Medina
Second-holiest city in Islam and Capital of Medina Province, Saudi Arabia
Medina, officially al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, also known as al-Madinah an-Nabawiyyah and Taybah, and known in pre-Islamic times as Yathrib, is the capital and administrative centre of Medina Province in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. It is one of the oldest and most important places in Islamic history. The second holiest city in Islam, the population as of 2022 is 1,477,023, making it the fourth-most populous city in the country. Around 58.5% of the population are Saudi citizens and 41.5% are foreigners. Located at the core of the Medina Province in the western reaches of the country, the city is distributed over 589 km2 (227 sq mi), of which 293 km2 (113 sq mi) constitutes the city's urban area, while the rest is occupied by the Hejaz Mountains, empty valleys, agricultural spaces and older dormant volcanoes.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 1,411,599
- Coordinates
- 24.469, 39.614
- Timezone
- Asia/Riyadh
- Elevation
- 608 m
Overview of Medina
Medina is a large metropolitan hub in Saudi Arabia. The headcount is close to 1,411,599. The altitude here is around 608 m. A useful hint when you budget your days. Expect nature, culture and water sports to fill most of your time. Sitting in the northern hemisphere, its seasons follow that pattern.
Things to do in Medina
Nature in Medina
(21)Nature in Medina covers Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. The full list runs to 21 activities. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Medina.
Culture in Medina
(18)Culture lovers get Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Art Galleries, Bridges and Castles. All of it is drawn from Medina's recorded activities. 18 entries sit in this category, enough to fill more than a day.
Water Sports in Medina
(14)On the water sports side, Medina offers Bodyboard, Canoeing, Diving, Kayaking and Kiteboarding. Everything listed here comes from what Medina is actually tagged with. 14 entries sit in this category, enough to fill more than a day.
Adventure in Medina
(9)On the adventure side, Medina offers Adventure, Adventure Parks, Boat Rides, Climbing and Escape Room. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Medina. Altogether 9 options are tagged here.
Nightlife in Medina
(9)On the nightlife side, Medina offers Bars, Clubs, Disco, Events and Festival. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Medina. Altogether 9 options are tagged here.
Sports in Medina
(9)Our data lists Biking, Golf, Hiking, Horse Trails and Hunting as sports options here. The full list runs to 9 activities. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Medina.
Wellness in Medina
(6)Our data lists Farms, Hammam, Ranches, Therms and Turkish Baths as wellness options here. The full list runs to 6 activities. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Medina.
Family in Medina
(2)Family lovers get Playgrounds and Zoo. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Medina. A compact set that still fills a visit.
Shopping in Medina
(2)Medina records Food and Shopping under shopping. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Medina. A compact set that still fills a visit.
More to do in Medina
(2)Under other activities, Medina is tagged with Fishing and Secret. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Medina.
Best time to visit Medina
Off-peak visits still work, thanks to culture and food. For trails and green space, April to June and September to October is the sweet spot. Coast and water plans belong in June to September.
Getting there & around
Medina sits on major routes, so arrival options are broad and moving around is easy. Medina runs on Asia/Riyadh time.
Similar destinations
Places near Medina that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Medina known for?
- In Saudi Arabia, Medina stands out for nature, culture and water sports. That mix defines the typical visit to this 1,411,599-strong destination.
- What can you do in Medina?
- Options in Medina run to Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest — a practical starting point for an itinerary.
- When is the best time to visit Medina?
- Off-peak visits still work, thanks to culture and food. For trails and green space, April to June and September to October is the sweet spot. Coast and water plans belong in June to September.
- Where is Medina located?
- You will find Medina in Saudi Arabia. Neighbouring destinations are listed on the matching region and country pages.
Personal notes
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