Hiking in Medina
Medina, officially Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, is a city of 2.1 million people at an elevation of 620 meters above sea level. It is the second holiest site in Islam after Mecca. However, unlike Mecca, Medina is open to non-Muslim visitors. You have to take into account that it is a very religious place and must obey both the written and unwritten rules. So even when you go for a hike, for example, do not wear shorts and tank tops. But do go for a hike! You will get amazing views of the city and its surroundings from different points.
Mount Sela - Medina's historic guard posts
Mount Sela is actually a hill, located in the centre of Medina, and it offers great views of the Haram area as well as the rest of the city centre. Because of its strategic location, fortified positions were built on the rocky hill centuries ago to monitor the area. There are three paths, one from the side of the Haram, another from the Seven Mosques, and one not far from the latter via the Cave of Bani Haram.
Mount Uhud is steeped in history, and you find several important Islamic sites at its base, such as the Sayyid Ash-Shuhada Mosque, the historic cemetery of the martyrs, and the Archers' Hill. The hike is along a dirt road suitable for 4WDs, so the path itself is not the most exciting, but the further up you go the better the views of the city of Medina get.
