Forts & Castles · Makkah & Jeddah
Arafâ Castle
قلعة العرفاء
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Before you go
7 facts, each with its source- Time needed 45–90 minutes Source: editor · category default
- Best season November–March Source: editor · category default
- Difficulty Easy — but stairs and uneven stone throughout Source: editor · category default
- Family friendly Yes — watch children on open stairs and towers Source: editor · category default
- Drones Registration with GACA is required for any drone from 250 g, and registration alone is not permission to fly — an operational permit is also needed Source: official · national rule · General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) · checked 2026-09-05
- Dress Saudi Arabia expects modest dress in public: loose clothing covering shoulders and knees. Abaya is no longer required of visitors. Flat shoes for the stone. Source: editor · category default
- Elevation 1410 m Source: srtm · NASA SRTM 30 m model
Not confirmed for this place: 4x4 needed · Entry fee · Opening hours · Facilities · Wheelchair. Know one of these? Tell us →
Safety notes
- Mud-brick walls, open towers and stairs without rails, and no shade in a courtyard. Go at the ends of the day and watch children near edges.
Editor notes, reviewed 2026-09-04
How far is it?
- 2 h 54 mfrom Jeddah — King Abdulaziz International (JED) · 219 km
- 39 mfrom Taif · 43 km
- 2 h 26 mfrom Jeddah (Al Balad) · 203 km
Road distance and driving time from OpenStreetMap routing, without traffic. Mountain tracks are often slower than the router thinks.
When to go
November–March- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
ComfortableToo hot
Mud-brick walls and open courtyards with no shade; early morning and late afternoon are the hours, and also the light.
Source: editor · category default · 2026-09-04. Category default set by the editor — a verified per-place season replaces it.
castle in Taif
Short description from Wikidata (CC0) · Q119519941
About & Sources Arafâ Castle
Arafâ Castle is a fort in Makkah & Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — Wikidata describes it as "castle in Taif". Entry fee, opening hours and vehicle requirements have not yet been verified for this page — the fact box says so plainly rather than guessing, so check locally before you go. For this kind of place the comfortable season is typically November–March. Nearby: Okaz historical market, Souk Okaz and Miqat Qarn Al Manazil (Miqat Al-Sail Al-Kabir).
At a glance
- Forts & Castles · Makkah & Jeddah
- castle in Taif
- Season: November–March (editor default)
- 1 open-data source · verified not yet
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arafâ Castle?
Typically November–March for forts & castles. Mud-brick walls and open courtyards with no shade; early morning and late afternoon are the hours, and also the light.
How long do I need at Arafâ Castle?
45–90 minutes (guidance for this category).
How high is Arafâ Castle?
About 1410 m above sea level (source: srtm).
Where is Arafâ Castle?
In Makkah & Jeddah (SA-02), Saudi Arabia, at 21.5126, 40.5943 — near Okaz historical market, Souk Okaz and Miqat Qarn Al Manazil (Miqat Al-Sail Al-Kabir).
Who can take you there
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Nearby places
More in Makkah & Jeddah →
Shubra Palace
historical palace in Ta'if, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Ibn Abbas Mosque, Ta'if
mosque in al-Ta'if, Saudi Arabia
Information is compiled from open data and editor checks; conditions, fees and access change — verify locally before you travel.