8 Best Halal-Friendly Staycation Locations

Summer days are not over yet and vacations are still waiting for your booking! It is exciting and joyful to plan for a summer vacation, but you need to limit your options to avoid wasting time and being very distracted.

Unfortunately, there is only a very low chance to find a country in the world that is 100% halal in terms of nudity, alcohol consumption, and Islamic values; Yet it is possible to find Halal-friendly places that have halal food, mosques, and beautiful locations to visit.
On the bright side, the number of Muslim friendly destinations around the world are increasing with a large range of facilities and activities. Halal vacations are becoming more popular every year, with beautiful packages for Muslim visitors!

Choosing the destination might not be an easy process for many, so we did the work for you and prepared a list of options to choose from, for a halal holiday this summer. Whether you are looking for a staycation with the family or just with your loved one, here are 8 places around the world that provide halal options for your trip:

1. Cappadocia, Turkey

Turkey is known to be one of the world's most halal-friendly vacation locations, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere as well as a combination of tasty food, World Heritage and Islamic sites.

Many sites in Turkey could be your destination for your next trip, such as Topkapi Palace, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Antalya and Cappadocia that will make you fall in love with it in an instant.

When you think about Cappadocia, images of hot-air balloons ascending over Turkey's scenic Goreme Valley come to mind. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity should not be missed.

The magnificent city, Cappadocia, is noted for its unusual rock formations, which include caverns with old Islamic writings. The land of hot-air balloons does not have balloon-studded skies as the only thing that brings visitors. You will be also astounded by its intricate underground towns, caverns, and ravines, which will make you want to stay there forever. Discover by yourself why this location is one of the greatest summer destinations in the world.

2. Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia is unquestionably at the top of the list of the best places to visit this year since they have been the pioneers in Muslim-friendly tourism before other nations got on board. Malaysia is also an excellent choice for low-cost Muslim-friendly vacations.

It boasts one of the world's most diverse Halal food scenes, with everything from street food to high-end restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. There are also several mosques to visit, as well as a plethora of fascinating attractions.

 

Penang is one of the particular states in Malaysia, having the rare distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its tropical climate, it offers you a variety of activities that you can perform: Escape allows you to test your body's and courage's limits, Entopia teaches you about the world of insects, Balik Pulau lets you experience the country’s life at a slower pace. You can also enjoy hiking and discovering the green side of the state.

3. Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakech in Morocco has been named as one of the best summer destinations for all kinds of tourists. This city is well-known for its unique blend of cultural variety, and it provides everything you need to make your summer trip unforgettable.

You may walk through Jemma el-Fnaa, shop in colorful souks, and make a visit to palaces and museums to learn about the enchanting history.

The Koutoubia Gardens, which are next to the Koutoubia Mosque, are by far the easiest place to escape the chaos of Jemma el-Fnaa, North Africa's most renowned plaza.

Here are other sites that you must visit in Marrakesh such as Le Jardin Secret, Jardin Majorelle, Agdal Garden, and Menara Gardens.

4. Cordoba, Spain

This is another emerging star in the world of halal tourism. The airport in Madrid includes two large mosques, and the mezzanine provides a variety of halal meals. Other airports in the country also have prayer rooms. With an increasing number of halal-certified hotels and cafés, Spain became one of Europe's top halal-friendly vacation destinations, with more than 250 mosques in the country.

Cordoba is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, with a quiet atmosphere set against iconic Moorish architecture. It is known for the magnificent Great Mosque of Cordoba, which is one of the world’s most visited attractions.

When visiting this city, make sure you also visit the Alcazar gardens, Viana Palace, and the Museo Romero de Torres.

You don’t have to worry about finding halal food, because you will have many choices, even in other major cities like the capital Barcelona.

5. Cape Town, South Africa 

South Africa is a popular tourism destination on the African continent and is one of the rapidly expanding halal-friendly vacation locations. Cape Town has the largest Muslim population, creating an increasing number of halal-friendly restaurants and accommodations, and meals prepared in a strict no-liquor, no-pork kitchen.

Cape Town must be your adventurous destination since it has a good mix of mountain views, nature and vibrant local culture. You should make a visit to the Cape Malay Muslim, and have a look at the picturesque valley of Bo-Kaap, which is home to the country's most established mosque. 

You can also do many activities in the capital like water-biking, swimming, penguin watching while enjoying the beautiful water and natural scenery.

6. Sofia, Bulgaria

Bulgaria was once home to countless Muslim empires and that’s why you find many Ottoman monuments in it. The country has beautiful nature scenery and various hiking trails, as well as a rich history that can be discovered in towns such as Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. Do not miss the visit to the local mosques, like Dzumaya Mosque in Plodiv and Tumbul Mosque in Shumen. 

Many hotels are located near mosques areas in the city center, and you can easily find halal food around Sofia, yet no halal hotels are available. 

7. Sri Lanka

The pearl of the Indian Ocean is one of the best locations to visit because of its Muslim-friendly amenities. It has a large Muslim community and several mosques are around the island. Although Colombo boasts a variety of eye-catching mosques, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, often known as the Red Mosque, is one of the oldest. It hosts thousands of worshippers visits daily.

A beautiful location where you can enjoy the bluish scene of the ocean as well as discover the marine life on the island, at a minimal cost. Not forgetting the beautiful iconic scene of stilt fishermen 

Do not miss the scenic train ride that goes through rustic landscapes and captures the local faces of tea-pickers in the fields. You must as well try the famous tuk-tuk in the streets of the city. 

8. Tohoku, Japan 

Japan has emerged as one of the world's halal-friendly vacation spots, attracting a growing number of Muslim tourists, with restaurants options that are becoming a big appeal, with the halal food offered. 

A destination that must be visited in any season, when in spring you enjoy its cherry blossoms and in summer you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture by attending festivals such as the Nebuta Matsuri (in Aomori). Don't pass up the opportunity to harvest apples in Hirosaki Apple Park. You can also take a trip to Matsushima Bay, which is known for its 260 pine-covered islands and is considered one of Japan's three most picturesque locations.

Not far away from Tohoku, you can visit the Tokyo Camii, the biggest mosque in the nation that hosts travelers from all religions from around the world.

 

It is beautiful and essential to enjoy the various creations of Allah around the world, through trips to new destinations, where you discover the culture, nature, and nations of each country. 

Keeping it halal does not mean making it unjoyful, yet is the essential element of joy and happiness because you are seeking the pleasure of Allah, who created all the beauty for you.

☀️🌴 We hope you choose the best location to spend your holiday in the remaining days of summer, in a halal-friendly place that facilitates the journey for you. 🌴☀️