Cheap Flights to Madinah

Madinah is an ancient beautiful city full of stunning mosques, impressive palaces and atmospheric alleyways and lanes filled with artisan shops, bustling markets and tempting street food. This historic city is the second holiest in Islam; it lies 340 km north of Mecca and around 190 km from the Red Sea. Many thousands of tourists travel to Madinah every year and Muslims pilgrims come from all corners of the globe to perform Hajj and Umrah. Located in the Hejaz region on the west side of Saudi Arabia, it is often called "the radiant city" and is also the capital of the Al Madinah Region.

The Prophet's Mosque, also known as the al-Masjid an-Nabawi, is the burial place of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and is an amazing architectural masterpiece. Visit some of the oldest mosques such as Quba Mosque on the outskirts of the city and the historically important Masjid al-Qiblatayn. Take a trip to the battle site at Mount Uhud or to the King Fahd Complex where over 200 million copies of the Arabic Holy Quran have been printed. The city hosts many exciting events and festivals from the Family Garden Flower Festival to Ramadan and Saudi National Day.

Things to do

Madinah is a lively city with many delightful buildings, historic mosques and excellent museums to visit, as well as diverse shopping opportunities from modern malls to traditional bazaars.

• Sacred Mosques
  Marvel at the grand mosques such as Masjid Al-Nabawi, where the Prophet Muhammad's tomb can be found, the glamorous architecture of the beautiful Quba Mosque and the majestic twin domed Mosque of the Two Qiblas (Masjid al-Qiblatayn). All three mosques are the earliest in Islam's history.

• Rich Islamic History
  There are a variety of excellent museums covering the rich history of the area and Islam. Al Madinah Museum has an extensive collection of old Islamic monuments, while the Dar Al Madinah Museum travels back in time to the era of Rasool Allah Salllhu Alayhe Wasalam.

• Shopping delights!
  You will find vibrant upmarket shopping opportunities in some of the city's stylish malls such as Al Noor Mall and Rashe Mall. Alternatively, browse round the local merchant stalls at the Old Bazaar, where you can buy perfume made from local oils and tasty homemade foods.

Calendar of Events

Madinah has an all-year-round festival feel, and during the Ramadan and Haj seasons it looks even more spectacular. The city thrives during these festivals with shops staying open 24 hours and eating out being exceptionally cheap.

• The Festival of Sacrifice. This is a holy holiday celebrated by pilgrims and spirited locals who during the four-day festival distribute meat while chanting "Takbir" out loud. It marks the day after Arafat during Haj when animals such as goats, sheep and cows are sacrificed as a symbol of devotion.

• Saudi National Day. This is a non-religious event that celebrates the nation's independence which was declared in 1932 by King Abdul Aziz. It is a public holiday held in September and is cause for much jubilation with folklore dances, traditional songs and hundreds of Saudi flags adorning the streets and buildings.

• Ramadan. This holy 30 days of fasting (and eating during the dark hours) is marked by an influx of Muslims each year. The city is buzzing throughout this month-long festival. The Masjid Al-Nabawi gets packed and offers a very welcoming environment. At sunset, the locals offer free traditional Iftar meals.