Tihamah

Geography:

It extends all the way from the southwest of Yemen to the boundary of Saudi Arabia. The region of Tihamah is the entire stretch of valley on the west coast of Yemen that is full of many agricultural activities While driving in Tehama you can see the marvelous difference between the desert and the costal plains that really prove the amazing nature of this area.

Climate:

in winter (30-25) and in the summer(40-50). Some weather experts say that the highest temperature ever recorded on earth was in Tihama.

Cultural highlights:

The region has an African atmosphere due to the mostly African inhabitants that live in Tihama as well as to what historians refer that the area was part of Africa 10000 years ago. Many houses that are built of reed can be seen spread all over that valley, and for once you will feel like you are in Africa due to the massive African impact on that part of the country. Tihamah adds a special sweetness to Yemen that one just has to taste to understand.

Things to see and do:

Zabid:

It's a UNISCO heritage due to the various and unique archeological and historical sites that belong to the town. A huge castle with Turkish arcticture can be visited which was built by the Turkish occupation in the 17th century and was used as well by the Imam. The castle includes the grain storage which is now used as a museum that shows some traces of the different eras that once were fond there. Zabid has a very rich religious heritage with around 12 mosques that date back to the early time of Islam especially Ala'ishar mosque that goes back to the first century of Islam existence.

Al-Lahyah:

Al-Luhayyah is located to the north of Al-hudaydah. It has a nickname which is “Pearl of the Red Sea” for exporting pearls, and it also competed with the city of Mokha to the south in exporting the famous famous Yemeni coffee. The sea port was established in the 15th century.

Bait Al-Faquih:

This city is located in your way to Al-hudaydah city through driving in the valley of Tihamah. It's famous for the old traditional way of sewing the "Maqtab" which is a traditional dress in the western part of the country. Also, an old beautiful castle can be visited as well that goes back to the Turkish era.

Al-Kawkah:

It’s a costal town that is around 60km southwest of Al- Hudaydah city. Here, you can enjoy some real sun showers in the clean read sea shores. The city is famous is well for the reed cottage that are spread along the shore. There are many good hotels where you can sleep an over night enjoying the costal life even for one day.

Al-Hodidah

Capital of the Tihamh valley and known as “the Bride of the Red Sea”, this city gained its reputation during the height of the coffee export era during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. A major port of Yemen, its importance increased during the second half of the 20th century with the inauguration of its modern port. Important sites within this area are the nearby beaches of Al-Katheeb and Irj, also the old town and fishing markets should be visited. Hudaydah is the main port for local fishermen who work in the Red Sea.