Al-Makhwah emerges as top autumn destination in Al-Baha

Al-Makhwah governorate in the Al-Baha region stands out as a leading tourist destination during the autumn, drawing residents from the Sarawat highlands and visitors from across the region. Its location in the Tihama sector offers warm evenings and a variety of natural and heritage attractions.

Al-Makhwah features historic villages, traditional markets, parks, and valleys, providing visitors with diverse options for recreation and opportunities to explore the area’s cultural heritage and social life.

The heritage village of Dhee Ayn is the highlight of Al-Makhwah’s tourist sites. Known for its stone architecture and closely built homes atop a white mountain, the village includes defensive forts, an ancient mosque, and narrow alleys that reflect traditional building methods. Dhee Ayn is named after a continuously flowing freshwater spring that irrigates surrounding farms famous for bananas, pandanus, and almonds.

The traditional Al-Makhwah market remains a prominent fixture among the region’s markets. Held every Tuesday on an area exceeding 30,000 square meters, it offers a wide range of products including honey, dates, grains, aromatic plants, local foods, and handicrafts. The market also serves as a social gathering point that preserves local customs.

Parks and gardens in Al-Makhwah, such as the Central Park, Al-Shooq Park, and Dhee Ayn Garden, provide families and visitors with evening leisure spots, in addition to natural sites along the valley banks.

Among the most notable natural attractions is Al-Ahsaba Valley, featuring a dam approximately 895 meters long and 22 meters high, with a storage capacity of 11 million cubic meters. The dam supplies around 15 wells and supports agricultural activities. The valley park is a favorite destination for families, especially with its mild weather and flowing waters.

Al-Makhwah combines natural and heritage elements—from the architecture of Dhee Ayn village and the bustling traditional market to parks, valleys, and the Al-Ahsaba dam—offering a tourism experience that reflects the diverse natural and cultural landscape between the Sarawat mountains and Tihama plains.