NoorAre you looking for a Halal Holiday Destination that meets all your needs as a Muslim traveller? A holiday destination that comes with an abundance of Halal food, women only facilities and everything in between? Well, this ultimate list of the best Halal holiday destinations will be sure to inspire you to book your next vacation.
Whilst there are many Muslim countries to visit in the world, many of them are usually better enjoyed by travellers rather than holidaymakers. Yes, there is a difference and I will stand by that. So with that in mind, I’ll be focusing on the destinations that ooze the fun, carefree holiday spirit.
Whether you’re a Muslim family, group of friends, couple, or solo female traveller, you’ll be bound to find a Muslim friendly destination in the list below.
Asia – Best Halal Holiday Destinations In Asia
Indonesia
With the highest Muslim population in the world, it’s no surprise that Indonesia makes it onto the list of the best Halal holiday destinations. Not only does the country have an Islamic history dating back to the 13th century, but Muslims make up almost 90% of the population.
So if you’re looking for a destination where you can easily find Halal food, women-only facilities and a Muslim friendly atmosphere, then Indonesia should be at the top of your list.
Some of the best Halal Indonesian food to try are Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Bakso (meatballs) and Sate Ayam (chicken skewers).
The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. I would recommend visiting Bali, Lombok, or Jakarta as these are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Some of the best Muslim friendly activities to do in Indonesia are :
- Visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park
- Go on a snorkelling or diving trip
- Spend a day at one of the many water parks
- Take a cooking class
Malaysia
Malaysia is another Asian country that should be on your radar if you’re looking for a Halal holiday destination. Muslims make up around 60% of the population and Islam is the official religion of the country.
Much like Indonesia, Malaysia is a great place to find Halal food and women-only facilities. Some of the best Halal Malaysian food to try are nasi lemak (coconut rice), roti canai (flatbread), and rendang (beef stew).
The best time to visit Malaysia is during the dry season which runs from February to October.
Some of the best places to visit in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang and Melaka. And some of the best Muslim friendly activities to do are :
- Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
- Go on a jungle trekking adventure
- Visit the tea plantations in Cameron Highlands
- Take a ride on the North Borneo Railway
- Go scuba diving or snorkelling
Singapore
Next on the list, we have Singapore. Although it’s a tiny country, it’s jam-packed with Muslim friendly facilities and activities. Muslims make up around 15% of the population, and you’ll find that there are plenty of Halal food options available.
Some of the best Halal Singaporean food to try are Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice and Satay.
The best time to visit Singapore is during the cool season, which runs from November to January. Some of the best places to visit in Singapore are Chinatown, Little India and Marina Bay.
The best Muslim friendly activities to do are :
- Visit the Sultan Mosque
- Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer
- Go shopping at Orchard Road
- Visit Universal Studios Singapore
- Take a walk through Gardens by the Bay
Thailand
Although it’s a Buddhist country, you’ll find that Muslims in Thailand make up around 4% of the population. Islam first came to Thailand in the 13th century, and today there are over 9,000 mosques scattered across the country.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are plenty of Muslim restaurants to choose from. Some of the best dishes to try are pad Thai, green curry and massaman curry.
The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season which runs from November to February.
Some of the best areas to visit in Thailand are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi.
And some of the best Muslim friendly activities include :
- Visit Wat Arun
- Go on a long tail boat tour
- Take a cooking class
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Turkey
Turkey is another great Halal holiday destination, particularly if you’re interested in visiting somewhere with a rich Islamic history. Muslims make up around 99%of the population, and Islam has been present in the country since the 7th century.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants to select from. Some of the best Turkish dishes to try are kebabs, pides and lahmacun.
The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Turkey are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara, and Izmir. And of course, there’s the coastal town of Antalya, famed for its beautiful beaches.
And some of the best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Take a Bosphorus cruise
- Visit the Blue Mosque
- Explore the Grand Bazaar
- Go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Africa – Best Halal Holiday Destinations In Africa
Egypt
If you’re looking to travel to an African country for your next Halal holiday, then Egypt should definitely be at the top of your list. With a Muslim population of over 90%, Islam is the largest religion in the country.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants and cafés catering to Muslim tourists. Some of the best Egyptian dishes to try are koshary, ful medames and shawarma.
The best time to visit Egypt is during winter, which runs from November to February.
Some of the best places to visit in Egypt include Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria. And then there are the beach towns of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam if you’re looking to add some beach time to your itinerary.
The best Muslim friendly activities in Egypt are :
- Visit the Egyptian Museum
- Explore the pyramids of Giza
- Take a felucca ride down the Nile
- Visit the Valley of the Kings
- Bungee jump off Cairo Tower
Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with a rich Islamic heritage. There are numerous mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools) throughout the country, and Islamic law is used in the legal system.
Morocco is an ideal Halal holiday destination for Muslim travellers as it offers a wide variety of halal food options. There are many restaurants that serve halal food, and most Moroccan dishes can be made halal upon request. Some of the best Halal Moroccan dishes to try are couscous, Tajine, and pastilla.
The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Morocco are Marrakech, Fez, Rabat and Tangier. And of course, no trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert.
Some of the best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit the Bahia Palace
- Explore the Medina of Fez
- See the Hassan II Mosque
- Take a camel ride in the Sahara Desert
- Visit the Todgha Gorge
Tanzania
Tanzania is a great destination for halal holidays as it is home to a large Muslim population. Islam has a long history in Tanzania, dating back to the 7th century when Arab traders first arrived on the East African coast. Today, Muslims make up around 30% of the country’s population and there are many mosques and Islamic centres dotted around the country.
Tanzania is also home to some of the best halal food in Africa, with many restaurants and cafés offering traditional Muslim dishes. Some of the best Halal Tanzanian dishes to try are pilau, kofta, and samosa.
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season which runs from June to October.
Some of the best places to visit in Tanzania are Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro. And of course, no trip to Tanzania would be complete without a safari.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit Stone Town
- Take a Spice Island tour
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- Go on a Safari
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
Tunisia
Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country with a rich history of Islam. The majority of the population practice Sunni Islam, with a small minority of Shia Muslims. Islam has been present in Tunisia since the seventh century, and today it plays an important role in the country’s culture and politics.
Tunisia is a great destination for Muslim travellers, as it offers a wide range of halal food options. There are also many mosques and Islamic cultural centres where you can learn more about the religion. Tunisia is also home to some of the best beaches in the world, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a halal holiday.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants to pick from. Some of the best Tunisian dishes to try are brik (a type of pastry), shakshouka (a dish made with eggs, tomatoes and peppers) and Tunisian couscous.
The best time to visit Tunisia is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Tunisia are Tunis, Sousse, Hammamet and Djerba. And of course, no trip to Tunisia would be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit the Medina of Tunis
- Explore the ruins of Carthage
- Take a camel ride in the Sahara Desert
- Visit the Grand Mosque of Kairouan
- Taste the local cuisine
Europe – Best Halal Holiday Destinations In Europe
Cyprus
Islam in Cyprus has a long and rich history, with the first Muslim settlers arriving in the 7th century. Today, Muslims make up around 18% of the Cypriot population.
What makes Cyprus a great destination for Muslim travellers is its rich Islamic heritage, as well as the abundance of halal food options. Cyprus is also home to a number of mosques and Islamic centres, making it easy to find a place to pray.
If you’re looking for a halal-friendly destination that offers a bit of everything, from stunning beaches to historic sites, then Cyprus is the perfect choice.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants to pick from. Some of the best Cypriot dishes to try are shish kebabs, kofta, and hummus.
The best time to visit Cyprus is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Cyprus are Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca. And of course, no trip to Cyprus would be complete without a visit to the Troodos Mountains.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit the Green Line
- Explore the Old City of Nicosia
- Take a cable car ride up Mount Olympus
- Visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque
- Taste the local cuisine
Malta
Islam has a long and rich history in Malta, dating back to the 9th century. Over the centuries, the Muslim community has made a significant contribution to the country’s culture and heritage. Today, there are over 3,000 Muslims living in Malta, making it one of the most Muslim-friendly countries in Europe.
There are plenty of Halal restaurants and cafes, as well as mosques and Islamic cultural centres. Some of the best Maltese dishes to try are pastizzi (a type of pastry) and ftira (a type of flatbread).
The best time to visit Malta is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Malta are Valletta, Mdina, Birgu and Marsaxlokk. And of course, no trip to Malta would be complete without a visit to the Azure Window.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit the Mdina Cathedral
- Explore the Hypogeum
- Take a boat ride to Gozo
- Visit the Red Tower
- Taste the local cuisine
Spain
Spain is the perfect destination for a Halal holiday. With over 1.2 million Muslims living in the country, there is a large population that requires halal food options. Spain has a long history of Islam, dating back to the 8th century when Muslim Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula. Today, there are many mosques and Islamic cultural centres across the country.
When it comes to Halal food, you’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants to pick from. Some of the best Spanish dishes to try are tapas, paella, gazpacho and churros.
The best time to visit Spain is during the spring or autumn months.
Some of the best places to visit in Spain are Madrid, Valencia, Seville and Granada. And of course, no trip to Spain would be complete without a visit to the Alhambra.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Explore the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
- Visit the Generalife Gardens
- Taste the local cuisine
Indian Ocean – Best Halal Holiday Destinations In The Indian Ocean
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful Island in the Indian Ocean and the perfect destination for a Halal holiday. Muslims make up around 15% of the population in Mauritius and have been present on the island since the 16th century.
Islam arrived in Mauritius by Muslim sailors, indentured labourers and traders from Africa, the Middle East and India. Today the capital city, Port Louis, is home to a number of mosques and Islamic cultural centres.
There is no shortage of Halal food available in Mauritius, with many popular dishes being based on seafood. Some of the Halal Mauritian dishes to try are Curry, Rougaille (a tomato and spice based stew) and Dholl Puri (a flatbread stuffed with spiced lentils).
The best beach town to visit in Mauritius is Grand Baie, which is famous for its white sand and water sports. Other popular tourist destinations include Flic en Flac, Le Morne and Tamarin.
The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and October when the weather is cooler and drier.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Exploring the stunning natural scenery
- Going on safari
- Visiting local markets
- Hiking Le Morne
- Snorkelling in Blue Bay
Maldives
The Maldives is an Islamic country located in the Indian Ocean, made up of 26 atolls. Around 99% of the population in the Maldives are Muslim, making it the perfect destination for a Halal holiday.
Islam was introduced to the Maldives in the 12th century by Arab traders and has been the official religion of the country since 1153.
There is no shortage of Halal food available in the Maldives, with many popular dishes being based on seafood. Some of the Halal Maldivian dishes to try are Curry, Rice and Beans, Sambols (spicy relishes) and Roti (a flatbread).
The best beach town to visit in the Maldives is Maafushi, which is famous for its white sand and clear blue waters. Other popular tourist destinations include Male, Hulhumale and Ari Atoll.
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April when the weather is cooler and drier.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Exploring the stunning natural scenery
- Snorkelling and diving
- Island hopping
- Visiting local markets
- Relaxing on the beach
Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa. Muslims make up around 10% of the population in the Seychelles and have been present on the islands since the 18th century.
Islam arrived in the Seychelles by way of traders from India and Africa, and the community has grown steadily over the years. Today, there are mosques on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue Island.
Halal food is readily available throughout the country and some of the Halal Seychellois dishes to try are curries, samosas, rotis and briyani.
The best beach town to visit in the Seychelles is Anse Boileau, which is famous for its white sand and clear blue waters. Other popular tourist destinations include Victoria, Mahe and Praslin
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between November and April when the weather is cooler and drier.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters
- Visiting the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve
- Exploring the capital, Victoria
- Taking a boat trip to see the giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
- Hiking through Morne Seychellois National Park
Middle East – Best Halal Holiday Destinations In The Middle East
Qatar
Qatar is an Islamic country located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims make up around 95% of the population in Qatar and Islam has been the official religion of the country since its founding in the 7th century.
The history of Islam in Qatar is long and rich, with the first Muslims arriving in the country during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. Today, there are over 1,000 mosques in Qatar, the largest being the Grand Mosque in Doha.
Halal food is easily available throughout Qatar and some of the popular dishes include kabsa (rice and meat), machboos (rice and fish) and thareed (a bread and stew dish).
The best town to visit in Qatar is Doha, which is the capital and largest city. Doha is home to many of Qatar’s most famous landmarks, including The Pearl Qatar, Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif.
The best time to visit Qatar is between November and March when the weather is cooler.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Shopping at the Souq Waqif
- Visiting the Museum of Islamic Art
- Exploring Katara Cultural Village
- Praying at the Grand Mosque
- Watching a falconry display
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an Islamic country located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims make up around 96% of the population in the UAE and Islam has been the official religion of the country since its founding in 1971.
The history of Islam in the UAE is long and rich, with the first Muslims arriving in the country during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. Today, there are over 1,500 mosques in the UAE, including the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.
There are also many Muslim-friendly restaurants and cafes in the country, and some of the popular dishes include grilled meats, rice and beans, and salads.
The best towns to visit in the UAE are Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and is home to many of the country’s most famous landmarks, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island. Dubai is a major tourist destination known for its luxury hotels, shopping malls and skyscrapers.
The best time to visit the UAE is between November and March when the weather is cooler.
The best Muslim friendly activities include:
- Shopping at the Gold Souq in Dubai
- Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
- Exploring Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
- Riding a camel in the desert
- Going on a dhow cruise in Dubai
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The Veiled Explorer’s Conclusion
And there we have it, the 17 best destinations for a Halal holiday around the world. With so many options to choose from, which destinations are you looking forward to visiting the most? Leave me a comment down below to let me know.
