When it comes to summer and the heated days, a few days escaping the hectic city is just what you need. On torrid days, you would like nothing more than escape to an oasis, isolated from all the crowd and summer heat. Take a dip, relax under the shade of the palm trees or surf the sand dunes in one of these cool travel destinations for your summer. Here are the most amazing 5 oasis we’ve come across that will hopefully be your next travel destination.


5. Situated in the Sahara, the Algerian oasis M’zab is a 10km long valley, packed with 3,000 wells, which supply 270,000 date palms with water. Famous for its architecture, simple buildings and ornamentation, the Mzab Valley was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, being the perfect example for traditional human habitat well adapted to the environment. Designed for community living, the city’s architecture is a inspiration for today’s architects. If you’re looking to get a taste of Algerian culture or simply some fun in the sun, M’zab might just be your destination.

photo credits: 1, 2; Oasis on Google Maps

4. The small town in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru, popular worldwide for being the picture-perfect oasis in any mirage. Referred to as the “oasis of America,” Huacachina is built around small lake, set in the middle of the desert. Swim, relax under the sun, or sand board adventurously through the dunes of the desert. You can also sign up for sand tours on special sand buggies and explore the surroundings. At 600 meters above sea level, you can also see a surreal image - ancient whales’ skeleton fossils uncovered by the wind and rain.

photo credits: 1, 2; Oasis on Google Maps

3. Located west of the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is a surprising oasis, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Judean Desert and popular natural resort. The name of the location comes from one of the four springs in the area that can literally be described as wellspring for a wealth of plants and animals. With its hot climate and abundant waters, the area attract many animals, some of which can be even seen up-close, including the Nubian ibex, a species that was once considered endangered. Another popular attraction for tourists is the Ein Gedi National Park, one of the most important reserves in Israel. Apart from the lush vegetation, the park has many species of resident birds, supplemented by over 200 species that migrate in spring and fall.

photo credits: 1, 2; Oasis on Google Maps

2. One of the largest oases worldwide, Qatif is also one of the oldest, dating back to 3500 BC in the late Bronze Age. It is most famous for its springs and palm trees but also for the large Shi’i community that has caused much tension. There is plenty fresh fish to be found in the Qatif fishing port, being one of the largest in the region. One amazing sighting not to be missed for any weary traveler is the Tarut Citadel, built over 5000-year old settlements. Constructed around 1515-1521 A.D., the citadel with its hidden passages and high towers was used to protect the city against Portuguese attackers.

photo credits: 1, 2; Oasis on Google Maps

1. The biggest oasis in the world and probably the most fascinating is located eastern Saudi Arabia. The Al-Hasa oasis has been inhabited since ancient times, being the only water source in a vast arid region. The oasis lies 65 km from the Persian Gulf, having a surface of roughly 120 km² and a population estimated in 2003 of 600,000 people. The climate is fit for a relaxing vacation in the heart of the dry land. Al-Hasa has a tropical climate, with the summer that can extend to 5 months and a cold winter. There is a lot of sand carried in, which accounts for the large display of trees around the area, which add a bit more shade and coolness to the area.

photo credits: 1, 2; Oasis on Google Maps