People have been living in the area of the present-day Yemen for more than 3,000 years. In antiquity, there were a lot of states in the southern Arabian Peninsula. Their power was based on trade, thus they were the place of numerous intercultural contacts. Even today, going to Yemen, you will feel that you are getting acquainted with the whole region. Convenient location on the route from Europe and Africa to India has contributed to the flourishing of this land.

The country is rich in historical attractions and is one of the most unexplored tourist destinations on earth. Most of Yemen is of little use for traditional tourism because of the climate, but this is truly blessed land for fans of extreme relaxation. The amazing and diverse world of the desert, the picturesque local mountains, the majestic Bab el-Mandeb, and about fifty of ancient volcanoes, dozens of buried medieval settlements and desert oases, and wonderful and unique architecture of Yemeni towns are only some of the reasons why tourists are drawn to this land.

If to believe the legends of Yemen, Sana'a is one of the first sites of human settlement on the planet. Local residents believe that the city was founded by Shem, the son of Noah, after the Great Flood. Even today, when the population of the capital has risen to more than one million people and its political and economic status has increased many times, Sana’a has retained its historic character.

The Old City of Sana’a is the largest and most well-preserved medina in the Arab world. Many buildings are 400-500 years old, and their facades are decorated with beautiful windows in traditional Arabic style, and the towering minarets are built over them by the classical Islamic pattern, making them one of the visiting cards of the city. The historic city center is the citadel of Kasr el Sila, built immediately after the adoption of Islam in the 7th century and still retaining its original appearance. The second famous sight is the Great Mosque of Sana'a, the largest in the city and one of the oldest in the Muslim world.

The central market Suq al-Mill is a vast accumulation of about 40 small markets, each of which focuses on some specific goods - vegetables, spices, leaves of khat, raisins, leather, carpets, pottery, clothing, carvings in wood, copper, silver and so on.

To the north of the capital lies the town of Raida, known for its vineyards, medieval mosques, palaces that are used today as hotels.

A little further south, there is Shibam, one of the cities with soft mountain climate that is suitable for the development of resort areas. Not far from this area, one can observe the country’s best samples of military architecture and the ruins of ancient fortresses.

The old city of Hadji is known for its impressive citadel of the ancient times and the gloomy underground prison.

In the far north of the country, between the two mountain ranges, there lies the city of Saadda, widely known for its madrassas, the old city walls, the old gate of Najran, the Grand Mosque, and the traditional market. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Marib is the most amazing archaeological site in Yemen. When oil was found near the city, it came out of 'hibernation' and turned into a bustling administrative center. But still, tourists can see the once impressive clay buildings with tiny windows, the ruins of great temples and large dams.

The old city of Taiz is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Yemen. It is the traditional place of growing the famous Yemeni coffee, the largest industrial area, and a recognized jewelry center in Yemen. The city is often called the cultural capital of Yemen - so characteristic and distinctive is its architecture.

Visit our page on Yemen travel agents to get general information about preparing a trip in this country. Tour operators for Yemen can help organize every detail of a safe and enjoyable trip.