131 colossal, astonishingly detailed tombs remain, cut into the rock faces. Hegra was considered for a long time to be cursed and was avoided by locals and travelers, leading to its extraordinary preservation.

* Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto consists of two interconnected limestone caves located in the Nahr al-Kalb valley in Lebanon. The upper grotto, which is accessible by walking, and the lower grotto, which is viewed from a rowboat on a lake winding through the cave. Both grottos feature awe-inspiring natural creations, including stalactites and stalagmites, mushrooms, columns and curtains. The glittering water, multi-colored rocks and dramatic formations create an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere rarely experienced elsewhere.