JED Airport Makkah Toyota Camry (4 Pax) 85KM Β£45
JED Airport Makkah Hyundai Staria (7 Pax) 85KM Β£75
Makkah Madinah GMC Yukon XL (7 Pax) 450KM Β£160
Madinah Airport Madinah Hotel Toyota Hiace (10 Pax) 25KM Β£35
Makkah Madinah Yutong Bus (54 Pax) 450KM Β£450

Ziyarat Sites in Makkah and Madinah: A Complete 2026 Tourist Guide

Ziyarat Sites in Makkah and Madinah Guide

A deep dive into the spiritual history and geographical locations of Islam’s most sacred landmarks.

Performing Umrah or Hajj is a profound experience, but the journey is truly enriched when you walk where the Prophets walked. This Ziyarat Sites in Makkah and Madinah Guide provides an in-depth look at the significance, location, and travel logistics for every major historical site in the Hijaz region.

I. Historical Sites of Makkah Mukarramah

πŸ“ Location: Jabal al-Noor πŸ“ Distance: 5.5 KM from Masjid al-Haram πŸš— Drive Time: 15-20 Mins

1. Cave of Hira (Ghar Hira)

Located at the peak of Jabal al-Noor (The Mountain of Light), this cave is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent long periods in seclusion and meditation before his prophethood.

Spiritual Significance: This is the site where the Archangel Jibreel (AS) descended with the first revelation of the Holy Quran: “Iqra!” (Read!). It marks the beginning of the final message to mankind.

Visitor Tip: The climb takes 45–90 minutes. We recommend booking a taxi for 4:00 AM so you can reach the summit for Tahajjud or Fajr to avoid the blistering mid-day sun.

πŸ“ Location: Jabal Thawr πŸ“ Distance: 6 KM South of the Haram πŸš— Drive Time: 12 Mins

2. Cave of Thawr (Ghar Thawr)

South of the city lies Jabal Thawr. The cave near its summit sheltered the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA) for three days during their perilous Hijrah (migration) to Madinah.

Spiritual Significance: It was here that the miracle of the spider’s web and the nesting pigeon occurred, concealing the entrance from the Quraish pursuers. It is a symbol of Allah’s divine protection over His messengers.
πŸ“ Location: Arafat πŸ“ Distance: 20 KM East of Makkah πŸš— Drive Time: 25-30 Mins

3. Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy)

A small granite hill on the plain of Arafat. It is the most important site for Hajj pilgrims but remains a major Ziyarah destination year-round.

Spiritual Significance: Tradition holds that this is where Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawa (AS) were reunited on earth. More importantly, it is where the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his famous Farewell Sermon (Khutbatul Wada).

Book a Full Day Makkah Ziyarah Tour →

II. Historical Sites of Madinah Munawwarah

πŸ“ Location: Southern Madinah πŸ“ Distance: 3.5 KM from Masjid Nabawi πŸš— Drive Time: 8 Mins

1. Masjid Quba

The first mosque ever built in the history of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) laid its first stones immediately after his migration.

Spiritual Significance: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever purifies himself in his house and offers a prayer in Masjid Quba will have a reward like that of an Umrah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
πŸ“ Location: North Madinah πŸ“ Distance: 5 KM from Masjid Nabawi πŸš— Drive Time: 10-12 Mins

2. Mount Uhud & The Martyrs Cemetery

The site of the second major battle in Islamic history. The mountain itself is said to be “a mountain that loves us and we love it.”

Spiritual Significance: This site contains the graves of 70 companions who were martyred during the Battle of Uhud, including the “Lion of Allah,” Hamza bin Abdul-Muttalib (RA).
πŸ“ Location: Wadi al-Aqeeq πŸ“ Distance: 4 KM Northwest πŸš— Drive Time: 10 Mins

3. Masjid al-Qiblatain

Known as the “Mosque of the Two Qiblas,” this is where the command to change the direction of prayer (Qibla) was revealed.

Spiritual Significance: During a prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) received revelation to turn away from Bait al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and face the Kaaba in Makkah. It represents a pivotal moment in Islamic identity.

III. Beyond the Two Cities: Taif & Badar

For those with a day to spare, our **Ziyarat Sites in Makkah and Madinah Guide** recommends these regional historical hubs.

The City of Taif (90 KM from Makkah)

Taif offers a cooler climate and lush greenery. Key sites include:

  • Masjid Abdullah Ibn Abbas: Located near the grave of the great Sahabi and scholar of the Quran.
  • Masjid Addas: The site of the vineyard where the Prophet (PBUH) took refuge after being rejected by the leaders of Taif; it is named after the Christian slave who offered him grapes and embraced Islam.
Book a Taif Day Trip

The Battlefield of Badar (160 KM from Madinah)

This is the location of the most decisive battle in Islam. It is a long drive through the desert, requiring a reliable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Spiritual Significance: Here, 313 ill-equipped Muslims defeated a thousand-strong Quraish army. The site includes the graves of the 14 martyrs of Badr and the “Areesh” (the spot where the Prophet’s tent stood).

IV. Quick Reference Logistics

Ziyarah Site Spiritual Status Distance from Center Best Time to Visit
Cave of Hira Historical/Reflective 5.5 KM Tahajjud/Fajr
Masjid Quba Sunnah (Umrah Reward) 3.5 KM Morning (After Sunrise)
Jabal al-Rahma Historical (Hajj Pillar) 20 KM Late Afternoon
Battle of Badar Historical/Educational 160 KM Full Day Trip
Taif Tours Historical/Sightseeing 90 KM Morning to Evening

Perform Your Ziyarah in Comfort

Don’t waste your precious time in the Holy Cities navigating public buses or unreliable street taxis. Our vast fleet of GMC Yukons, Hyundai Starias, and luxury Sedans is ready to take you on a journey through history.

Makkah and Madinah Ziyarah Tours and Airport Taxi Pickups - Comparison - Itinerary