Fringed by white sandy beaches and world-class scuba diving sites, Yanbu is quickly emerging as one of Saudi Arabia's top water sports destinations. It sits on the Red Sea coast and boasts a collection of luxury resorts and natural attractions.

Things to do

Start your journey in Yanbu at the lively Al Nakheel area. It's anchored by Al Fairouz Park, a lush green space with a constant stream of families and picnickers. To the north is Al Bahr, a historic area known for its characterful Old Town and bustling waterfront corniche, filled with tea houses and traditional Bedouin restaurants.

For a sunshine fix, head to Sharm Yanbu Bay, which boasts some of the resort's best beaches. You can relax on the sand or snorkel on the colourful coral reefs that sit just offshore. Sharm Yanbu Bay is also a popular launching pad for scuba diving trips in the Red Sea.

On Oyster Island, Sunrise Beach offers a pristine stretch of sand dotted with beach umbrellas. It's a great place to soak up the Saudi Arabian sunshine, cool off in the Red Sea or enjoy a sunset barbecue.

One of the city's most picturesque spots, Yanbu Lakes is studded with swaying date palms and grassy lawns. The urban oasis is a great place to stretch your legs, read a book or enjoy a family picnic. It also boasts some of the best sunset views in town.

Getting around

Yanbu is well-serviced by a network of local buses and numerous taxis. Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport is around 30 minutes from the main resort district. The drive to Medina takes around two hours.