The south and the red sea coast of Saudi Arabia may surprise the sandy stereotypes of scenery in the country, with verdant and vertical terrain and cool clear mountain air, and architecture ascending up the cliff like ancient escalators. Abha and Taif are also replete with flower and food production, and some of the most pleasant pastures and roads stretching to pristine beaches and diving spots in the Red Sea. Farther down to Jazan are more geological gems, and the zone is well worth a look for archeologists, anthropologists, and religious scholars alike, along with tourists.