essay about tourism in salalah

15 Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Salalah Oman

Nestled within the Arabian Peninsula, Salalah boasts a distinctiveness that sets it apart and has made it a year-round tourism hotspot. With a multitude of captivating activities and an array of remarkable tourist destinations, Salalah offers an enticing array of options to explore.

This comprehensive guide to visiting Salalah and Dhofar will furnish you with valuable insights into the vibrant realm of tourism in this region.

Where is Salalah?

Salalah is nestled in the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman, a captivating country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s a city that enjoys a unique geographical position, bordered by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea to the south and the rugged landscapes of the Dhofar mountain range to the north.

The city is the capital of the Dhofar Governorate, an area renowned for its lush landscapes, contrasting with the arid surroundings typically associated with the desert. This exceptional location grants Salalah a distinct microclimate that sets it apart from the rest of Oman, resulting in its lush greenery, particularly during the Khareef season, a time of year when monsoon rains transform the city’s surroundings into a verdant paradise.

With its prime location along the coast and the fertile plains of Dhofar, Salalah has become a hub of economic and cultural activity in the region. Its strategic position has fostered a rich history of trade, connecting the Arabian Peninsula to Africa and beyond. As the second-largest city in Oman, Salalah’s modern infrastructure, combined with its historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty, makes it an alluring destination for both local and international visitors.

Why is Salalah Famous?

Salalah is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and great weather. People like to visit Salalah, Oman during two different times of the year. The first and most popular time is called the Khareef season, when everything turns green and lively. The other popular time to visit is during the winter season.

Different types of tourists come to Salalah during these two seasons. And the places to visit and things to do are also different. This guide will give you helpful information to plan your trip to Salalah better and make it more memorable.

Seasons in Salalah

Before you learn about the places to visit, it’s important to understand the seasons because they affect what you can do and see. Let’s take a closer look at these two seasons:

1. Khareef Season in Salalah

Khareef, which translates to “Autumn” in Arabic, stands as the dominant season in Salalah. This stretch of time, from late June to early September annually, ushers in the most inviting weather in the city. Referred to as the Khareef season, it is synonymous with the English term “monsoon season”.

During this period, Salalah experiences refreshing rains, fostering a delightful ambiance that breathes life into the region. These showers lead to the emergence of numerous waterfalls and springs among the mountains, some of which remain even beyond this season. However, many of these natural wonders are transient, disappearing once the season concludes.

The Khareef season draws a throng of visitors to Salalah, especially from within Oman and neighboring Gulf States, where scorching temperatures prevail. In stark contrast, Salalah enjoys temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during this season, creating a marked disparity. This variance in climate makes Salalah a sought-after summer retreat for residents across the Middle East.

Additionally, European and Western expatriates residing in the region also flock to Salalah during Khareef to relish the refreshing temperature shift. Salalah’s accessibility is noteworthy, being a mere 2 to 3 hours’ flight away from most of the Arabian Peninsula’s capital cities.

Given the heightened tourist activity during this peak season, it is strongly advised to secure sightseeing tours and hotel stay well in advance to avoid missing out on the opportunity due to full bookings.

For more details about this amazing season, read the post What is Khareef Season?

2. The Winter Season

The winter season stands as another favored period among tourists. This season spans from October through April each year, encompassing the months of October, November, December, January, February, March, and April. Throughout these months, the climate tends to be clear, marked by abundant sunshine and the absence of rain. Additionally, the beaches experience regular tidal patterns during this time.

During the aforementioned months, tourists hailing from European countries often flock to Salalah, seeking respite from the chilly temperatures in their home nations while indulging in a holiday getaway. The tourists are especially from Italy, Poland, Germany, France, and Chez Republic.

Within this article, we will present an exploration of the notable destinations to visit in Salalah during both the Khareef and winter seasons. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of the city’s attractions during these distinct periods.

What is the best time to visit Salalah?

With Salalah experiencing two distinct seasons, a question often asked by visitors pertains to the ideal time for their Salalah sojourn. Fortunately, the answer is straightforward.

For those yearning to witness the spectacle of seasonal waterfalls, enveloping fog, mystical mist, and the transformative monsoon rains that adorn the mountains with lush greenery, August emerges as the prime month to visit Salalah.

Conversely, if the aim is to revel in the captivating landscapes and beaches, the winter months are deemed the most suitable for a Salalah expedition. During this period, the sun graces the days with warmth while maintaining a comfortable temperature, rendering the winter season the optimal time to explore the picturesque beauty of Salalah.

Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Salalah

Salalah boasts an array of captivating destinations waiting to be explored. The following are a selection of the enticing places to visit and activities to partake in while in Salalah.

1. Pray at Sultan Qaboos Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the largest mosque, not only in Salalah, but in Dhofar Region and outside of Muscat and Nizwa.

Situated at the heart of the city, this mosque is a grand testament to Islamic design, exemplifying its splendor. The prayer hall is adorned with ornate chandeliers, green carpeting, and intricate wall patterns, encapsulating the essence of Islamic aesthetics.

This is all year round attraction. So visitors in khareef season as well as other parts of the year can visit the Mosque. It’s worth noting that non-Muslims can explore the interior of the main prayer hall every morning, excluding Fridays.

This place is covered in Salalah City Tour and can be added as a stop in other amazing tours run by Beautiful Salalah Tours. There are some other very interesting places to visit in the city tour that you must not miss.

Further Reading: Sultan Qaboos Masjid Salalah

2. Explore the Beautiful Waterfalls

The best part of the Khareef in Salalah is the pleasant weather, drizzling, mountains turning green and the waterfalls. These waterfall will be available only in the Khareef season and depends on the amount of rain.

There are some really nice waterfalls, which are a must to see. Like Wadi Darbat Waterfalls, Ayn Athum , Ayn Khor , Ayn Gogub, Ayn Hamran, Ayn Ghaith, etc.

Further Reading: Detailed Post on All Waterfalls in Salalah

As a word of caution, most of mountains in Dhofar has fog in the khareef season and most of the time, the visibility is very low. It is better to book the sightseeing tour to experience these sites with the local Omani experienced guides. Contact us and we can help you on this matter by offering you the tours with the experienced Omani guide. We are Number 1 tour provider in Salalah as per TripAdvisor.

In addition to the waterfalls, many springs in Salalah are highlight of Khareef as well as winter season. For instance, Ayn Sahalnoot, Ayn Razat , and Ayn Jarziz are captivating springs in Salalah, each offering its own unique charm.

Since Khareef is peak tourist season, we highly recommend you to book the accommodation before they are fully booked.

3. Paddle the Boat at the Wadi Darbat, Oman

Without a doubt, the boat ride along the natural canal at Wadi Darbat is an absolute must-do activity. This valley stands as one of Dhofar’s most popular attractions, drawing numerous visitors. Beyond the motorized boat excursion, individuals can also choose to explore the watercourse on paddle boats or kayaks.

Adding to its allure, this valley showcases two splendid waterfalls, which emerged in 2018. Known as the cascade waterfall, it’s characterized by its interconnected streams flowing through the valley. The second waterfall descends dramatically from the cliff’s edge, forming an impressive Travertine Curtain.

Further Reading: Wadi Darbat – A Must Visit Destination in Dhofar

This is a year round destination. Therefore, anyone who visits Salalah at any time of the year can enjoy the beauty of this valley.

The tour to Wadi Darbat is included in both the Half Day East Salalah Tour and the Full Day East Salalah Tour . These are mostly private tour in 4×4 SUV for your family. But on request group tours can also be arranged. This is one of our most popular tours and is highly recommended.

4. Get Yourself Soaked with Water Splashes at Mughsail Blowholes

Mughsail Beach and Blowholes (also called geysers and natural fountains) at Marneef cave are the most visited place on the Western side of Salalah. The landscape of Mughsail Beach is stunning and the natural fountains are mesmerising. This is a year round tourist destination as well.

The natural fountains have more height in khareef season. However, in the other part of the year, these water jets are present but are not going that high. But, the fountains are charming throughout the year and a must when you are in Salalah.

Bird watching is a popular activity at Mughsail Lagoon. Moreover, horse riding and making barbecue are other popular activities on this beautiful beach. A day out at Marneef Cave, Al Mughsayl Blowholes and Mughsayl Beach is an ultimate picnic experience. No doubt, this can be visited in any time of the year.

We cover this amazing place in our West Salalah Tours, either in 3-4 hours Half day West Salalah Tour or in 7-8 hours Full day tour West Salalah Tour . Check more about these tours

Further Reading:

• Mughsail Beach – A Must Visit Beach
• Detailed Post on Marneef Cave and Mughsail Blowholes
• List of Stunning White Sand Beaches in Salalah

5. Discover Land of Frankincense – The UNESCO World Heritage Sites

As per UNESCO World Heritage site , there are four components that make Land of Frankincense. These sites are Al Baleed Archeological Site , Sumharam Old City (khor Rori), Wubar Archeological Site and Wadi Dawkah .

The first two are the ancient sea ports – Sumhuram (4th century BC to the 5th century AD) and Al Baleed (8th century till 16th century AD). From here Frankincense was shipped to other parts of world including Africa, Europe, India and China.

Frankincense was inland traded via the Lost city of Ubar. This outpost was close to Shisr, about 170 km inland of Salalah and in close proximity to the Great Sand Desert of Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).

The forth one on the list is Wadi Dawkah, which is an outstanding example of the frankincense plantation (Boswellia Sacra) area. From these trees, the resin was produced, collected and then traded.

All of these sites in UNESCO World Heritage list, can be visited throughout the year. We organize the tours to these archeological sites, with our tours like Salalah UNESCO world heritage Site tour ,

6. Sand Bashing at The Sand Desert of Empty Quarter Oman (Rub Al Khali)

Empty Quarter Oman is one of the most famous desert in the world. Also, it is one of the largest desert in the world. It is located after 2 hours drive on the North side from Salalah, Oman.

The desert has a lot of uniqueness and is a huge pile of Sand. Interestingly, Empty Quarter extends in 4 countries in Arabian Peninsula. Oman is one of these.

The desert can only be visited with guide and Beautiful Salalah Tours can arrange this trip for you. These guides are Omanis and know Salalah pretty well. Desert adventure needs an experienced driver. You can drop an email to  [email protected]  or book via TripAdvisor .

 There are 2 sightseeing options for Empty Quarter Oman. One is the Sunset Tour, while the other one is with an overnight stay at the desert in Bedouin Tents. Desert is only recommended for visit in winter (from October to April) due to temperature. Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide about Empty Quarter Oman – One of the Largest Desert in the World

7. A Picnic at Fazayah Beach with Camels

Fazayah is one of the most popular beaches in Dhofar. Known for its pristine and nature, Fazayah Beach is located on the western side after Mughsail Beach and Masood Hidden Beach. The road to the beach is off-road and we highly recommend you to book the guided tour to experience it in the best possible way.

You will find lots of camel in Fazayah Beach and they will be guests on your picnic at the pristine beach. Whether you are visiting Salalah in Khareef or winter, this should be on your Salalah places to visit.

• Fazayah Beach – The Beach you must visit
• Masood Hidden Beach of Mughsail

8. Pay Visit to Tombs of Prophets in Salalah

Salalah has tombs of four prophets. These are Prophet Ayub, Prophet Hood, Prophet Saleh and Prophet Imran.

Firstly, the Prophet Ayub (Prophet Job) Tombs is in the top of the hill in Jebel Ittin. He is known for the patience during the trials. The drive from Salalah city to Jebel Ittin is quite pleasant, and memorable. It will take around 30 minutes to reach the tomb.

During Khareef Season, the mountains are covered with fog and sometimes the visibility is very low on the roads. This could make driving on the mountain road quite challenging, especially for those who are not used to drive on the mountainous tracks. It’s advisable to go on a guided tour, with experienced driver to be on the safer side.

Secondly, Prophet Hood’s Tomb is located at 20 minutes drive on the Northern side of Salalah. He was a prophet sent towards the tribe of Ad, who are mentioned multiple time in Quran.

Thirdly, the other notable tomb is that of Nabi Imran. It is not clear who is Nabi Imran. He could be father of Prophet Mosa (Prophet Moses), or Grand Father of Prophet Issa (Prophet Moses) or another Prophet. The length of the tomb is around 12 meters, which makes it one of the largest in the world.

Fourthly, Prophet Saleh Tomb is located on the Eastern Side of Salalah, some 2 hours drive away from the City Center. However, a site in the city is famous for the footprint of a camel (Prophet Saleh’s camel) and it is also visited by many. This camel was sent as a sign to the Tribe of Samood (Quam e Samood).

• The Tomb of Nabi Ayub in Jebel Ittin
• Nabi Hood Tomb in Al Qara Mountains
• The Tomb of Nabi Umran in Salalah City
• Nabi Saleh Tomb in Hasik
• The footprint of Prophet Saleh’s Camel

9. Shop at the Souks in Salalah

Salalah has several souks (also spelled as souq), which are basically traditional style markets.

The most popular one is that of Haffa. Al Hosn Souk (also known as Al Haffa Souk, and Frankincense Souk) is an open air market besides the beach in Haffa district. This souk is specialized market in selling of Frankincense, Bukhoor, Perfumes, traditional clothes, other souvenirs and day to day use items.

Second souk on the list is Salalah Central Market. It is a relatively newer souk in Salalah City Center. This market has a lot of shop, mostly of fish, meat and fruits and vegetables. In addition to the shops, there are some restaurants as well.

The third souq is Gold Souk. Here, you will find gold and silver ornaments, traditional Omani Khanjar and other souvenirs. It’s not big, but it’s nearby to Central Market and Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

Last but not the least, Salalah has a new air-conditioned souk in one of the modern shopping mall. This is Souk in Salalah Gardens Mall. It sells Frankincense, traditional clothes and perfumes.

• Al Hosn Souk – The Frankincense Souk in Salalah
• Salalah Central Market in City Center
• Gold Souk – The place to buy Gold and Silver Jewelry
• Salalah Gardens Mall – The first Modern Shopping Mall in Salalah

10. Experience Sunset from the Cliff at Taqa Beach

Taqah is the nearest wilayat from Salalah on the Eastern site. The beach is beautiful. The cliff at the end of the corniche is one of the best spot to experience a wonderful sunset. Experience an unforgettable sunset from above the Indian Ocean and white sand shore, with a great view of Taqa City.

Taqa Beach is a paradise for Bird Waters in the morning. The entire white sand shore is full with birds.

Further Reading: Taqa Beach and Other Places to visit in Taqah

11. Adventure of Jebel Safari – A Drive to Remember

The drive on the mountains in Dhofar is an unforgottenable expereince. This is one the things to do in Salalah. Locally this is called Jebel Safari. Jebel is an Arabic word for mountain.

Dhofar mountains comprise of 3 renowned chain. Al Qara mountain (Jebel Al Qara), Jebel Shams and Al Qamar Mountains (Jebel Al Qamar).

Salalah city has mountains on its Norther and Eastern side. These are Al Qara mountains. The famous Ittin mountains, Wadi Sahalnoot, Zeek, Wadi Darbat, Wadi Naheez and other valleys are in Al Qara mountains.

• Explore Wadi Naheez
• Ittin Mountains
• Wadi Sahalnoot

At the eastern end, the Samhan mountains form the highest point in Dhofar. Its highest peak reaches 2,100 meters. Here you can see dense clouds below you, especially in khareef season. A perfect view point for capturing the time lapse of clouds movement.

On the western side of Salalah, after Fazayah Beach, the mountains of Al Qamar will captivate your attention. This will continue in Shaat, Rakhyut and Dhalkut. Just for information, this side is visited by tourists who have more time, as a trip to Dhalkut will take the entire day.

Our experienced guide will take you to the hidden beaches and fascinating landscapes. The hairpin road is popular highway to reach to this part of Dhofar, which has bends every few meters. The guide knows how to drive here even with fog as he knows the route.

• The Hidden Beach in Shaat – An Off-Road Track
• Places to Visit in Dhalkut
• Rakhyut and its Tourist Attractions

12. Discover Marine Life by Dolphin Watching Cruise & Diving

Salalah has diversifed marine life and coral. Moreover, there is a ship wreck in Mirbat as well. The underwater marine life, coral and ship wreck can be discovered by diving in Mirbat. Beautiful Salalah Tours arrange diving with pick and drop from the hotel.

If you don’t want to dive, you can do snorkeling instead. This is also arranged with the experienced staff and with all the gadgets required for diving and snorkeling.

Moreover, another way to explore the marine life is by cruise in Indian Ocean. The trips on speed boats make you see the humpback dolphins in their natural habitants and sometimes jumping as well.

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Dolphin watching tours are arranged only from October to May. Due to high tides in khareef season, these activities are not performed. To arrange any of these contact us and we would be happy to assist you.

Additional Tip: You can plan a visit to Mirbat after diving. Mirbat has a beautiful coast, a castle, fishing port, fish market, an old town and mausoleum of Bin Ali.

• Dolphin Watching in Salalah, Oman
• Diving in Mirbat
• Guide to Mirbat City, Old Town and Beaches

13. Trek at Tawi Attair Sinkhole

Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman is the most famous sinkhole in the Dhofar. This sink hole is located in Tawi Atair, Eastern side of Salalah, after Taqa and Wadi Darbat and Before Mirbat.

You can go down this sinkhole either by trekking on the steep muddy trek or by rope access. Both of these can be arranged by Beautiful Salalah Tours, who is with you during Salalah Places to Visit.

There are two more sinkholes, which you can visit. These are Shaat Sinkhole and Taiq Sinkhole (also spelled as Tayq or Taeq Sinkhole).

All of these sinkholes are year round destination. Further Reading:

• Tawi Attair Sinkhole
• The Sinkhole at Taiq
• Shaat Sinkhole

14.  Experience Car Drive at Neutral Gear at Salalah Anti Gravity Point

Its an amazing experience to see the car going up the hill at Neutral gear (without any acceleration) at Salalah Anti Gravity Point (also known as Magnetic Point, or Gravity Hill). This is a really something unique. The car can move at a speed of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour without any acceleration.

Additional Tip: Just few meters away from the baffling site of Magnetic Point, you will find Baobab Trees in Wadi Hana. This is an impressive botanical reminder of Dhofar’s link with Africa.

• Salalah Anti Gravity Point Before Mirbat
• Baobab Trees in Wadi Hana near Anti Gravity Point

15. Sip Fresh Coconut Drink at Fruit Huts

Fruit Huts in Salalah are famous for the fresh fruits particularly coconut. Having coconut drink at tropical style fruit huts (stalls) is a refreshing activity, recommended for all.

Further Reading:  Coconut Drink from Beautiful Fruit Huts in Salalah

16. Get Inside the Castle in Dhofar

There are 2 prominent castle / Fort in Dhofar Region. The first one is Taqa Castle, which is located in the wilayat of Taqa. Whereas the other one is Mirbat Fort, located in Mirbat.

Moreover, there is one Palace in Salalah – Al Hosn Palace, which can be seen from outside only. This is in the middle of Salalah City right next to Haffa Souk. This is one of the palaces of Sultan in Oman. Entrance is not permitted.

• Taqa Castle in Taqah, Oman
• Mirbat Fort in Mirbat, Oman
• Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, Oman

Guided Tour In Salalah and Around

For booking the tour, you can contact Beautiful Salalah Tours, which is the leading online tour operator in Salalah. The company arranges the tour with the licensed guide, who are Omanis and know Salalah pretty well.

Booking the memorable tour with professional team of Beautiful Salalah is very easy. Just drop a Whatsapp message to our 24/7 customer support numbers  +968 9120 6678  or  +968 9012 3004  and book the trip.

Alternately, you can drop an email to  [email protected]  or book via TripAdvisor.

Beautiful Salalah Tours has 4.5 star review in TripAdvisor and is operating in Salalah since 2018. You can  read all the reviews on TripAdvisor  before making a decision.

Recommended Place To Stay In Salalah

For a memorable and comfortable family vacation, the best place to stay in Dhofar is in the city of Salalah. There are  Over 100 Hotels and Apartments on Booking.com for Salalah , which you can consider for your comfortable and memorable stay.

Below are our recommendations:

Luxury: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

There couldn’t be any better choice of staying in Salalah other than Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. This is the finest and premium resort in the city with private pool villas, which are not available in other resorts.

The location of Anantara is excellent. It is next to the famous tourist location of Al Baleed Archeological Site, Frankincense Land Museum and is on the white sand beach of the Arabian Sea.

Indeed, it is a great place to have a fun filled family vacation.  Check prices, reviews, and availability here

Mid Range: Fanar Hotel and Residences

Although Fanar Hotel and Residences is a 5 star resort, its price is almost equal to that of a 3 star hotel in the center of the city. It is located at  Hawana Salalah Marina , and is by far the largest resort in Salalah.

The only drawback is that this hotel a little away from the city. But hotel will arrange the airport transfers, so there is nothing to worry about. Also if you have rent a car, or are planning to book guided tours by Beautiful Salalah then it’s an ideal pick.  Check prices, reviews, and availability here

Budget: Star House Elite

There are many apartments by the name of Star House, but this one is preferred as it is a nice apartment in the center of the city. There are many restaurants, including Indian cuisine and local food, at walking distance. It’s right opposite of the largest mosque in Salalah – Sultan Qaboos Mosque .

The most unique feature of this apartment is that its on the bus route of Mwasalat public transport and you can arrive here from airport using the bus.  Also Star House Elite is at walking distance from the bus station of Mwasalat, GTC, GLT, and other intercity buses.   Check prices, reviews, and availability here

The ultimate guide for Salalah Places to Visit ends here. If there is any place that is missed, you can write in comment. If you want to visit any of these places, write to us and we can arrange the sightseeing torus for solo, family, or group.

Is Salalah Worth Visiting?

Off-course Salalah is worth visiting. It’s a very unique place in the world – not just in Arabia and Middle East. The place has all what you can imagine – desert, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, springs, sinkholes, caves. In addition to these amazing landscapes, Salalah has delicious cuisine, friendly people, safe environment and pristine nature.

For adventure lovers, Salalah also has many things to offer. Salalah also offers camping options for those who want to spend time in the nature.

All of these are mentioned in the tourist guide above. So what are you waiting for. Just book the tickets, hotels and tours and come to this beautiful place. Thats why we call it Beautiful Salalah .

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34+ Tourist Places in Salalah: A Guide to the Best of Salalah

• May 25, 2023
• Reading Time: 20 minutes

Welcome to the enchanting city of Salalah, a hidden gem nestled in the southern region of Oman. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant climate, Salalah offers a unique and captivating experience for travelers.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the best tourist places in Salalah, showcasing the city’s main attractions and hidden treasures. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, from vibrant markets to serene waterfalls, Salalah has something for every traveler’s taste.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Salalah’s diverse offerings will leave you in awe. Join us as we unveil the 34+ best places to visit in Salalah, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the must-see destinations during your visit.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Salalah and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s begin this exciting journey through the wonders of Salalah!

34+ Best Places to Visit in Salalah

The museum of the frankincense land:.

One of the most famous places in Salalah, the Museum of the Frankincense Land is a fascinating cultural institution that takes you on a journey through the history and significance of the frankincense trade in the region. Explore the exhibits that showcase the ancient artifacts, archaeological discoveries, and interactive displays, providing insights into the thriving trade routes and the importance of frankincense in the local economy. Gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Salalah and its connection to this precious aromatic resin.

Nabi Imran Tomb:

Visit the Nabi Imran Tomb, a revered religious site that holds significant historical and spiritual importance. This mausoleum is believed to be the burial place of Nabi Imran, the father of Maryam (Mary), who is revered in Islamic tradition. Admire the beautiful architecture of the tomb, which reflects the region’s traditional Islamic design elements. Take a moment for quiet contemplation and reflection in this serene and sacred place.

Ain Razat is a tranquil oasis located in the heart of Salalah, offering respite from the arid surroundings. This natural spring is surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and vibrant flowers, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Take a leisurely stroll along the pathways, enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge, or simply relax and take in the peaceful ambiance. The cool, refreshing waters of Ain Razat provide a delightful escape from the heat and offer a soothing experience for visitors.

Salalah Gardens Mall:

For a modern shopping experience, head to Salalah Gardens Mall, a premier shopping destination in Salalah. This expansive mall boasts a wide range of retail outlets, including international brands, local boutiques, and specialty stores. Explore the various sections of the mall, from fashion and accessories to electronics and home goods. Indulge in some retail therapy, browse the latest trends, and enjoy a memorable shopping experience in a vibrant and contemporary setting.

Places to Visit in Salalah During Khareef

Salalah is renowned for its unique weather phenomenon known as Khareef, which brings cool temperatures, misty landscapes, and lush greenery to the region. Explore the following attractions that are particularly enchanting during this season:

Wadi Darbat:

Wadi Darbat is a must-visit destination during Khareef. This picturesque valley transforms into a verdant paradise, with cascading waterfalls, flowing streams, and vibrant flora. Take a leisurely hike along the winding trails, marvel at the natural beauty around you, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Mughsail Beach:

Mughsail Beach is a stunning coastal area that captivates visitors with its rugged cliffs, pristine shores, and dramatic blowholes. During Khareef, the beach becomes even more alluring as the waves crash against the cliffs, creating a mesmerizing display of natural power. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores, soak up the breathtaking views, and witness the raw beauty of the ocean.

Jebel Ittin and Ayn Gharziz:

Jebel Ittin and Ayn Gharziz are two natural attractions that offer a unique experience during Khareef. Jebel Ittin is a mountain known for its mist-covered peaks and lush vegetation, providing a serene backdrop for nature lovers. Ayn Gharziz, located at the foot of Jebel Ittin, is a natural spring that forms a series of pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Explore the trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and bask in the tranquility of these hidden treasures.

Taqah Castle:

Taqah Castle is a historical fortress that provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Built in the 19th century, the castle showcases traditional Omani architecture and offers insights into the area’s defensive strategies. Step inside to explore its well-preserved rooms, courtyards, and towers, and learn about the castle’s significance in the local history. The castle’s location near the coastline also offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Places to Visit in Salalah in July

Salalah in July offers a unique experience for travelers seeking to explore this captivating region. Although Khareef season is not in full swing during this time, there are still plenty of attractions to discover. Here are some noteworthy places to visit in Salalah in July:

Hawana Aqua Park:

Beat the summer heat and make a splash at Hawana Aqua Park. This family-friendly water park offers a thrilling array of slides, pools, and water attractions that guarantee hours of fun and excitement. From adrenaline-pumping water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant aquatic playground.

Qasr Al Hosn:

Explore the rich history of Salalah by visiting Qasr Al Hosn, a historic fort that stands as a testament to the region’s architectural and cultural heritage. Dating back to the 19th century, this well-preserved fort showcases traditional Omani craftsmanship and provides a glimpse into the past. Take a guided tour to learn about the fort’s significance and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Fazayah Beach:

Unwind and soak up the sun at Fazayah Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, or simply relax under the shade of a palm tree, Fazayah Beach offers a tranquil retreat away from the bustling city. Enjoy a leisurely beach day, indulge in a picnic, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Salalah’s coastal paradise.

Places to Visit Near Salalah

If you’re looking to venture beyond the city limits of Salalah, there are several captivating destinations nearby that are worth exploring. Here are a few notable places to visit near Salalah:

Ayn Khor is a natural spring located just a short drive from Salalah. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering palm trees, this serene oasis provides a refreshing escape from the desert landscape. Take a dip in the cool turquoise waters, explore the surrounding trails, and enjoy a peaceful picnic in this hidden gem of tranquility.

Korr Jebel:

For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Korr Jebel is a must-visit destination. This rugged mountain range offers thrilling hiking opportunities, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to witness breathtaking panoramic vistas of Salalah and its surrounding landscapes. Lace up your hiking boots, embark on an unforgettable journey, and marvel at the beauty of nature unfolding before your eyes.

Ain Sahlounout:

Ain Sahlounout is a natural freshwater spring nestled in the heart of the mountains near Salalah. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque cliffs, this hidden gem offers a serene setting for relaxation and contemplation. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the trails, listen to the soothing sounds of the flowing water, and connect with nature in this tranquil oasis.

Ain Hamran:

Ain Hamran is a captivating natural attraction that showcases the beauty of Salalah’s landscapes. This natural spring is nestled amidst rugged mountains and lush vegetation, creating a picturesque setting for exploration. Take a leisurely walk along the trails, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and let the tranquility of Ain Hamran rejuvenate your senses.

Historical Places in Salalah

Salalah is steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Exploring the city’s historical sites allows you to delve into its fascinating past. Here are some historical places in Salalah that should be on your itinerary:

Al Baleed Archeological Park:

Step back in time at the Al Baleed Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the ancient port city of Zafar. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the remnants of a grand mosque, fortifications, and residential areas. The informative museum within the park provides further insights into the region’s maritime history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that shed light on Salalah’s past as a bustling trading hub.

Located in the western part of Salalah, Al Haffa is a charming neighborhood known for its old-world charm and traditional architecture. Stroll through its narrow winding streets, lined with old houses and colorful shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, browse the bustling markets, and experience the authentic Omani hospitality that characterizes this historic neighborhood.

Jabal Samhan:

Nature and history intertwine at Jabal Samhan, a mountain range overlooking Salalah. Besides offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes, Jabal Samhan is home to ancient rock formations and archaeological sites. Explore the rock-cut tombs, marvel at the intricate carvings, and imagine the lives of those who once inhabited these highlands.

Places to Visit in Salalah in December

December brings a different allure to Salalah, with pleasant weather and a sense of tranquility. Here are some enchanting places to visit in Salalah during this time of year:

Anantara Spa at Al Baleed Resort Salalah:

Indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience at the Anantara Spa, nestled within the luxurious Al Baleed Resort. Treat yourself to pampering rituals inspired by ancient wellness traditions, utilizing natural ingredients to soothe your body and mind. From relaxing massages to revitalizing treatments, this tranquil oasis offers a perfect retreat for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Yasameen Spa:

Yasameen Spa is another sanctuary of wellness and serenity, located in the heart of Salalah. Surrender yourself to a world of bliss as skilled therapists guide you through an array of therapeutic treatments. Experience the healing properties of traditional Omani rituals, invigorating massages, and indulgent beauty treatments, leaving you feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to embrace the holiday season.

Arabian Fly Sport Fishing:

For fishing enthusiasts, December in Salalah offers exciting opportunities to cast your line and test your angling skills. Join a fishing excursion with Arabian Fly Sport Fishing and embark on a thrilling adventure in the Arabian Sea. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the experienced guides will ensure a memorable fishing experience as you try your luck at catching a variety of fish species.

Best Hotels in Salalah

Finding the perfect accommodation is essential for a memorable stay in Salalah. The city offers a range of excellent hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best hotels in Salalah:

Fanar Hotel and Residences:

Situated along the stunning coastline, Fanar Hotel and Residences is a luxurious beachfront retreat. The hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites with breathtaking sea views, modern amenities, and impeccable service. Guests can unwind by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, savor delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurants, and enjoy direct access to the pristine beach. With its tranquil ambiance and top-notch facilities, Fanar Hotel and Residences promises a truly remarkable stay.

Salalah Beach Resort:

Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, Salalah Beach Resort offers a serene escape from the bustling city. The resort features spacious rooms and villas with private balconies or terraces, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Take a dip in the swimming pools, savor delectable meals at the beachfront restaurant, and rejuvenate at the spa. The resort’s peaceful ambiance and proximity to the beach make it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Millennium Resort Salalah:

Conveniently located near the city center, Millennium Resort Salalah provides a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The stylish rooms and suites are well-appointed with modern amenities, and the resort offers a range of facilities including swimming pools, fitness center, and multiple dining options. Guests can explore nearby attractions, indulge in spa treatments, or simply unwind in the beautiful landscaped gardens. With its central location and exceptional hospitality, Millennium Resort Salalah ensures a pleasant and enjoyable stay.

Salalah Rotana Resort:

Situated along the white sandy beaches of the Arabian Sea, Salalah Rotana Resort offers a luxurious coastal getaway. The resort features elegantly designed rooms and suites, all with private balconies overlooking the sea or lush gardens. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy water sports activities, dine at the various restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences, and rejuvenate at the spa. The resort’s idyllic setting and top-notch amenities make it a popular choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly memorable stay.

Hidden Places in Salalah

Salalah is not only known for its popular tourist attractions but also for its hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, here are some hidden places in Salalah worth exploring:

Rub’ Al Khali Desert:

Venture into the vast Rub’ Al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter, for an unforgettable desert adventure. This expansive desert landscape spans across multiple countries and offers a surreal experience of untouched beauty. Marvel at the towering sand dunes, witness mesmerizing sunsets, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert. Whether it’s a thrilling dune bashing excursion, a peaceful camel ride, or a serene night under the starry sky, the Rub’ Al Khali Desert is sure to leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

Mirbat Salalah:

Travel to the picturesque coastal town of Mirbat, located southeast of Salalah, to discover its unspoiled beauty and historical significance. Explore the old town with its traditional houses and visit the ancient Mirbat Castle, a reminder of the town’s prosperous past as a trading hub. Stroll along the pristine beaches, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Marneef Cave:

Tucked away along the scenic coastline, Marneef Cave is a natural wonder that deserves a visit. This sea cave offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. During low tide, you can explore the cave and marvel at its impressive rock formations. Witness the power of the waves crashing against the cliffs, creating a spectacle of nature’s forces. The Marneef Cave is a hidden treasure that showcases the raw beauty of Salalah’s coastline.

Best Places to Visit in Salalah at Night

Salalah offers a captivating ambiance after sunset, with several attractions and activities that come alive in the evening. Here are the best places to visit in Salalah at night:

Salalah by Night Private Tour

Explore the enchanting “garden city” of Salalah on a captivating nighttime sightseeing tour. Accompanied by a private guide, delve into the city’s historical and natural treasures, including the picturesque Dahariz Lagoon, the informative Museum of Frankincense, the majestic Al-Hosn Palace, and the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, where your knowledgeable guide will assist you in securing great deals and finding unique treasures to take home. Discover the beauty and allure of Salalah under the starry night sky as you uncover its hidden gems and create lasting memories.

Desert Overnight Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting at noon, where we venture northward through the majestic mountains of Dhofar. Join us as we make our way to the mesmerizing Al Rub-al Khali desert, also known as the Ghadaf dunes, immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Arabian Bedouins.

Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as you actively participate in exhilarating desert activities, leaving an indelible mark on your memories. Experience the thrill of dune bashing, navigating the sandy terrain with excitement and adrenaline. As the day draws to a close, delight in a delectable evening dinner and retreat to the renowned Bedouin camp for an overnight stay, fully immersing yourself in the intricacies of desert life. Marvel at the enchanting night sky, basking in the desert’s tranquil ambiance.

Rest assured, our dedicated tour team is committed to ensuring every detail of your journey is meticulously crafted, providing you with a truly unique and unparalleled experience.

Waterfalls in Salalah

Salalah is blessed with natural beauty, and its waterfalls add a touch of magic to the landscape. Here are some mesmerizing waterfalls to visit in Salalah:

Located in the lush Wadi Athum, Ayn Athum is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. The cascading waters create a soothing ambiance, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and tranquility. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools or simply bask in the serenity of the surroundings. Ayn Athum is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the heat and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Situated in the stunning mountains of Salalah, Ayn Gogub is a stunning waterfall nestled amidst a rugged landscape. The waterfall cascades down a series of rocky terraces, creating a mesmerizing sight. Explore the surrounding area and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this oasis-like setting. The tranquil ambiance and breathtaking natural beauty of Ayn Gogub make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Ayn Tubrook:

Hidden within the scenic valleys of Jebel Samhan, Ayn Tubrook is a captivating waterfall that offers a peaceful retreat. The waterfall plunges into a tranquil pool, inviting visitors to take a refreshing swim or simply relax by the water’s edge. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, Ayn Tubrook is a hidden gem that showcases the pristine beauty of Salalah’s natural landscape. Take a moment to soak in the serenity of this secluded oasis and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the 34+ tourist places in Salalah offer a remarkable blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. From exploring the ancient ruins of Al Baleed Archeological Park to experiencing the lush landscapes during the khareef season, Salalah has something for every traveler.

As you bid farewell to this enchanting city, carry the memories of its welcoming hospitality, pristine beaches, and vibrant souks. Don’t forget to explore the hidden gems that offer tranquility amidst the popular attractions.

Plan your visit based on the seasonal highlights, whether it’s the monsoon season or the cooler months. Salalah’s allure will leave an indelible mark on your heart, beckoning you to return and create more cherished memories.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the best of Salalah. May your future adventures be filled with joy and the magic of travel. Safe travels until we meet again in the captivating city of Salalah!

Rent a Car in Salalah

When exploring the enchanting city of Salalah, having the freedom to roam at your own pace is essential. That’s where car rental services in Salalah come to your rescue. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Wadi Darbat or indulge in retail therapy at Salalah Gardens Mall, renting a car offers convenience and flexibility.

Choose from a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs for off-road adventures or comfortable sedans for city exploration. With reputable car rental companies like Orbit Car Rental & Lease, you can embark on a memorable journey, discovering Salalah’s hidden gems and experiencing the true essence of this captivating destination on your terms. Say goodbye to constraints and embrace the joy of independent exploration with a rented car in Salalah.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: what is special in salalah.

A: Salalah is renowned for its unique monsoon season, known as the khareef, which transforms the region into a lush green paradise. The city is also famous for its stunning beaches, historical sites such as the Al Baleed Archeological Park, and its warm Omani hospitality.

Q: Can I rent a car in Salalah?

A: Yes, you can easily rent a car in Salalah. There are several car rental agencies available in the city that offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs and preferences.

Q: How many days are required to visit Salalah?

A: The ideal duration to explore Salalah depends on your travel preferences and the activities you wish to engage in. To experience the main attractions and immerse yourself in the beauty of the region, a minimum of 3-4 days is recommended. However, for a more comprehensive exploration, you may consider extending your stay to a week or more.

Q: What do I need to rent a car in Salalah?

A: To rent a car in Salalah, you typically need a valid driving license, a passport or ID, and a credit card for the rental deposit. It is advisable to check with the specific car rental agency for their requirements and any additional documents or conditions.

Q: What is the best month to visit Salalah?

A: The best month to visit Salalah is typically during the khareef season, which occurs from June to September. This is when the region experiences its unique monsoon weather, with moderate temperatures, refreshing drizzles, and vibrant green landscapes. However, Salalah also offers pleasant weather and attractions throughout the year, so you can plan your visit based on your preferences.

Q: Is Salalah worth visiting?

A: Yes, Salalah is definitely worth visiting. With its captivating natural beauty, rich history, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Salalah offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers. Whether you are interested in exploring archaeological sites, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in local traditions and cuisine, Salalah has something to offer for everyone.

Q: Is Muscat better or Salalah?

A: Both Muscat and Salalah have their own distinct charm and attractions. Muscat, the capital city of Oman, offers a mix of modernity and traditional architecture, bustling souks, and historical landmarks. Salalah, on the other hand, captivates visitors with its natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, and the enchanting khareef season. The choice between the two depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you are seeking.

Q: Which is the coldest month in Salalah?

A: The coldest month in Salalah is typically January, where temperatures can drop to an average of around 20°C (68°F). However, it’s important to note that Salalah enjoys a relatively mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, with temperatures rarely reaching extremes.

Q: Why is Salalah famous?

A: Salalah is famous for several reasons. It is known for its unique khareef season, where the region experiences a monsoon-like weather pattern, resulting in lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Salalah is also renowned for its historical sites, such as the ancient ruins of Al Baleed Archeological Park and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. Additionally, the city’s beautiful beaches, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular tourist destination in Oman.

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Khareef in Salalah

• Post author By Ali
• Post date August 30, 2013
• 45 Comments on Khareef in Salalah

After a long (and early) summer hibernation period where we hardly went on any trips, we ended up deciding to take advantage of the generous Eid Al Fitr holidays and head up to Salalah to experience Khareef Salalah “خريف صلالة” and check out some of the many attractions in THE tourist hotspot of Oman (at this time of the year anyway!).

Salalah (صلالة) is the capital city of the governorate of Dhofar in the South of Oman, and the second largest city in the country. Salalah is one of probably only two places in the Arabic peninsula (besides Yemen) that experiences a monsoon season, which is called Khareef and lasts from July to September. Khareef means “autumn” in Arabic but it refers to monsoon when describing Salalah, and by the way the word monsoon in English is derived from the Arabic word maowsim “موسم” which means season. During this time, the brown landscape of Salalah and its surroundings is completely transformed to a beautiful and lush green, and locals and tourists alike flock to Salalah.

Not surprisingly, the city and surrounding areas get really busy at this time of the year, especially considering that the Salalah Tourism Festival starts at the same time; visitors may find it difficult or extremely expensive to get a room or even hire a car unless they booked well in advance, and our top tip is to always book  in advance and ensure you get your booking confirmed prior to your departure to avoid any nasty surprises!

Khareef is not the only thing Salalah is known for, Salalah is even more famous for its ancient frankincense trade, with the UNESCO including several ancient settlements (Al Balid, Sumharam, Shisr and Wadi Dawkah) in Dhofar in its World Heritage List , appropriately naming it the “Land of Frankincense”. Thousands of years later, Salalah is still well known for the quality and quantity of frankincense it produces!

Things to Do / Places to Visit:

We spent two nights in Salalah, and managed to visit the following places:

Souq Al Haffa سوق الحافة

This is the main market in Salalah and the place for buying traditional Omani items from clothing to gold and silver handicrafts, and of course a wide variety of frankincense! If you are here during the Salalah Tourism Festival you may also see a traditional Dhofari dancing performance.

Al Balid Archaeological Park /Land of Frankincense Museum منتزة البليد الأثري و متحف أرض اللبان

This is the location of the ruins of Al Balid (also spelled Al Baleed البليد), an ancient city known as a frankincense trading hub and visited by both Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta ابن بطوطة. The area has been developed with footpaths to the ruins and information throughout, making it a very pleasant and educational trip for all family members. khor (“خور a ravine in Arabic) also passes through the area adding to the charm. Entrance fee is 2 R.O per passenger car, this also includes the entrance fee to the Land of Frankincense Museum which is located on the park complex. The museum displays various artifacts discovered in Al Balid and Sumharam ruins, as well as a whole section covering Omani maritime history including beautiful models of Omani ships past and present. We found the displays and presentation at the museum to be one of the best we have seen in Oman so far, and we highly recommend it for anyone visiting Salalah!

Sultan Qaboos Mosque Salalah جامع السلطان قابوس في صلالة

A splendid mosque right in the heart of the city, and the largest in Salalah. It is has a single dome structure flanked by two minarets, with beautiful Arabic calligraphy inscriptions inside. The architecture of the mosque is very similar to Sultan Taimur Bin Faisal Mosque in Muscat. The mosque can be visited weekdays between 8 to 11 am.

Aqeel Mosque مسجد عقيل

Originally built in 1779, making it one of the oldest mosques in Salalah still in use today. The mosque has a very unique design inspired from Andalusian architecture, and is the only one of its kind in Oman.

Ittin Plain سهل أتين

A flat area close to the the city center, with lots of food “stalls” selling Dhofari food delicacies (yay for Camel mushkak – which are camel meat skewers) and popular with people wanting to camp and enjoy some fresh air. We did not get to explore the area further, but apparently there are beautiful viewpoints if you drive up the hills beyond the plain.

Al Mughsail Beach شاطئ المغسيل

About 40 kms from the city and one of the top attractions in Salalah. The beaches in Salalah and surrounding coastline are very rough and Mughsail is no exception, where it is unique is that the waves crash through naturally formed blowholes in the limestone formations and spurt up water plumes with a thundering noise up to several meters in the air! If you are brave enough you should take a picture right next to the water jet spurting through the blowholes (but you will most likely get completely wet :)). There is also a coffee shop in Mughsail beach along with viewing platforms with spectacular views of the beautiful and rugged coastline. Make sure you get here early before the crowds especially if you want to have good photo opportunities, we got there around 7 am and it was perfect!

Al Fazayeh Beach شاطئ الفزايح

An isolated beach about 30km west of Mughsail, with an absolutely amazing coastline. If you liked Mughsail but did not like how crowded it got, head out here for a more natural and (as of yet) non-exploited beach, the crystal clear water is amazing but be careful if you want to swim here as the current is very strong and the coast is rocky.

The drive to get here is quite spectacular by itself during khareef as it goes through the green mountains, but it is single lane and quite windy so be extra careful. If you continue further west towards the Yemeni border, you will be going through more beautiful scenery.

Sha’t شعت

This is one of the small areas you can stop by as you drive further West from Al Fazayeh beach. Unfortunately I forgot to locate it on the map during the visit, but allow about two hour drive from Al Mughsail to the the junction taking you to Sha’t. Exploring it further by taking the dirt road is highly recommended as you will be driving through spectacular views of the green hills (in Khareef only :)) and the Indian ocean! You can go further from here towards Dhalkoot ظلكوت which is meant to be just as amazing but we didn’t quite get a chance to go there.

Keep in mind that due to proximity to the Yemeni border, there might be military check points asking to check ID, so just have those handy.

Sumharam Archaeological Site / Khour Rori مدينة سمهرم الاثرية و خور روري

An impressive ruins of the ancient port city of Sumhuram which has been dated back to the 1st century AD. The city was an important frankincense trading hub in ancient times due to its strategic location. The site is a couple of kilometres from Taqah, which itself is about 40 kms from Salalah. A visitor fee of RO 2 per passenger car gets you access to the ruins of the fortified city, entrance to the museum and a chance to go close to Khour Rori where sea water mixes with sweet water from Wadi Dirbat at high tide.

Taqah Castle حصن طاقة

One of the few forts/castles in Dhofar, Taqah Castle was built in the 19th century as a residence for a local tribal leader. There is lots of information about the various rooms and exhibits in castle, and we quite enjoyed our visit here especially with a very informative castle officer who gave us a personal tour. A watch tower located on a hill behind the castle is part of the complex but was built at a much later date, and is not open for visitors. Taqah Castle is in Taqah and the entrance fee is RO 0.5 per person.

Wadi Dirbat وادي دربات

A beautiful natural park which is completely covered with lush green vegetation during khareef season. With a beautiful lake, occasional waterfalls and mountains obscured with fog, Wadi Dirbat offers a wonderful and enchanting experience that makes you wonder if you really are in Oman! There are lots of stalls in the wadi selling fresh fruits and mosquito repellent (which is a must!), and you can also get a boat to paddle in the lake! The turn to Wadi Dirbat is a couple of kilometers from Taqah, and a winding road takes you to the park.

Places To Stay in Salalah:

There are many accommodation options in Salalah ranging from 5 star hotels to furnished flats and apartments, but not many low budget accommodation options. You can find and book most of these hotels online, and  Oman Tourism website has information on many of these hotels. However, it is hard to find information online for available apartments so if that is where you want to stay you can either get an Arabic speaking friend to find the information through discussion forums , or try to get the Oman Tourism booklet which has a list of apartment complexes and their phone numbers. It is important to book accommodation in advance if you are coming to visit Salalah during the khareef seasons as Salalah becomes extremely packed with tourists.

As for camping, we did not really explore many options but the beaches further west from Mughsail is probably your best option, we would not even consider camping on the mountains due to the mosquitoes! Be warned that there are lots of stray camels in Salalah, and hyenas may occasionally be spotted!

Going to Salalah:

You can either fly or drive to Salalah. Oman Air operates several flights a day during khareef season. Unless you are going in a large car convoy or love driving 1,000+ km across the desert, flying is probably your best option!

There are many more places to visit in and around Salalah, which we could in no way cover over a 2 day trip, including almost half a dozen natural springs and other attractions. If you have a free time during the khareef season, you will surely not regret making a trip to Salalah…as long as you have mosquito repellent 🙂

45 replies on “Khareef in Salalah”

nice one! really informative indeed 🙂

not nice….y suks 🙂

Thanks Moign 🙂

I visited Oman the first time in July 2013 – during Ramadan. Stayed in Barka, at Al Nahda Resort & Spa. HIred a car (with chauffeur) for my 5 day stay to take me to Muscat, Nizwa, Sur, etc, but being Ramadan, there was virtually nothing open: no museums, no forts, not even many restaurants. So, I decided to stop over on my way back to Australia – late September ’13. I stayed at Al Nahda for 4 nights and again hired a car (4WD this time) and we drove into the mountains and stayed there overnight, as well as one night in Nizwa, then in a desert camp and later near the sea, just south of Sur to see the sea turtles. We also swam in wadis and trekked a lot. I virtually fell in love with Oman…. This year I’m going to Europe early June and again planning to stop in Oman, probably for 2 weeks. This time I’m going to fly to Salalah and stay there for a week, then fly back to Muscat and stay there for an other week. Thank you for above information! It helped me a lot with my plans. Anybody has any other suggestions to see and do, please share – I’d be grateful. Thank you. Judith Port Douglas (Australia)

I am very happy that you enjoyed your trip in Oman, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming trip even more and get to explore more places. Glad to hear our site is helpful in getting places to do. Stay tuned, as we are hoping to update with new some new posts coming up, and feel free to follow us on facebook/twitter/Instagram since we post pics of other places as we visit them 🙂

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

Cheers, Ali

I’m thinking about going to Salalah this weekend for a bit of a getaway. I’m travelling solo and wanted to know the best way to see all the sights you just mentioned. Is there a tour guide you would recommend? Also, what is it like during Ramadhan?

Thanks in advance!

I do not have contacts for tour guides in Salalah but being such a hot spot I am sure you can find something once you get there; however, it is pretty easy to see all these places we mentioned if you could just hire a car and drive around with a map 🙂

I would guess that Souq Al Hafa opening times will be different due to Ramadhan timing and likely to be closed until after Iftar time. You should also check about the two archaeological sites but I wouldn’t see how they won’t be open during the day.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend there (hopefully it won’t be too crowded on the roads!). Safe travels 🙂

We recently went to Salalah during Eid holidays and it was a fantastic experience. It looks like a different world altogether with all the greenery & constant drizzling..You can just head towards any direction and you will find some beautiful place to see & enjoy..Though quite expensive but a must visit place during Khareef season..As a first timer I could not cover all the places as I had to depend on a local guide..I am told that Ministry of Tourism publish some Brochures detailing the places to visit along with the directions, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in Salalah during my stay there..If anyone of you can share an e-copy of that Salalah brochure it would be very helpful to all of us…Thanks and regards

Good to hear you enjoyed your time there, it is definitely an amazing place to visit and a welcome change for anyone visiting from Muscat 🙂 I have seen such brochures in Salalah Garden Mall during my visit, but I do not have an e-copy of them unfortunately. There is a lot of work to be done by Ministry of Tourism there, and hopefully it will be easier to find information over the coming years. I hope to write more articles on more places of Salalah but first I need to have another visit 🙂

Hi, Went salalah two weeks back.. Visited many places listed above.. We drove from dubai to salalah.. Straight 16 hours drive.. But what an awesome place it was.. Hard to believe its OMAN.. The sad part are the mosquitoes over there.. Since we came back, I’ve got allergy.. I get some itchy red welts every night on my arms and face.. And I so hate these… Going to take some steroids now.. Anti allergies not working.. So, PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE HIGH QUALITY MOSQUITO REPELLANT with you over there.. Thanks

thanks for your advise

Hi There how are you its nice to hear from you guys that got good time in salalah. Salalah is not khareef only so many activities can be done over here.

Can we still see the greeneries if we visit Salalah by second week of June? Thanks

That I am not sure of as I have never visited at that time. I understand that it changes every year and some years the season can get there quite late, so to avoid disappointment it is probably best to go a bit later in the season or check (somehow?) before going. I was told by some local friends that some areas remain green even until late September so that’s also another option (plus you get to avoid the huge crowds as the school season would have started by then).

Hope that helps, sorry if I couldn’t quite answer your question.

hi all thanks a lot to the admin of omantripper,I’ve plan to visit Oman on 18 july this year exactly after complete Ramadan. currently I’m a UAE resident so I plan my start journey from ruwais and straight a way to jabal shams resort,and early morning after I will leaving to ubar and continue to salalah for 5 days,any one who knows from nizwa to salalah if there is good tourist attractions location. currently I used you website as reference and I have “Oman off road” book and map by “explorer” as reference too.

That sounds like a great trip to have, and I am sure you will have a great time. To be honest I haven’t done the drive to Salalah personally myself, so I can’t tell of first hand experiences there. But it is a good idea to try and explore the area near Bidiyah, Wahiba sands and Wadi Bani Khalid. It might be a bit out of your way as well but you can also want to check out Mahout on the coast and even take a visit to Masirah island. From there onwards I can’t think of many places until you get to Salalah except perhaps Al Shuwaymiyah village 9http://wikimapia.org/17863682/Al-Shuwaymiyah).

Hope that helps 🙂 Ali

I am planning to salalah with family this eid 17th July 2015 any body going please notify

It is tomuch excellent and classical activities.people see and enjoy to visit these places.fare is a best enjoyment for kids and show dhofari classical dancing show.

Hi, thanks for the information. I am a UAE student and planning to go to Salalah with my friends via Bus. Could you let me know if I could hire a car on my UAE Drivers License or if not , then will we get a car for hire with a driver who could take us around the site seeing spots, and how much does it cost for a day?

I haven’t tried but I am sure you won’t have a problem hiring a car on a UAE driving license. You just need to make sure you have your ID card, license etc.. You can probably hire a driver with a car to show you around, but it will undoubtadly cost you more. When I was there last time, there was a bunch of guys in the airport who offered such services to tourists, but they weren’t real businesses so I can’t tell how the experience will be. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t know how much would that cost either! Hope that helps! Ali

Plan to go During Sept eid break, I have a Saloon Car, all the places you have mentioned in this page is it possible to visit by a saloon car?

Dear Valerian,

If am not mistaken almost all the places are accessible with a saloon car. Only part you may struggle a bit is the drive to Al Fazay’ beach from the road as it’s graded road but I did that in a small SUV once and it was fine.

Hope you have a great trip and a safe journry 🙂

Can we experience the greeneries in dec 1st week ?

We planned to go during the end of this year in Salalah, staying in a Hotel and renting a car to see all around. I have to inform myself a bit more about around but if i can already have some nice info from you would be really nice. I am really thinking to dont go in any “organise tour” and visit by myself it is possible ?

Do you know if it possible to do all this nice places you mention with a normal car and not a 4×4 ? or you would really recommend a 4×4 ? because there is a huge difference of the price. I guess that around this period is not as green but i am sure it is still worth it anyway 🙂 Do you know if there is at least one nice place to drink something the night and enjoy their nighlife there ? as local bar or others ? Have you been to the desert ? do you have any recommendations ?

Some much questions i could ask but if you could give the most useful informations that’s really kind.

Thank you very much and thanks for this nice blog 🙂

I am from Salalah, you may contact me via email [email protected] for tour guide.

my name is Salim,

Hi there!!! Does anybody have any direct contacts to wholesale sellers for frankincense? Thanks a lot 🙂

I may have a contact that can do that, get in touch with me on my email [email protected] 🙂

Some of our friends have told us that there is an annual festival even held in the city of Salalah during

Holy Ramadan in the month of June/July, 2016 which runs for the entire period of Ramadan until Eid Ul Fitra. I tried to search for details of this festival with an intention to participate from India but could not find any relevent

information. May be, i did not understand the correct name of the festival.

I therefore request you to get detailed information about this event.

The details of the organizers if Government or private.

The annual festival is Salalah Khareef festival. I can’t find any information online either, besides the Arabic version of the festival website here: http://salalahfestival.gov.om/ Maybe you can get some information by using google translate.

I am not sure whom you have to contact with regarding to your participation in this event, probably start with the Ministry of Tourism to get an idea.

Hope this helps.

I want to visit Salalah this year just before the beginning of Ramadaan. I wanted to stay in the mountains or somewhere green. No beachside resorts. Can you suggest something along these lines? Thanks.

Hi Alocin, Unfortunately, I haven’t been to Salalah often enough to know of any place besides beach side resorts. I haven’t heard of any hotels in the mountains though, sorry can’t be much of help. Best, Ali

Hi I will be visiting Salalah in July 2016 first week by road. Anybody wants t join.

My designation in the visa is “Systems Analyst” (an indian national currently working in UAE). Will i get visa on arrival at Salalah Airport?

Going to Salalah for the first time in a couple of days (6 July) During EID by flight.

I am planning on renting a car to discover nearby sites, waterfalls, etc..

Does anyone have updated saved points on google map or exact locations of interesting places? (It would be of real help)

Also, what are the top 3 places that are “MUST VISIT” spots in Salalah ?

Thank you all in advance for your help and suggestions

Im going to Salalah in August, is it nice, can I swim, how is the weather?

Thanks Laila

Yes, August will be a fantastic time to visit Salalah. This will be during the monsoon (khareef) season, so temperature will be quite cool with rainy clouds drifting and occasional rain, best time to visit Salalah 🙂 Swimming on the beaches is theoretically possible but be extra careful as the tide is really strong along the coast, so it can be quite dangerous especially with the many sharp rocks in the beach. I would avoid swimming in any wadis/lakes you see, as there are lots of mosquitoes/mosquito eggs.

Enjoy your trip to Salalah Ali

Hi Ali , You have a very informative blog thanks. Am planning a road trip to Salalah mid September 2016 to get away from the Dubai heat . Will it be green at that time? Also let me know if camping in tents is possible and is this allowed by the authorities. If anyone wants to drive as a group from Dubai to Salalah please get in touch.

I have been resident of Dubai for 23 years and work as a free lance tour guide , anyone reading this blog and intending to visit UAE could make use of my tailor made services by writing at [email protected] . Sorry Ali to use your blog to advertise my services

Hi We would like to have your advice to visit salalah in September Please reply urgently Thanks

What advice do you need? It is best to contact me by email: [email protected]

Asalamu alaykum my name is Hussein mohamed I am from U.S.A who is interested visiting Salalah Oman eventually insha Allah to learn the history of Oman thanks Hussein.

Hi Hussein,

Thanks for your comment, if you would like any help planning your trip feel free to drop me an email 🙂

maybe one more question.,,,,is it possible to rent/buy some camping gear in Muscat?

There aren’t many places renting camping gear but I’m sure you’ll find some if you look. However, I think it will be much easier and probably not much more expensive to just buy gear from some of the hypermarkets/supermarkets in Oman. Sultan Center in Qurum has a big selection so I suggest you try there, Lulue and Carrefour will them too.

Hi I am in salalah now and I want to camp in a tent next to a beach , is it allowed ? And any recommendations !! Plz advice thx:)

Sorry I missed your comment before. Yes you can camp by most beaches in Salalah! Al Fazaye beach should be a wonderful place to camp I think 🙂

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A complete travel guide to Salalah, Oman’s summertime oasis

A bounty of family-friendly resorts and lush vegetation, even a tropical summer micro-climate, can be found in the southern coast of Oman

Isabella Sullivan

Why you should visit Salalah

On the other side of the country, away from the capital of Muscat , the Hajar mountains and Oman’s most famous sites, lies the verdant region of Salalah, located in the Dhofar region of the Sultanate. During the summer months, when the rest of the region bakes in near 50-degree Celsius weather, Salalah benefits from balmy temperatures making it a popular spot for a regional break or, indeed, for travellers looking to explore the Middle East in summer. From June to early September, in what is known as Khareef season, the moisture from the cooler waters of the Indian Ocean condenses and brings in fog and rain, bringing in temperatures that hover around 27 degrees and a light drizzle. Here’s what to see, do and where to stay in Salalah.

What to do in Salalah

Salalah’s beaches , long stretches of wild sand, rugged cliffs and tropical forests with papaya, banana and coconut groves are unlike most places you’d find in the Middle East – rugged and wild and filled with nature. Travellers can enjoy excursions to Rub’ al Khali, known as the Empty Quarter , a vast stretch of endless dunes stretching to Saudi Arabia and the UAE , or make the most of the cooler temperatures with outdoor pursuits in Salalah itself. Salalah’s untamed beaches are steeped in natural beauty, and travellers should make time to visit Eftalqout beach, Al Haffa, Fazayah, Dahariz and Shaat Hidden Beach – known for their stretches of white sand and cliffs. A sea of green awaits visitors in the lush Wadi Darbat – Salalah’s tropical green valleys with waterfalls, natural pools and wildlife. Khor Rori, the largest natural reserve in the region, is also a must-visit.

Aside from natural beauty, Salalah is also filled with fascinating human history. There’s the archaeological site of Sumhuram Old City, the Museum of the Frankincense Land – detailing how the aromatic resin’s part in the rise of the Omani Empire – the ruins of the Frankincense trail (an exciting hike in itself) and the grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque. A day trip to Mirbat Castle and its surrounding merchant houses is also a great thing to do when visiting Salalah, the site of the well-documented 1972 Battle of Mirbat.

Where to stay in Salalah

Alila Hinu Bay

Luxury boutique hotel brand Alila’s long-awaited second Omani resort has instantly become one of the best hotels in Salalah, located on a long stretch of rugged, peaceful coast backed by lofty mountains. The contemporary Alila Hinu Bay marries modern design with traditional Omani touches, though modernity prevails with its stone villas, structured lines, neutral tones and lots of floor-to-ceiling glass. Alongside 96 terrace rooms, guests can book into one of 16 private pool beachfront villas spread over 175 square metres with outdoor bathtubs and showers and views of the Arabian Sea. The hotel regularly offers attractive incentives to stay during Khareef. Doubles from AED860; alilahotels.com/hinubay

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Just like Alila, whose first property lies in the Jabal Akhdar mountains , Anantara’s second property is also found on this peaceful stretch of coastline. The hotel sits between a natural beach and freshwater lagoon, a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed ruins of Al Baleed (part of the ancient city of Z̧afār), and has a sprawling infinity pool , 250-metres of private sandy beach and a water sports centre to keep guests entertained. The resort was the first, and much-anticipated, luxury resort on the Dhofar coast and offers guests stays in seafront terrace rooms and low-rise villas (one and two bedrooms), some with private pools. There’s everything on offer from paddleboarding to tennis and cycling (the hotel has a small fleet of Electra bicycles) and there’s a kids’ club, gardens and plenty of dining options. Doubles from AED840; anantara.com

How to get to Salalah

Salalah International Airport is the gateway to the coastline, and is served by major airlines like flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Express India, Oman Air, Salam Air and Neos Airline.

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Salalah Travel Guide + 10 Things To Do In Salalah

Updated April 2024, Salalah Travel Guide + 10 Things To Do In Salalah was originally published in July 2020

Most attractive during the lush and green khareef season, Salalah is Oman’s southern city and capital of the Dhofar Governorate. Oman has a long history as a center of Frankincense trade as much the finest come from around the Dhofar region and with Zanzibari nuances from the Sultanate’s former ties to East Africa makes Salalah feel quite unique, in fact, a world away from Muscat.

Start there:  The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide Grab a copy of Bradt Oman to kickstart your travel planning

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Oman?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

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A Quick History Of Salalah

Reaching its zenith in the 13th century when Salalah was a main center of trade along the Incense Trail, the city was the functioning capital of Dhofar. As trade slowed, the city eventually fell to ruin.

In the 19th century, Salalah was absorbed by the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, and from 1932 to 1970 it was the capital. In 1970 the capital was moved back to Muscat.

Where To Sleep In Salalah

We stayed at the  Belad Bont Resort  in Salalah on my recent visit, which I thought was a great midrange option.

Evan Hotel |  Booking.com  |

Belad Bont Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Millennium Resort Salalah |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Things To Do In Salalah

Al baleed archeological site & museum of the frankincense land.

The ruins of Al Baleed are what remains of the ancient city of Zafar, where Frankincense was loaded on to ships bound for India. The area’s history dates back over 4,000 years and not much is known as to what lead to the ultimate abandonment of the Port of Zafar. The Museum of the Frankincense Land is a must-visit along with the Archeological Site.

Entrance to Museum of the Frankincense Land:  2 OMR

Dahariz Beach

As you’ll see in this post, many of Salalah’s attractions are actually located outside of the city. Dahriz Beach is a unique one, as the beach is sat smack in the middle of the city. A lit promenade backs the coconut-fringed beach, making this a great place to picnic in the day or stroll in the evening.

Al Husn Souq

Al Husn Souq is the place to go to pick up just about anything. From clothing to Frankincense, jewelry, to souvenirs to spices you can find just about anything you might be looking for. The locals working in Husn Souq are very forward and friendly, visit twice and several people will likely even remember you.

Fruit Plantations

Owing to its subtropical climate and lush khareef season, Salalah and the Dhofar region are home to a number of fruit plantations, most notably coconuts, as well as bananas and papayas. Take a two kilometer walk east of the Corniche in Salalah to reach the color fruit stands.

Short on time in Oman? Read my  one week Oman road trip guide

Things To Do Near Salalah

Mughsail Beach

Mughsail Beach is one of the most popular places tourists visit when in Salalah. There is a great viewpoint near the Al Marneef Cave nearby and the Mughsail Blowholes.

Al Marneef Cave

The Al Marneef Cave is a strange rock formation right on the coast. It’s easy to get to with a parking lot and walkway built right up to it, with the Mughsail Blowholes right nearby.

Al Fazayah Beach

Al Fazaya, in my opinion, is the best beach in Salalah for exploring. It’s a roughly 5 kilometer long stretch of sugary white sand with huge boulders dotting the coast. In a way, it took me back to exploring South Portugal’s Algarve beaches a few years ago, just with a different color scheme and a more wild demeanor.

A 4WD is recommended to get from the main Salalah-Surfeet Road down to the beach (however we chanced it and took a tiny car down there and made it down and up just fine).

Khor Rori sits just due east of Salalah and was once one of the most important in the world as it was an important trading post along the Frankincense route. Little is left from Khor Rori’s heyday, but the ruins of Sumhuram Archeological Park are worth a look if you’re coming all the way out here anyway.

Taqah Castle

Taqah is located just east of Salalah too, home to a fishing village and a lovely white sand beach. The main attraction to come to Taqah now is to visit the Taqah Castle. The castle dates back to the 19th century.

Entrance to the Taqah Castle:  0.50 OMR

Mirbat Fish Market

Located about 70 kilometers east of Salalah, the main attraction now is the morning Mirbat Fish Market and the bustling yet small port.

Looking for more ideas? Check out the  12 best things to do in Oman

Off To Yemen Next?

I know that a few of you that are planning to come to Salalah intend to continue on to travel across mainland Yemen. If that’s the case check out my guide to crossing the  Oman-Yemen border at Surfeet .

Have Any Questions About Visiting Salalah?

Ask any questions about any of the things to do in Salalah in the comments section below.

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11 Sensational Places to Visit in Salalah With Family

When we talk about vacationing in the Middle East, you most likely think of deserts, mountains, sand, and a dry and hot climate.

Would you believe there is somewhere on the Arabian Peninsula where you can experience green mountains, lush waterfalls and natural phenomena?

This is exactly what you can expect and more in Salalah .

Salalah, Oman’s third-largest city, is located on the southern coast of Oman, facing the Indian Ocean. But what’s so different about this coastal desert region, you ask?

It is hot and humid during some months; however, it becomes a natural wonder in the monsoon season, also known as Khareef . It does not experience torrential rains, but light rain showers make the city a true tourist attraction!

With lush green mountains, waterfalls, light rain, and a mystical fog covering everything, visiting Salalah tourist spots is a unique experience.

Apart from this, Salalah in the Dhofar Governate has a fascinating history of trade, buildings with intricate architecture and beach resorts that are the epitome of luxury! It is the perfect place to visit for a summer escape from the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries.

So, if you’re planning a visit to the city of Salalah, we have put together 11 of the best places to visit during your trip to the south coast.

How do I get to Salalah?

1. waterfalls at wadi darbat, 2. al mughsail beach, 3. taqah castle, 4. land of frankincense, 5. hawana aqua park, 6. sultan qaboos mosque, 7. jabal samhan, 8. al husn souq, 9. tawi atair sinkhole, 10. anti-gravity point, 11. atlantis of the sands – legendary lost city, how to see the best tourist places in salalah, more on salalah & oman.

As Salalah is the furthest city in Oman from Muscat, it is considered a remote location and is often overlooked by tourists. If you’re visiting from outside Oman, you can easily book a flight from Dubai, Jeddah , and other places direct to Salalah.

Salalah is located approximately 1000 km from Muscat by road; both public bus and self-drive are popular options if you’re setting out from Muscat.

If you want to save time or get to Salalah fast, you can get a flight from Muscat International Airport, but it would be a bit pricey, especially if you are travelling with family.

However, if you’re up for enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the coastal highway, going by your own car would be a better and cheaper option. You can view the amazing tourist sites, including the Tropic of Cancer, several beautiful mosques, beaches and gardens on your road trip to Salalah – we describe the best routes to take to Salalah here !

Your other alternative is to take the Muscat to Salalah bus. It will get you there in around 12.5 hours with just a couple of stops along the way, taking the slightly less scenic inland route.

With that sorted, let’s move on to the best places to visit in Salalah.

Top 11 Places to Visit in Salalah

For a perfect summer getaway and to experience a unique ecosystem, the best time to visit Salalah is during the Khareef season . However, you can visit any time of the year and still experience many of these majestic sites in Salalah.

Regardless of when you plan your trip, here are the top tourist spots in Salalah that you must check out!

Salalah Tourist Places Map

We weren’t kidding when we said you’d find waterfalls in the desert! But, to see this wonder of nature, you’ll have to visit Salalah in the Khareef season.

Wadi Darbat in Salalah is like heaven on earth: A lush green valley with a stream flowing between the mountains! And depending on the amount of rain, you can witness waterfalls too from July till September.

This is the most visited place in Salalah and is packed with tourists, especially during Khareef. People can enjoy many activities here, like hiking, picnicking, boat riding, or just enjoying the beauty of this scenic place.

While you will find many beaches in Salalah, Al Mughsail Beach is slightly different from the rest and a great place to visit on a half-day trip.

It is a white sand beach with turquoise water as clear as crystal. But what makes this beach the most beautiful is the lush green mountains surrounding it. And that’s just one thing that adds to the beauty!

There are picnic shelters surrounded by Frankincense trees, where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon. Moreover, the rugged edges of this beach have blowholes that dramatically erupt with seawater every few minutes! It’s definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Salalah.

So, a beach, a mountain, and a fountain, all in one place? Isn’t that a sight to behold? Undoubtedly this makes it one of the most remote yet beautiful beaches in the Middle East .

As we mentioned, Salalah is famous for its history and architecture, and the Taqah Castle is a true example of that!

Built in the 19th century, the Taqah Castle is located in the fishing village of Taqah, 33 km east of Salalah. It was once the residence of Sheikh Ali bin Taman Al Ma’shani, the great-great-grandfather of Sultan Qaboos.

It has been turned into a museum that houses several weapons, tools, and past items that give you an insight into the ancient Omani way of living. Apart from this, the astounding architecture of the castle shows us how skilled people were back in the day!

Another historical Salalah tourist attraction is the Land of Frankincense. It comprises four archaeological sites per UNESCO World Heritage Site , including Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Sumharam Old City, Ubar the Lost City, and Wadi Dawkah.

Al Baleed and Sumhuram are ancient seaports used to export Frankincense to Africa, China, India and Europe. Ubar was used for inland trading of Frankincense, and Wadi Dawkah is the place where Frankincense trees were planted.

Here, you can see the archaeologists at work and visit the ruins to catch a glimpse of how things worked back then.

For more information about the Land of Frankincense, visit this website .

If you’re visiting with the kids, this is a highlight not to miss! Hawana Aqua Park can be found a short distance from Hawana Salalah Resort (includes Salalah Rotana Resort ). You’ll find a wave pool, kids splash park and some high-speed rides for the bigger kids.

Open every Thursday to Saturday.

If you want to have a first-hand experience of modern and historical architecture, you should visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah. Located in City Centre, this monumental mosque is the largest mosque in the Dhofar Governorate.

As the mosque draws nearer, you can see the colossal white domes and minarets embellished with golden shapes. If this isn’t enough to leave you awestruck, step inside to be swept off your feet!

As soon as you enter the prayer hall, you’ll see plush green

Located around 50 km from Salalah, Jabal Samhan is the highest peak in Dhofar. From this point, you can view the thick clouds around the mountain. There’s a proper track with fences where you can stroll and view the scenery.

On days when there are no clouds, you can view the canyons and expanse of the ocean surrounding Salalah from Hayur Cave viewpoint. It’s a very picturesque place, and you can take many memorable photos from the summit.

There are several food stalls here, too, so you can enjoy a snack or two while exploring this fantastic fairyland of a place! It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Salalah during khareef, when the weather is playing nicely!

If you want to make Jabal Samhan an overnight trip instead of rushing in a day, there’s new accommodation, Sama Jabal Samhan Hotel

The Middle East is known for its famous Souq markets, and the Al Husn Souq is one of them. If you’re looking for Omani souvenirs and items you won’t find anywhere else, head over to the Al Husn Souq in Salalah (also known as Al Haffa Souq).

From traditional Omani clothes to decor items, perfumes, the famous Frankincense, and any other everyday item you can think of can be found at this open-air market. But, you’ll need to bargain a bit with the vendors to get the best price for everything.

One of the most interesting places to see in Salalah is the Tawi Atair Sinkhole (also known as the Well of Birds). It’s a 200-meter-deep and 60-meter-long sinkhole, which houses tons of birds in the many cracks, hollows, crevices, and holes in its walls; hence the name!

The Tawa Atair is one of the largest sinkholes in the world, and you can get there by car in approximately 30 minutes; however, we would recommend taking a guide with you. The sinkhole has a viewing area but is surrounded by thick shrubs and bushes; therefore, it is difficult to get a clear view.

We would not recommend crossing the vegetation to get near the hole, as it is quite steep and dangerous. However, several tour companies arrange to go inside the sinkhole with the help of a rope or via a muddy trek.

If you’re visiting Salalah, visiting this natural wonder is a must!

Now for something otherworldly!

If you want to witness one of the unexplained mysteries of science, travel on the route between Mirbat and Salalah. Here, you will find a stretch of desolate land where your car starts moving uphill at 35 km/h in neutral mode, surrounded by fog!

Many tourists get spooked out by the phenomenon and have named this area the anti-gravity point! You’ll find it on Google Maps as “Gravity Hill Salalah” – certainly a unique place to visit while exploring the magic of Salalah (many tours will stop here on their way to or from Jabal Samhan.

Last but not least, who can resist a local legend?

Ubar, or as it’s more commonly known by the name coined by T E Lawrence – Atlantis of the Sands – is believed to sit at the end of Rub’ Al Khail (the Empty Quarter).

Straddling a large portion of the Arabian Peninsula, from Saudi Arabia, across the UAE and Oman; whether you will discover the lost city of Ubar in Oman is another matter. Just like Atlantis – there’s much conjecture over where the ancient city lies, but the village known as Shisr in Dhofar Region seems to be a popular opinion with a sign-posted site to explore.

We’ll admit, there’s not an awful lot to see, but a day trip across the Qana Mountains to experience the desert dunes is one of the most breathtaking experiences to enjoy in Salalah. History buffs, however, will be totally in their element. Go with an experienced guide to fully appreciate the stories and legends that are held in the dunes.

Undoubtedly, having your own vehicle is the easiest way to get around the top Salalah attractions, as they are quite spread out. Most visitors fly into Salalah, though, so they will not have their own car.

Our top tip is to hire a car for a day and get to some of these further to reach nature and history spots. You do need to be confident, though, in tackling mountain roads.

You can find the best local car hire prices using DiscoverCars .

Alternatively, why not join a half-day or full-day tour? This way, your transfers will be included, plus you’ll get a knowledgeable guide to show you around.

Just choose the itinerary that suits your interests best; a guided tour may include the city highlights, or travel further to some of the unique beaches and mountains we’ve mentioned here:

Ready to Visit Salalah?

Salalah might be remote in location. However, it is home to many historical places and tourist spots. From ancient buildings to souq markets, historical sites, and scenic mountains, you will find a mix of desert and lush greenery almost unheard of elsewhere in the Arab world.

So, pack your bags, get those hiking boots ready, and start your journey to all these essential Salalah tourist places!

If you’re planning a trip to Oman, you may also be interested in:

• The most beautiful family resorts in Salalah
• Picking the best times to visit Oman
• Take a breathtaking tour of the Musandam Peninsula
• Family-friendly highlights of Oman
• Best of Muscat with Kids
• What to wear in Oman; dress code advice for all the family

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The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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Wadi Darbat is a network of waterfalls near the Omani city of Salalah.

Things to Do in Salalah: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Salalah, a city in the southern part of Oman , is renowned for its natural beauty, historical sites, and unique climate. For those pondering things to do in Salalah, exploring the Al Mughsail Beach with its stunning coastline and blowholes, and visiting the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are top activities.

The city’s bustling Haffa Souq offers a traditional market experience, with vendors selling frankincense, perfumes, textiles, and handicrafts. Nearby, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque stands as a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, welcoming visitors to appreciate its grandeur.

Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Salalah is also known for its annual Khareef Festival, celebrating the monsoon season with cultural performances, traditional music, and local cuisine. For those seeking the best places to visit in Oman , Salalah’s blend of natural wonders, historical richness, and cultural festivities makes it a captivating destination.

Table of Contents

Attractions & Things to Do in Salalah, Oman

1. al mughsail beach.

Al Mughsail Beach is a spectacularly long, white sandy beach fringed by azure waters on one side and steep cliffs and mountains on the other. The area is famous for its blowholes, where sea water gushes up through holes in the limestone carved by the sea.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Khareef (monsoon) season from June to September when the landscape is transformed into a lush green and the blowholes are most active.

2. The Frankincense Land Museum

Located within the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, The Frankincense Land Museum is a well-designed exhibition that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history and the trade routes established for the frankincense trade, which was central to Salalah’s prosperity.

Travel Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the museum and the archaeological site to make the most of your visit.

3. Al Baleed Archaeological Site

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Baleed dates back to the 12th century and showcases the ruins of a once-thriving trade port on the frankincense route. It lies alongside the museum and offers a walking path through history, with informative plaques in English.

Travel Tip: Rent an audio guide to get a more detailed understanding of the site’s historical significance.

4. Sultan Qaboos Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah is an example of modern Islamic architecture with its intricate artistry and serene ambiance. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and the interior is as impressive as the exterior.

Travel Tip: Remember to dress modestly, covering arms and legs, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.

5. Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is a natural park of stunning beauty, especially during the Khareef season, when it’s transformed into a verdant paradise with waterfalls, lakes, and mist-covered hills.

Travel Tip: Take a boat ride on the lake or a scenic drive through the valley for the full experience of its natural beauty.

6. Taqah Castle

This 19th-century castle offers a well-preserved glimpse into Omani history and local life. The castle was a private residence and later a government’s administrative center.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the castle for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

7. Tomb of Nabi Ayoub

The Tomb of Nabi Ayoub, or the Tomb of Job, is a site of religious and historical significance, located in the scenic hills outside Salalah. The site offers both a spiritual journey for pilgrims and a stunning view for travelers.

Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ittin Mountains for a day of exploration.

8. Marnif Cave

Marnif Cave is situated atop a cliff offering a stunning view of the sea. The cave itself provides a natural vantage point to take in the view and enjoy a respite from the sun.

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring your camera, as the view, especially at sunset, is breathtaking.

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Salalah, Oman: Ratings

Kid-Friendly Activities in Salalah: 7/10 – Salalah offers several family-friendly attractions such as Al Mughsail Beach, the Salalah Gardens Mall with its entertainment options, and the Land of Frankincense Museum. The nearby Wadi Darbat and its waterfalls provide a great outdoor space for children to explore and enjoy.

Nightlife in Salalah: 4/10 – Nightlife in Salalah is relatively quiet, with limited options for bars and nightclubs. The city’s nightlife primarily revolves around hotel lounges and restaurants, offering a relaxed and calm atmosphere. Traditional Omani music and dance performances occasionally provide evening entertainment.

Sport in Salalah: 6/10 – Salalah provides opportunities for various sports activities, particularly water sports like diving and snorkeling along its beautiful coastline. The city has facilities for football and cricket, and nearby areas offer hiking and exploring natural attractions like Wadi Darbat and the Dhofar Mountains.

Culture and Attractions in Salalah: 8/10 – Salalah is rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, the Frankincense Land Museum, and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. The city’s unique Khareef (monsoon) season transforms the landscape, attracting many visitors and enhancing its cultural appeal.

Gastronomy in Salalah: 7/10 – The culinary scene in Salalah features traditional Omani dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) and seafood. The city offers a range of dining options, from local eateries to international restaurants. Street food and local markets also provide an authentic taste of Omani cuisine.

Shopping in Salalah: 6/10 – Shopping in Salalah includes traditional souks like Al Husn Souk, where visitors can buy frankincense, textiles, and local crafts. The Salalah Gardens Mall and other modern shopping centers offer a variety of products, but the city’s shopping options are more limited compared to larger cities.

Prices in Salalah: 7/10 – Salalah is moderately priced, with options to suit different budgets. Accommodation and dining are generally affordable, though some luxury options can be more expensive. The city offers good value for money, making it accessible for various travelers.

Average price for a hotel night: $80 Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $8 Price of a beer: $6 Price of a coffee: $3

Beyond the City: Exploring Surroundings and Stays in Salalah, Oman

For those looking to explore beyond Salalah’s unique tropical atmosphere, top day trips near Salalah unveil Oman’s diverse landscapes and rich history. The ancient ruins of Al Baleed and the lush greenery of the Wadi Darbat offer insights into the region’s natural beauty and archaeological significance, making for memorable excursions.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Salalah accommodations include everything from luxury beach resorts that make the most of the coastal setting to comfortable hotels in the city, offering a peaceful retreat for those enchanted by the beauty of Oman’s southern region.

FAQ About Things to Do in Salalah, Oman

What are the most popular natural attractions in salalah.

Salalah is renowned for its natural beauty, including the lush greenery of its mountains during the Khareef season, the pristine white sands of Al Mughsail Beach, and the tranquil Wadi Darbat with its cascading waterfalls and natural lakes.

Can I visit historical sites in Salalah?

Yes, Salalah is steeped in history. You can explore the ancient ruins of Al Balid Archaeological Site, the impressive Taqah Castle, and the Tomb of Nabi Ayoub, believed to be the resting place of the Prophet Job.

Are there any unique cultural experiences in Salalah?

Definitely. You can immerse yourself in Omani culture by visiting the Salalah Festival during the Khareef season or by taking a guided tour to learn about the frankincense trade that flourished in this region.

What water activities can I enjoy in Salalah?

Salalah’s beaches offer opportunities for jet skiing, banana boat rides, and scuba diving. Dolphin watching tours are also a popular activity, with the chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Is there a place for bird watching in Salalah?

Yes, the Khawr Rori estuary is an excellent spot for bird watching, where you can see a variety of migratory birds, especially during the Khareef season when the landscape transforms into a lush wetland.

Where can I find the best traditional Omani food in Salalah?

For authentic Omani cuisine, visit the Haffa Souq where you can savor traditional dishes like shuwa, harees, and halwa, as well as purchase local handicrafts and frankincense.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Salalah?

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camel riding, desert safaris in the Empty Quarter, and trekking in the Dhofar mountains. Off-road driving through the Rub’ al Khali desert offers an unforgettable experience.

Are there any wellness retreats or spas in Salalah?

Yes, Salalah is home to several luxury resorts offering wellness retreats, spas, and traditional Omani therapies that provide relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the city’s scenic backdrop.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salalah https://www.getyourguide.com/salalah-l43166/

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David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

Oman: Dunes, Dhows, and Desert Forts

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• Top Places to See in Salalah: Your Complete Guide to This Enchanting Destination

by Awais | Jul 11, 2024 | Travel Guide , Holidays

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Table of Contents

Introduction

This time we’re going to be talking about the best places to see in Salalah and also the best places to visit in Salalah.

If you’re looking to read an article which provides a lot of other information about Salalah, we strongly recommend you check out our other blog post ‘ All about Salalah Oman ’ which will tell you everything you need to know.

Whilst our other article provides an overview of Salalah, this one delves into more detail on the places to visit in Salalah that’ll keep the whole family entertained.

Wondrous sights aplenty in Salalah

There are some amazing places to see in Salalah and one of the problems you’re going to have whilst visiting is how to work out how to get to these places in Salalah whilst on your holiday.

Wadi Darbat

We’ve already written about some of the best Wadi’s in Oman, and Wadi Darbat is one of Salalah’s top tourist attractions! Wadi Darbat Salalah Oman is home to Oman’s largest natural permanent lake and it’s also home to an array of different wildlife. As it’s only 40km east it makes for one of the top places in Salalah to visit.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque

We’d say that this should be near the top of anyone’s list of places to see in Salalah. This grand Mosque will leave you astounded and amazed when you look at the art and architecture.

Ayn Razat Salalah

We’ve put this into our places to see in the Salalah section but it could have easily fallen into the things to do in the Salalah section as well. Many tourists head to this freshwater spring in Salalah during the Khareef, however there is water present all year round in Ain Razat Salalah. Whilst here you can also explore Ain Razat cave and Ain Razat gardens, making it an excellent day out.

You might like to read this: 7 Wadis in Oman – Discovering the Wonders of the Wadis

Ain Garziz Salalah (AKA Ayn Jarziz Salalah)

For this place to see in Salalah you’ll only have to head 5 minutes out of the centre of Salalah. This Salalah tourist place combines Ittin and Ain Garziz – from the top of Ittin you can get a great view of Salalah, whilst Ain Garziz is the place to go during Khareef season to find the good spring. With an abundance of huts to sit in, you can watch your children play in the safety of the water that isn’t too deep.

If you are visiting Salalah during the Khareef then this is one of the places in Salalah you need to get to. The stunning waterfalls of Ayn Athum are a popular tourist destination as the landscape transforms into a luscious green alongside the beautiful blue water. As a popular tourist destination, you will find a lot of stalls here during busy periods that sell a range of gifts from children’s toys to food and drinks.

Desert sunset safari at Rub Al Khali

Last but by no means least on our list of best things to see in Salalah is the desert sunset safari at Rub Al Khali. To say that you’ve witnessed a magnificent sunset from the desert would be an unforgettable experience! This trip will depart from Salalah and you’ll get escorted by a 4×4 on a magnificent drive that’ll help you fall in love with Oman. You can also combine any desert trip with some camping if you’re adventurous enough to spend a night under the stars.

You might like to read this: Experience the Splendor of Salalah, Oman: Your Paradise Getaway

Exciting attractions to visit in Salalah

As well as the places to see in Salalah, there are also a lot of places to visit in Salalah and we have put these into a different section as you’ll obviously be able to see them when you visit, but you can also do something whilst you’re there.

Salalah Central Market

Ooka Booka Salalah

We couldn’t leave this attraction in Salalah out of our list. Of all the Salalah tourist places, the Ooka Booka Salalah is a place you can go to invigorate and excite your tastebuds. Get ready to savour some Halwa (a famous Omani sweet) and wash it down with some Arabian coffee.

Ayn Sahalnoot Salalah

This area is popular with tourists and locals alike, especially in the Khareef (monsoon season). It is a place for you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax with family and friends at an outdoor location. It also suits the active traveller very well as there are a range of hiking options which lead to the clear blue water spring. Even better, Ayn Sahalnoot Salalah is very accessible, being only a short drive from the centre of Salalah.

Al Balid Archaeological site

If learning about history and Omani culture is your thing, this is one of the places in Salalah you need to visit. As well as the archaeological site itself, there’s also the Museum of Frankincense Lands located nearby which means you can visit both places at the same time.

Taqah Castle

If you fancy a short drive away from Salalah, Taqah Castle is 33km to the east. If you decide to visit Taqah Castle you’ll get a real sense of Omani life and there’s even a museum as part of the castle.

Find paradise near or in Salalah

No matter how where in the world you are, or how many different places you’ve seen or visited, nothing beats heading to the beach, especially if you’ve got children on holiday with you.

Mughsail Beach

This Salalah Oman beach is up there with one of the top attractions in Salalah. This white sand beach is the perfect spot to take the children, who will enjoy hours of play in the sand, take a romantic stroll up the shoreline, watch a magnificent sunset or even just watch some of the variety of bird wildlife that can be spotted on the shoreline. The brilliant thing about this Salalah Oman beach is that it’s only 40 minutes’ drive away from Salalah meaning that it’ll take next to no time to get there.

Mughsail blow holes

As an extension to your visit to Mughsail beach you absolutely must visit the Mughsail blow holes which are located close by. When there is enough force in the waves, water will fly out of the top of the blowhole creating an upward spring of water which will leave your children amazed, entertained and wet!

Manreef Cave

This cave is in similar proximity to Mughsail blow holes and can all be viewed as part of a trip to Mughsail beach. This large cave is one of the most popular places in Salalah to visit.

You might like to read this: 9 Best Oman Beaches

As one of the top Salalah attractions, you can either make your own way to Mughsail Beach or you can do it as a guided tour, which is often the preferred choice for first-time travellers.

Al Fazayah Beach

In our other article we’ve covered some of the best beaches in Oman , so you should check this out when planning a beach trip. Al Fazayah Beach is actually made up of 3 beaches, plus there’s an additional ‘secret’ one which entices visitors to the area. Set against the backdrop of the Dhofar mountains and with perfect sand this is definitely a must-visit. Perhaps the only thing that lets it down is that it’s 69km away from Salalah, but it’s well worth making the trip if you get a chance.

Al Haffa Beach

We’ve picked this one out due to the fact you can get there from Salalah without needing to use a car. There’s not very often that this happens so Al Haffa Beach must be considered one of the top attractions in Salalah. As you’d expect from a city centre beach, it’s quite built up and busy but it’s a little slice of perfection right in the middle of Salalah!

Choosing the best time of year to visit Salalah

As we covered in our other article, ‘All about Salalah Oman’ choosing the best time to visit Salalah is dependent on your itinerary and who is travelling as part of your group.

For example, the hottest time of the year falls between April and June when temperatures can reach the mid-forties, so this might not be the best time to visit Salalah if any of your group can’t cope with this extreme heat. It can also be very dangerous for children, so you need to make sure you take precautions for them if you do decide to visit Salalah during this time.

July and August are the monsoon season in Salalah, so again, it might not be the best time to visit Salalah if you want to avoid the rain. The upside of the monsoon season is that this is when Salalah’s greenery springs to life so people often consider it the best time to visit Salalah.

The other months of the year could be considered the best time to visit Salalah because even though the temperature will still be very hot (Salalah has a desert climate) it might not be as hot as during the other times of the year.

Travelling between Muscat and Salalah

We are again referring to our other article, ‘ All about Salalah Oman ‘ as in this article we provided a breakdown of travelling between Muscat to Salalah, which included driving and public transport options.

Muscat to Salalah will take you approximately 9 hours to drive and you’ll cover around 800 miles whilst on your journey. The good news is that driving from Muscat to Salalah will take you right through the heart of Oman, so you’ll be treated to some spectacular scenery along the way.

Grab yourself a car rental in Salalah

We’ve already covered how driving in Oman is so important for you to be able to reach all the destinations you have on your travel bucket list – you can check out our article here which will give you loads of information.

If you want to do a car rental in Salalah then you’ve got a couple of options and here they are:

Car rental at Salalah International Airport

We mentioned earlier that driving from Muscat to Salalah will take up a day of your holiday. Why not grab an internal flight which will save you loads of time and you can arrange for a hire car at Salalah International Airport to be waiting for your arrival.

Salalah City Office / Salalah West City Office

These two venues within Salalah are two choices for car rental in Salalah.

One important point to remember about car rental Salalah is that drivers should be between the ages of 30 and 65, otherwise, additional charges can be added.

This concludes our roundup of the best places to see and visit in Salalah. We hope by reading this article we have helped you plan your holiday itinerary and that you manage to see all of what this wonderful place has to offer.

You might like to read this: Car Hire Oman – The Ultimate Guide for Adventurous Tourists

Common Questions and Answers

What to see and do in salalah oman.

Whilst in Salalah Oman you can choose to go and visit Wadi Darabt, take in a desert sunset at Rub Al Khali, visit Mughsail beach, or even stay in Salalah town and visit some of the highlights.

Where to go in Salalah?

Depending on your itinerary and what you’d like to do whilst in Salalah may impact your choices, but the Salalah Gardens Mall is a good choice for shopping enthusiasts.

Must-see places in Salalah.

If you’re visiting Salalah, these are some of the places that need to be seen; Sultan Qaboos Mosque, The Museum of Frankincense, Nabi Imran Tomb, Wadi Darabt, Mughsail Beach, and Teqah Castle.

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All you Need to Know About Salalah Tourist Places

Salalah is a quick flight away from most Omani cities that makes it the ideal summer getaway. Salalah is well-known for its specific Khareef (monsoon) celebration, which turns the entire city green and draws tourists worldwide. The mountains are greener than usual due to the rain, and the sky is frequently dark and overcast.        

Experience Salalah , Oman’s warm hospitality while exploring the coast’s rolling carpet of green banana plantations and coconut trees. Discover Salalah’s historic architecture, which features two or three-story buildings made of dried mud bricks and hints of Islamic influence.

In this discussion, you will get to know about Salalah tourists’ points and reasons to visit this place. Let’s dive into details:

What is the Best time to visit Salalah?

The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is the finest time to visit Salalah. The lovely Salalah is famous for khareef for tourism. But you have a lot of historical locations that can be visited out of this season. The Dhofar Governorate is a refuge for environment enthusiasts thanks to its numerous arch-shaped mountains, waterfalls, valleys, springs, and unspoiled beaches.

It is vital to remember that the tides during monsoon season are typically high, making it unsafe to swim. Some of the beaches are concealed and must be visited with the assistance of a local guide. Let’s discuss the details of visiting Salalah during different Seasons:

●     Salalah in Summer

Salalah has a scorching desert environment, yet it rarely reaches 33 degrees Celsius. July and August are when the monsoon produces the most rain. The rain in these months significantly impacts the flora and wildlife in this region, so don’t think of the monsoon as typical of those seen in other parts of the world.

This season is considered the best time to visit Salalah if you are a greenery lover and want to visit plantations to enjoy cool beverages. Gardens and mountains welcome you with full of greenery.

●     Salalah in Winter

In Salalah, December, the first month of winter, is a warm month with an average temperature of between 28.7°C and 18.8°C. December is the month with the least amount of precipitation, with an average of 1 mm (0.04″) of precipitation. People visit Salalah to enjoy swimming and cultural places.

You will not enjoy the greenery of plantations and Wadi, but it will be the best time to visit historical places. Determining the characteristics of Salalah’s inhabitants, as well as the nature and culture of the city, depends heavily on history and culture.

Why do you need to Visit Salalah?

Salalah extends a genuine welcome to all. Visitors to Salalah stop by the coconut milk plantations to enjoy the cool beverage, perfectly capturing this city’s tropical gardens. The ambiance is slightly more rustic due to the fruit and vegetable stands that border the route.

Various academic studies and research projects suggest that this city has a long past. The late Sultan Qaboos Al Said, born in this city, has made Salalah his favourite Omani city. Many historical places make it rich and provide visitors with a good environment according to their taste.

Here we have enlisted the top reasons to visit Salalah and make memories with your friends and family. Let’s discuss them in detail:

●     White Sand Beaches

Salalah’s beaches are simply magnificent and attract visitors with their immense beauty. The sea has a brilliant blue hue, the sand is smooth, and there is plenty of sunshine. Tourists enjoy pure white sand, a sea the colour of a gem, and lots of sunshine in one place.

Salalah’s beaches are one of those great locations where you may witness all-natural treasures. These beaches are among the world’s cleanest and will bring you great joy. Here are some most famous beaches of Salalah:

• Al Haffa beach
• Fazayah Beach
• Dahariz beach

●     Unique Khareef Weather

The southeastern monsoon is referred to as Khareef. Between roughly June and early September, the monsoon impacts the governorates of Dhofar. It makes the landscape turn green, surrounds the hills in white fog, and brings on nearly constant mild rain. Khareef weather is popular for tourists to visit Salalah. Many locations can be visited to enjoy this weather. Here are some of the places that tourists visit during this weather.

• Wadi Darbat
• Plantations
• Mughsail Beach

●     Rich Culture and History

Salalah has distinguished itself from other Omani cities by maintaining its originality and cultural singularity. In Salalah, there are numerous historical landmarks and museums to explore. Al Baleed Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular and fascinating. Here are some of the famous historical places to must visit in your Salalah tour :

• Sultan Qaboos Mosque
• Taqah Castle
• Al Hosn Palace

5 Best Places to visit in Salalah

Every year, hundreds of people go locally, regionally, and globally to Salalah to enjoy its weather and historical places. Khareef events are held at the Municipality’s recreation centre in Atin, which has open theatres, exhibitions, and a child’s village with all kinds of amusements. Salalah has a variety of museums and archaeological sites where those interested in history and culture can pass their time.

Let’s discuss 5 best places to must visit in Salalah:

1.   Mughsail Beach

Al Mughsayl is a substantial area of white sand and azure water. The scene is rather lovely, and the beach has mountains on both sides, creating a beautiful view. Perfect for a picnic with friends or family. From a distance, the beach is breathtaking, especially when the mountains serve as the backdrop. The distance to the beach from Salalah is about 40 minutes by car. At Mughsayl, partially collapsed caves have generated beautiful blowholes.

●     Best time to visit

If it’s Monsoon season, you can’t swim. Before sundown is the ideal time to view the location.

●     Tips for Visiting

On the Wadi Darbat, check out the sights from the mountain’s summit.

Visit the place after the khareef season.

2.   Wadi Darbat

For fans of the mountains and the outdoors, Wadi Darbat is the most stunning and scenic location in Salalah. Particularly during the fall season, the location is completely crowded with people. The area’s surrounding spring, where you can relax and take in the scenery.

Most days are pleasant, and several things are nearby, including camping with barbecues, zip-lining, and lakeside boating. The Wadi has various waterfalls along the journey and a lake at the finish. There are a lot of camels due to the abundance of greenery.

●     Best Time to Visit

The monsoon season is the ideal time to visit Wadi Darbat. Wadi Darbat now changes into a lovely oasis with magnificent waterfalls. At Wadi Darbat, you can witness lots of camels during the monsoon season.

            The evening before sunset will be the best time to visit the Wadi.

Carry mosquito repellant

Please try wearing comfortable shoes and clothing if you plan to go up.

3.   Sultan Qaboos Mosque

The highest building in the area, Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah, has a commanding 56-metre minaret. There are two minarets on the mosque but The Grand Mosque in Muscat has 5 minarets making a total of five towers representing Islam’s five pillars.

The Sultan of Oman at the time, Qaboos bin Said al Said, ordered the construction of Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah. Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah was opened in 2009.

●     Best time to Visit

Sultan Qaboos Mosque is open to non-Muslims between 8 am and 11 am from Saturday to Thursday.

Visitors to the mosque must dress conservatively; women cannot show their arms, or  hair  inside the mosque

4.   Museum of the Frankincense Land

The only museum in Salalah, Oman, is the Museum of the Frankincense Land. There are numerous halls and a range of exhibits on display at this indoor museum. The museum’s concept is interesting and gives visitors a chance to learn more about Dhofar’s past. Such a simple display with so much history and legacy. There are two main exhibitions: a history hall and a marketplace hall. There are various archaeological sites outside to explore.

Opening times on Friday and Saturday are limited, and the cafe and shop are not open. Otherwise you can visit the museum anytime.

●     Tips to Visit

Book Museum of the Frankincense Land tours ahead of time to secure your spot.

5.   Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Salalah’s Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a scenic gem. One of the four parts of the Land of Frankincense, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is a small entrance fee per car, and the park is open to visitors from eight in the morning to eight at night.

Al Baleed Mosque is another name for the Grand Mosque at Al Balid. On the western side of the archaeological site stands this mosque. The mosque’s ruins are spectacular. A beautiful example of the lovely indigenous architecture is the Grand Mosque.

This place opens twice a day with a small break. Check the timings to visit completely. October to March will be the best time to visit this great park.

Check the opening and closing time of the site.

Enjoy Culture at the Frankincense Museum in Al Balid.

Also Read: Dunes & Beyond – Ultimate Salalah Desert Tour Guides

Frequently Asked Questions About Salalah

Why is salalah famous.

Salalah is famous for its unusual Khareef celebration, which turns the entire city green and draws tourists worldwide.

What is the best time to visit Salalah?

The best time to visit Salalah is all around the year. But the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is the ideal time for tourists to visit Salalah.

What are the top three sightseeing places for tourists in Salalah?

Salalah is rich in greenery and historic places that make it unique. Although these three places are top-rated tourist attractions in Salalah:

• Museum of the Frankincense Land

What do you need to wear in Salalah?

The dress code will be according to the place you are going to visit. You can get detailed information on restrictions to enter any historical building from your tour guide.

Does Salalah have a beach?

Salalah is the house of beaches. It is possible to swim all year in Salalah on different beaches. Here is the list of beaches in Salalah:

• Taqah Beach
• Al Fazayah Beach
• Al Mughsail

How is Salalah in Winters?

In Salalah, the winter season, which lasts from November to February, is drier. Winter is a terrific time for individuals who enjoy engaging in physical activities like trekking or cycling throughout the city.

How many days are required to visit Salalah?

Three nights and four days in Salalah during the Khareef season should be fine for visiting beaches and green areas.

How do you move around in Salalah?

Even within Salalah City, there is no public transportation, and driving is the only available mode of travel. Get help from tourism companies to provide you with transport.

What is famous for shopping in Salalah?

Traditional shopping is the best way to make your trip memorable. Omani silver craft, handmade pottery, Gold and silver jewellery, and Palm leaf handicraft are famous tourist shopping items.

How to get a Tourist guide in Salalah?

Explore top-ranked tour guides in Salalah . Get in touch with a friendly, experienced company that can make your tour memorable.

Salah is the best serenity that nature has to offer you. Enjoy the journey!

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Salalah Tourist Attractions: A Complete Salalah Oman Travel Guide

Salalah in the south Dhofar governorate of Oman and popularly known for it’s mystic and beautiful Khareef (Monsoon) season is a natural marvel that homes centuries-old Frankincense traditions and Arabian customs. The city of Salalah is the second largest city of Oman after Muscat, which similar to the rest of the country owns a versatile landscape of ocean and mountains.

Along with the highly diverse topography, Salalah is also blessed with natural water springs and waterfalls which flow in its full glory during the Khareef season. Here I have listed down the most splendid Salalah tourist attractions you should definitely go to in this lesser visited paradise of the Gulf.

Visiting Salalah during the Khareef season? Check out my Photo Guide Of Celebrating ‘Khareef’ (Monsoon) In Salalah

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Salalah Tourist Attractions – Al Baleed Archeological Site and Museum of Frankincense Land

Salalah has a thriving history of the Frankincense land as it was the center of the civilization ages ago. Now, the remains of the Frankincense civilization have been preserved at the Al-Baleed Archeological site , which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entrance to the site costs OMR 2 per car (as of October 2018) , which goes towards the maintenance of the site. Tourists can either take a self-guided tour by walking around the site, which is marked with markers. Snippets of history can be found written all across the site. The other option is to take a guided tour, which is a 15-minutes golf cart ride costing 0.500bz per person (as of October 2018) .

Adjacent to the remnants of the ancient city is the Museum of Frankincense Land. Free to enter, the museum homes some really interesting artifacts of the Frankincense land. History of how Islam was introduced in the region and the past civilizations is also displayed in the museum. A dedicated section of the museum also showcases Oman’s maritime history and traditional Omani vessels (dhows) are put on display. Al Baleed Archeological Site and Museum of Frankincense Land is one of the top Salalah tourist attractions and definitely worth a visit.

Also Read: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Muscat, Oman

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Mughsail Beach & Al Marneef Cave

Al Mughsail beach about 40 km from Salalah city center is one of the most popular beaches in Salalah and perhaps one of the top Salalah tourist attractions. Located towards the border of Yemen in the south of Salalah, Al Mughsail offers a long pristine coastline which eventually connects with limestone cliffs towards the end of the beach. The popularity of Al Mughsail beach is the natural blowholes in the cliffs that splash water from the ground whenever a strong wave strikes the cliff. The beach can get really crowded during the Khareef season and public holidays so an early morning visit would be perfect to avoid the crowd. Picnic huts, food stalls, and ice cream trucks, everything can be found at Al Mughsail beach for a perfect beach day!

The limestone cliffs at the beach that were long back submerged in the water are called the Marneef Cave. The cave is just hollow spaces in the cliffs, wide enough for a person to sit or barely stand in it. A perfect view of the limestone cliff cave can be achieved by walking down all the way to the blowholes with the cave in the background. Needless to say, it is quite a picturesque picnic spot and definitely and a must-visit place in Salalah.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Sumhurum (Khor Rohri)

Sumhurum in the Khor Rohri area of Salalah is around 28 km from the main center of Salalah. It is an ancient site stuck back in the time. The artifacts at Sumuhurm are as old as 2000 years ago.  Now, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sumhurum is one of the top Salalah tourist attractions. The entrance to the site costs OMR 1 (as of October 2018). Visitors can take a self-guided tour by walking across the site and seeing the remnants and artifacts of the older civilizations which had stayed in the area centuries ago. It is an archeological site, where artifacts such as clay pots, old boats and even ancient inscriptions engraved on the bricks can be found. Also, as a bonus, there is a small deserted beach to walk along one of the oldest historic remains existing in Oman.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Taqah Castle

The Taqah Castle is one of the most popular castles in the Dhofar governorate of Oman. It is located in the old city of Taqah, 33 km away from Salalah city center. The castle was initially a residence of the governor of the old city of Taqah, which have now been transformed into a museum. It displays old weapons and lifestyle materials that were essential to the old Omani lifestyle and custom. The architectural design and ancient contents of the castle make it an interesting tourist attraction of Salalah.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Hawana Aqua Park

The Hawana Aqua Park of Salalah is a recently constructed waterpark in the city and one of the biggest in Oman. The park was initially accessible only by the hotel guests in the area. The entrance fee costs OMR 7 per adult and OMR 3 per child. The state of the art water park is built on a huge area, with many development phases still undergoing. This new Salalah tourist attraction includes water slides, leisure pools, a children pool, pool-front cabins, sliding swimming pools, wave pools, and the main tower.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Salalah Coconut Market

Salalah is a fertile land with the highest production of banana and coconuts in the country. Unlike the rest of Oman where you will find ample date trees everywhere, Salalah is the only region in the country with no dates tree but coconut! Due to the abundance of coconut in the city, there is a dedicated street of coconut market near Ad Dahariz beach in Salalah. The street gets jammed pack with cars as soon as the sun sets, which clearly shows its popularity among the locals. Along with coconut, banana, sugarcane juice, and dry fruits are also being sold the coconut street market.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Ad Dahariz Beach

Many tourists termed Salalah as the hidden gem of the Middle East . Most of the tourist destinations in Salalah are far from the main city center but Ad Dahariz beach and undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches in Oman lies right in the heart of the city. It is a beautiful sandy beach with a lighted walkway for walking and jogging, which makes it really popular among the locals. The beach is surrounded by an array of palm trees which gives it a surreal look during the golden hour. It is highly recommended to visit Ad Dahariz beach at least once and indulge in the beauty and calm of the place.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Husn Souq

Al Husn Souq also known as Al Haffa Souq in Salalah is the main traditional old market similar to the Muttrah Souq in Muscat. The souq is located at the beachfront adjacent to the marvelous Sultan Palace. The shopping district is spread over small congested but pedestrianized alleys. Souvenirs from the Frankincense land are widely available at Al Husn Souq . Also, do not forget to grab your hand at the Omani fragrances of ‘Bukhoor’ and ‘Attar’. It is also a great place to see the making of traditional Omani caps.

Salalah Tourist Attractions – Anti-Gravity Point

Nothing fancy here but surely interesting. The Anti-Gravity point in Salalah near Tawi Atair (exact coordinates here) is a point where cars go uphill at a speed of 40 to 60 km without an acceleration in neutral gear. This is a natural phenomenon of magnetic pull created because of many big mountains in the proximity. Surprisingly, it is one of the top Salalah’s tourist attractions and people line up their cars to witness the natural phenomenon.

Here Are Some Not-To-Be-Missed Tours To Take In Salalah!

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Looking for more adventures to do in Oman? Check out my Oman Destination Guides:

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35 comments

Fantastic post. Your shots are amazing. I really want to get to Oman. Maybe that will this coming winter’s destination. I need to do some serious thinking. ??

Thank you so much! Yeah, winter is the best time to visit Oman, you should certainly consider visiting Oman in winter

Thanks, it’s quite informative

[…] largest city in the Dhofar governate of Oman, Salalah is popular for its mystical and beautiful Khareef (monsoon) season. From July to September, the […]

The place is such a perfect gateway, a beautiful land and its history.

All the pictures are so amazing.This place looks so rich in culture and filled with architectural genius.

Thank you, Corina!

Wow!Such a wonderful place to visit, great review. So stunning photos. Great shot!

Thank you 🙂

This is such a great round up of Information. Do you have something similar about Dubai & Abu Dhabi? Let me check through the archives.

Hey Trisha! I’m sorry as of now I have drafted the guides for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, I would let you know once I am done publishing Dubai & AD destination guides. Thank you

Wonderful place where I spend 18 years of my life from 1978 to 2006. Would love to go back someday and see how Salalah is now!

I have never been there but it looks like a nice destination getaway for my family and I am sure they will really enjoy this place.

Wow! Never even heard of this place before but it looks like a great place perfect for adventure.

The coconut market sounds like the kind of place I’d like to see! Curious if they have coconut sweets as well. It’s one of my favorites.

Is there a good time of the year to go?

The perfect time to visit Salalah is the Monsoon season (Mid-July to September). Do check out my guide about the Monsoon season ‘Khareef’ in Salalah. Thank you 🙂

There’s something for everyone! Number one on my list would be the castle. I love visiting old residences and wondering what life was like for the people who lived there.

That sounds like you should definitely plan a visit to Salalah soon!

Those are some great pictures of the tourist attractions in Oman. I think my family would enjoy the water park as well as the beach. Thank you for the great visuals

Thank you, Dwight! I am so happy you liked it. Oman is a great place to visit with family

Such a comprehensive and helpful review! I am a history lover and am fascinated by antiquity. This sounds like a place I must visit.

Thank you, Lindsay! You should definitely visit Oman if you’re into history. You won’t be disappointed from this country at all 🙂

This place looks so rich in culture and filled with architectural genius .There are even castles! Have never seen one before!

Never even heard of this place before but it looks absolutely amazing! Definitely going on the bucket list…

This is such a comprehensive list. Thank you for sharing. I would need to save this for my own future travels!

Thank you so much! I am happy you find it useful.

I have never been to Oman before but I have always wanted to visit, it looks so beautiful

It is very beautiful undoubtedly!

Wow, these places are incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful Tourist Attractionsyou’ve got there. Thanks for sharing.

THIS IS THE TYPE OF PLACE I LIVE TO GO TO !!!!! Loveeee exploring ruins and such and learning about their histories!

That’s wonderful Gigi! I would definitely want you to visit Oman soon 🙂

Hi. Oman isnt a very famous turism destination here in Portugal but, i allways wanted to know. Your post made me want even more. It’s for sure in my “must do” list. And i want to trie the Anti-Gravity point in Salalah so much!! It must be great.

Thank you so much! I’m glad to know you find my post useful. And I’m even happier that now Oman is in your bucket list! Happy traveling 🙂

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Everything You Need to Know About Salalah's Khareef Season

Between wadis, mountains, crystal seas, golden beaches and sandy deserts, Oman provides nature-lovers with a lot to explore. Nevertheless, there’s nothing that turns Oman into a stunning paradise quite like khareef season in Salalah. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazingly natural festival.

What is salalah’s khareef season.

Khareef, which means ‘autumn’ in Arabic , is a period of seasonal weather in the southern Dhofar governorate of Oman. It causes the lands to become covered in green, the hills to be surrounded by white fog, and light rain to drizzle almost 24 hours a day. Unlike the extreme hot weather in the rest of Oman from July to September, Dhofar and its famous city Salalah have a cool refreshing weather that attracts visitors from all over the world. #khareefseason will start tomorrow (Tuesday) in #Dhofar governorate and will continue until September 21, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Are you planning to visit? #khareefsalalah A post shared by Times of Oman (@timesofoman) on Jun 20, 2016 at 4:03am PDT The Ministry of Tourism runs a special ‘Khareef Festival’ and ‘Salalah Tourism Festival’ to celebrate this spectacular season, featuring special traditional performances alongside stalls selling Omani handicrafts and traditional food . #khareefsalalah #salalah #welovesalalah #weloveoman A post shared by Trade links (@tls_food_service_equipment) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

Where to go and what to do during khareef season

Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is one of the most famous and the most beautiful wadis in Dhofar in southern Oman. During khareef season, it becomes completely covered with green vegetation. It has a big beautiful lake, green mountains that are surrounded with white fog, and amazing waterfalls. Visitors can take an unforgettable boat trip through the lake in Wadi Darbat, or stop off at the many stalls selling fresh fruit around the wadi. in love 💚💚💚 #monsoon #rain #Salalah #wadidarbat #darbat #khareef A post shared by Karolina Kobus (@kobuskarolina) on Aug 9, 2017 at 3:37am PDT Al Mughsail Beach

Another amazing place to enjoy the natural beauty of Salalah during khareef season is the beach at Al Mughsail. As one of the most spectacular beaches in Salalah, it has a dramatic coastline with crashing waves.

It has also unique blowholes that are scattered across the beach, where sea water rushes strongly forming natural fountains. You will most likely get wet if you stop to check them out, but it is absolutely an unmissable experience. Blow hole #mughsailbeach #blowholes #waterspray #oman A post shared by Rachel Harrison-Wallace (@rhmh.w) on Oct 26, 2016 at 10:02pm PDT Haffa Souq

This place is one of the biggest and most famous local markets in Salalah, where you can buy amazing traditional Omani items such as gold and silver jewelry, handicrafts, Omani clothes, pottery, and frankincense. It is also a great place to get a sense of the Omani culture and heritage. During khareef season, traditional Omani and Dhofari performances take place here. Shopping in Salalah Souq #loveoman❤️ #oman🇴🇲#haffasouq #dhofar A post shared by sandra (@beluga61) on Mar 4, 2017 at 9:27pm PST Try the famous traditional Omani camel meat

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One of the most famous dishes in Salalah is camel meshkak , which is kebab made from camel meat. With special Omani seasoning, traditional Omani rice and Omani bread, this is an unmissable mouthwatering dish. There are lots of stalls and restaurants that serve this dish – however, the Sahl Ittin, or Ittin Plain, is the best-known place where there are lots of stalls that serve the dish, along with grilled chicken and beef, rice, bread and salads. It is located near the city center, and visitors can enjoy their meal in the middle of beautiful views and fresh air. Miracle land🌴 #tb #to #salalah #vscocity #vscocam #camelmeat #instafood #vscolife A post shared by Abd_ll_ah (@your_father.__) on Jun 5, 2017 at 5:52am PDT Al Fazayeh Beach

Al Fazayeh Beach is another mind-blowing natural attraction to visit in Salalah. It has amazingly crystal turquoise waters, and a rocky coastline. The drive to the beach goes through splendid green mountains and beautiful natural scenery.

Drink Salalah’s famous coconut juice

Coconut trees are everywhere in Salalah, which makes coconut juice one of the most famous fresh juices in the city, and the most in-demand, especially in khareef season. There are many fresh fruit huts or stalls in Salalah and Dhofar where visitors can stop off to quench their thirst – make sure to try it as you watch the mind-blowing natural attractions of Salalah . Having coconut drink at tropical style fruit huts (stalls) is a refreshing activity#coconutporn #wadidarbat #salalah#nature#river A post shared by Nancy (@nancita__) on Sep 3, 2017 at 11:55pm PDT

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PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH, OMAN

Scribbled by Claire   |   03 Mar 2023  |  MIDDLE EAST   |  OMAN

◊ Salalah, Oman’s second city, isolated on the far-south coast near the Yemeni border, feels a world away from, well, anywhere. It could be an independent nation, surrounded by the utterly inhospitable Rub al Khali desert, the vast oil plains of central Oman and thousands of kilometres of entirely empty, breathtaking coastline. If you choose to travel via the desolate, 1000-plus-kilometre trail from Muscat, Salalah’s impact is especially significant.  Despite this description, Salalah, the foremost city in the governorate of Dhofar, has plenty of things to do for any visiting tourist – its diversity is astounding. The city itself, unlike much of Oman, is covered in fruit trees rather than date palms. During the Khareef summer season, the surroundings are a deep, fertile jungle green, with waterfalls spilling over melting travertine cliffs. In the winter, Salalah is perfect for camping and outdoor adventures, with clear skies and some of the best beaches on the planet. The Dhofar Mountain landscapes are as spectacular as the  Hajar range  in the north, with craggy, precipitous ridges jutting up against the remarkable turquoise of the Arabian Sea. For the most intrepid, the deep, almost glowing, burnt orange of the Rub al Khali desert sports some of the largest sand dunes on the planet. Although Salalah often comes up second fiddle to Muscat, receiving significantly less visitors than its capital to the north, this does not do justice to the city’s beauty. Having spent many weeks in the region over three trips, this is our exhaustive, enthusiastic list of the best places to visit in Salalah, Dhofar. ◊

Hajar Mountains

Beehive Tombs

IN THIS GUIDE //

Places to visit in Salalah, Oman

WHY VISIT SALALAH? GETTING TO SALALAH – DRIVING FROM MUSCAT TO SALALAH — THE SCENIC ROUTE – MUSCAT TO SALALAH BY BUS – MUSCAT SALALAH FLIGHTS – DUBAI TO SALALAH WHERE TO STAY IN SALALAH BEST TIME TO VISIT SALALAH MAP: PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH – PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH CITY – PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH – OUTSIDE THE CITY FINAL THOUGHTS – PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH

WHY VISIT SALALAH?

Salalah is simply a little different to the rest of Oman. Even if you’re well-acquainted with the northern part of Oman, it is worth revisiting the country to experience the uniqueness of its southern coast. Here are some reasons: ◊ There is a heavy Yemeni influence in the region – it feels like entering an entirely new country (it’s still wonderfully Omani though!). A resident we met there was explaining how, in the south, they even speak a different, pre-Arabic language. ◊ Khareef season and Salalah Tourism Festival – if you are visiting in the summer months of late June to early September, the monsoon season really puts on a show, with temporary waterfalls flowing ubiquitously and the scenery turning an uncharacteristic green. The tourism festival has a range of events on throughout the summer in the city. ◊ Exquisite camping locations – we think that some of the  best wild camping  in the world can be found in the region surrounding Salalah. ◊ Frankincense trade history – the UNESCO recognised locations in Oman were some of the most important and oldest caravan trade routes in the ancient world. ◊ Lack of tourists – Salalah has so few international tourists. We’ve never spent time at the best places to visit in Salalah with other tourists, unless they were Omani. ◊ Diverse landscapes – for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s all about the deserts, beaches, mountains, waterfalls and coastlines. All of which are spectacular.

GETTING TO SALALAH

Salalah is a small, isolated city with a population of around 450,000. It is situated on the southern Omani coast in the governorate of Dhofar (the largest in Oman), bordering Yemen and Saudi Arabia. This governorate is made from ten wilayats, or provinces, including the wilayat of Salalah. To reach this region, the options are to drive, take a bus or fly.

DRIVING FROM MUSCAT TO SALALAH

The distance from Muscat to Salalah is around 1000 kilometres, when taking route 31, the fastest highway through central Oman. This can be driven in one long day and takes around 9.5 hours. It’s an easy, comfortable drive, mostly frequented by lorries. Often, during certain sections, you’ll have miles and miles of road all to yourself (if you discount the camels!). This is the quickest way to travel from Muscat to Salalah by road. There are services along this route, including gas stations, bathrooms and shops. The journey can be begun from the beautiful ancient city of  Nizwa  too, which cuts off an hour or so of the total travel time. Oman is not a particularly public transport-friendly country so we’d suggest renting your own vehicle, plus Oman is  very safe  and easy to drive in. Check out our guide to  driving in Oman  for more information.

THE SCENIC ROUTE

It is also possible to drive the Muscat to Salalah coastal ‘scenic’ route. This will take, at minimum, several days but is well-worth the detours if you have the available time. The route can include as many of the following as you’d want: the coastline before and after Sur, Ras al Jinz, Masirah Island, Duqm, Ras Madrakah, Miji, Ash Shuwaymiyyah, Hasik, Sadah and Mirbat. Including all these stops is time consuming, but for the ultimate Oman adventure, we’d absolutely recommend it!

CAR HIRE FOR YOUR SALALAH TRIP

We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Morocco, with Discover Cars . They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them. If you book through the link below, we make a small profit, at zero cost to you, which helps us write these posts with no advertising! We only endorse products and companies we actually use regularly. For more information, read our position on affiliates . –

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MUSCAT TO SALALAH BY BUS

To travel by road from Muscat to Salalah, another option is the public bus. It is then simple to rent a vehicle in Salalah directly if you don’t want to drive the 1000-kilometre journey yourself! Buses run from Muscat to Salalah using the Mwasalat service. These are decent quality intercity services, run by the Omani authorities. As of mid-2023, the intercity route 100 operates between Muscat and Salalah three times a day at 07:00, 18:00 and 19:30. A single ticket costs 8 OMR (about £16) and a return ticket is 12.5 OMR (about £25.50). Tickets are reservable online via the website (when the website works) and the timetable can be found on the  Mwasalat website . The journey takes around 13 hours. 

FLIGHTS FROM MUSCAT TO SALALAH

Direct flights from Muscat to Salalah operate multiple times daily with SalamAir and Oman Air. These cost from around 30 OMR (about £60) each way and take around 1.5 hours. We use  Skyscanner  to research and book all of our flights.

DUBAI TO SALALAH

There are no direct buses from Dubai to Salalah, Oman. Two buses are needed to travel the Dubai to Salalah route by public transport. First, take the Al Khanjry  bus from Dubai to Muscat , then the Mwasalat service from Muscat to Salalah. This could potentially mean an overnight stop in Muscat.  It is also possible to fly directly from Dubai to Salalah with Flydubai or Emirates. Emirates often costs double the price of Flydubai. If you are looking for the cheapest flights possible from Dubai to Salalah, consider flying from Abu Dhabi instead. Wizz Air fly directly from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, often for as little as 100 AED or 11 OMR one way (about £21). Check all the routes mentioned in this section on  Skyscanner  – it’s the cheapest place to book flights and the only site we personally use and vouch for.

WHERE TO STAY IN SALALAH

Salalah has a myriad of accommodation options depending on your budget. There are numerous upscale, luxury resorts along the beaches and coast, budget apartments within the city and affordable business-style hotels in the centre. For a mid-range business hotel that we have stayed in a few times, we recommend the Salalah Gardens Hotel. It’s in a mall with an attached Carrefour hypermarket and is near a Lulu hypermarket. The hotel is central, has tonnes of free parking, access to shops, the rooms have small kitchenettes and there is an exceptional breakfast. Another fantastic budget option is to wild camp. There are so many incredible spots with unimaginable views; it’s truly a camper’s dream. To learn more about camping, take a look at our guide to  camping in Oman , plus our  favourite camp sites  across the country. – IS OMAN EXPENSIVE TO TRAVEL?    |    22 THINGS TO DO IN NIZWA

BEST TIME TO VISIT SALALAH

Salalah can be enjoyed all year around, although daytimes are always hot, between 28 and 35 degrees throughout the year. The nights in Salalah are more moderate during the winter months, perfect for camping, with no rain and clear skies. Khareef (monsoon) season | this runs through the summer months of June to September. In other countries, many would avoid the monsoon season, but it’s actually the most popular time to visit Salalah. The verdant landscapes and incredible waterfalls are only present during this time. Temperatures drop significantly during July and August too, making outdoor pursuits tolerable! Winter | personally, we love visiting Salalah during the winter months of December to February for its clear blue skies, lack of rain and warm temperatures. This season is also perfect for camping, diving and dolphin and whale spotting from the coast. After March, until around the Khareef season in June, the day and night-time temperatures rise to the low-thirties and upper-twenties respectively. 

PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH – MAP

Below is a saveable Google Map of everything around Salalah mentioned throughout this post. Yellow markers are beaches. Blue are wadis and waterfalls. Other items are orange. Places within Salalah are purple. To save this map, click the star icon next to the title.

PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH

Places to visit in salalah city.

The city of Salalah is where most people will base themselves on a trip to southern Oman. It has all the normal mod-cons such as malls, cinemas, hotels, supermarkets, plus an international airport. The city also boasts the biggest seaport on the Arab peninsula, so expect to see some industry! To counter this, it has manicured, palm lined boulevards, beautifully crafted roundabouts and is frankly just an incredibly attractive city!

Salalah is home to some  exceptional beaches  that were always empty when we visited (despite being in the centre of a city!). They are low-key, lined with coconut palms and what felt like endless space to park and drive on the sand. Further east, Dhareez Beach is lined with small restaurants and shady cabanas, ideal for families (and great for bird watching!).

SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE

Named for the former leader of Oman, Sultan Qaboos, who was originally from Salalah, this central Salalah mosque is exquisite and allows visitors between 08:00 and 11:00 each day but Friday.

AL BALID ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE (OR AL BALEED)

Al Balid, part of the UNESCO designated ‘Land of Frankincense’ site, is an easy-to-access archaeological site containing the remnants of an ancient city that prospered after the decline of Kohr Rori. As with its predecessor, Al Balid was known for the proliferation of Frankincense. There are even informative signs in English, a rarity in Oman! Also on-site is the ‘Museum of the Land of Frankincense’ which is worth spending some time at to learn more about why this site is significant, although mostly it seems to be about the maritime history of this region of Oman. The entry fee is 2 OMR per car and the site is closed on Fridays and Sundays. There is also a nearby beach too.

BUY SOME FRUIT

It’s a weird one, but everyone visits the fruit markets along As Sultan Qaboos Street, the main road running parallel to the beach. Driving along here, you’ll see a tonne of thatched little stalls with many bananas hanging from them. We bought a load of fruit and also got to try some raw tamarind, which was a first for us!

PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH – OUTSIDE THE CITY

Surrounding Salalah is some of the most scenic landscapes across the entire of the Gulf, in our opinion. It’s striking, dramatic and no matter what time of year, you’ll find something memorable to see and do! Here, in no particular order, are the best places to visit in Salalah. If a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary, we’ve mentioned it, plus any fees and the distance from central Salalah.

WADI DARBAT

This is possibly the  best wadi in Oman , despite having relatively few visitors when compared with places like  Wadi Shab  and Wadi Bani Khalid in northern Oman. Wadi Darbat, around a half-hour drive east of Salalah, is easy to access by paved roads and even has facilities like cafes and bathrooms (an extreme rarity in Oman!). The outrageously blue-green waters and immense waterfalls will astound you, even during the dry season (this wadi runs year-round). We’ve written a detailed up-to-date  guide for Wadi Darbat , so if you’re interested in visiting, check it out.

Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  46 kilometres

BEACHES IN SALALAH

There are so many absolutely epic beaches in and around Salalah. If you are looking for some jaw-dropping coastline, the best sandy strips and scenery in the entire of Oman are found in the Dhofar region. There are different types of beaches in Salalah for every kind of traveller. From family friendly ones like Mughsail Beach and Dhareez Beach, to isolated four-wheel drive only beaches like Shaat Hidden Beach and the multiple Fazayah beaches. In Dhalqut, there are white, sandy beaches without a single footprint on them, accompanied by crystal-like turquoise waters, offering views of Yemen’s mountains. No matter what beach you are looking for, Salalah has it in droves. Have a look at our dedicated post on the most  beautiful beaches in Salalah  for more information.

Car:  2WD/4WD dependent on choice Cost:  always free Distance from Salalah:  various

WADI AYUN (AIN AYUOON)

This is a less well-known, all-year  wadi in Oman  that will almost certainly have you exploring some pools completely alone (apart from some oversized dragonflies). Wadi Ayun is an easy to access valley (on a gravelly road), less than an hour inland from Salalah, which makes for an amazing half day of exploring. It’s not particularly suited for young kids though as there are quite a few cliff edges and uneven paths. The 20-minute hike from the carpark is only mildly intrepid, having to find your way to the bottom of a gorge where the beautiful blue pools sit, enclosed by small patches of tall grass (somehow both times we visited we got lost though). If you perch on the overhangs at the valley top, you can watch birds swoop in and out of openings in the cliffs opposite, while listening to the call to prayer echoing from miles away. There are no facilities anywhere near the site either, so bring food, water, a hat and sunblock (there is very little shade!).

GPS:  17.248528, 53.887546 Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  56 kilometres

DHALQUT (DHALKUT)

We mentioned Dhalqut above in relation to beaches, and this little town has one of the best beaches in Oman. It’s also pretty much as far as you can drive without passing the border into Yemen! Dhalqut is a small place, but has a lovely beach, some stunning scenery and even a crashed helicopter on the beach. Half the fun of visiting is the outstanding scenic drive – the journey to Dhalqut is worth it for this alone. It is also possible to visit Wadi Sayq (just off the road) en-route, plus the beaches mentioned in the ‘beaches in Salalah’ section above.

Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  158 kilometres

Once the capital of southern Oman, the ancient city of Mirbat is just under an hour east of Salalah, past  Wadi Darbat . Historically, it was well-known for Arabian horses and the frankincense trade. As a traditional southern Omani town, it’s worth checking out the harbour, with its traditional dhow boats and Yemeni-style merchant housing. Mirbat, as with everywhere along the Dhofar coastline, is also home to some empty white sandy beaches. Mirbat Castle, the site of a well-known battle in 1972, is also worth a visit but is currently under renovation (in 2023).  Our favourite thing to do near Mirbat is off-roading to the east of the city, towards the tiny town of Sadah. The entire area has superb coastal views, exquisite mountains, birdwatching and even camping. It’s a nature-lover’s playground.

Car:  2WD (4WD for off-roading) Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  70 kilometres

KHOR RORI AND THE FRANKINCENSE TRAIL

An estuary at the mouth of Wadi Darbat, Khor Rori is an attractive stretch of water (‘Kohr’ means ‘fresh-water outlet’), bound by a sand bar during low tide and home to the ruins of the historic fortified trading city of Sumhuram. Founded around the 4th century BCE, Sumhuram has historical trading connections to Yemen, India and even as far as the Mediterranean. It is regarded as one of the most important trading posts in ancient Arabia as a result. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 (as part of the ‘Land of Frankincense’), it’s worth visiting just for the views alone (even if you’re not into the Frankincense Trail history). This is a fascinating stop, perfect for a day trip twinned with a visit to Wadi Darbat. They are connected geographically and located off the same highway junction.

Car:  2WD Cost:  entry to Khor Rori/Sumhuram – per vehicle 2 OMR Distance from Salalah:  41 kilometres

UBAR AND THE RUB AL KHALI DESERT

The lost city of Ubar (or Wubar or Shisr), although technically part of the Frankincense Trail UNESCO World Heritage site, is probably not worth driving all the way out to the desert for (it’s far!). This city was a major stopping point on the caravan trade routes across Arabia and historically a very significant site, however is not super exciting to visit nowadays. As much as I’m a big fan of solitude and adventure, it’s only partly excavated and there’s not much known about the site.  However, it’s worth heading to Ubar if you also intend to check out the world-class dunes of the Rub al Khali desert, by following the road onwards towards ‘Fasad’. From there, the tracks lead to the desert, but please don’t go without adequate preparation, such as extra fuel, food, water and driving in a convoy. You’ll need to have experience driving on sand too. If you want to go but aren’t comfortable with the risks, consider taking a tour, such as this  tour with Viator .

Car:  2WD/4WD essential for sand dunes Costs:  entry to Ubar: vehicles 2 OMR each Distance from Salalah:  170 kilometres

AROUND HASIK

East of Sadah, and a lengthy two-hour drive east of Salalah, is the tiny town of Hasik. This unassuming little town is surrounded by some of the most unbelievable scenery. It is backed by dramatic peaks and fronted by wide stretches of sand, punctuated with small fishing boats. We would recommend camping as it is a bit of a drive to get here and back in a day from Salalah. However, if you can’t camp, we’d still recommend a visit – the drive may be long, but the scenery is utterly epic! There is also the option to stay in Mirbat, which cuts the driving time in half. A few places we recommend visiting in the area include: ◊ Wadi Al Nakheel  17.599463, 55.253040 ◊ Canyon View Point  17.730869, 55.312311 ◊ Dolphin and whale watching (in the dry season) – common between Hadbeen and Hasik ◊ Prophet Saleh’s Tomb (PBUH)  17.312315, 55.257969 ◊ Natif Waterfall (during the rainy season) ◊ Waterfall at Ash Shuwaymiyyah  17.935166, 55.526805

Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  187 kilometres

The biggest highlight of a trip to the pretty little coastal town of Taqah, a little east of Salalah, is Taqah Castle. This 19th century fortification turned museum shows off tools, weapons and more from ancient Oman. It’s compact, with beautiful architecture and stretching views from the top of the steep steps up. The castle was closed the last time we visited, so check ahead. It’s also worth popping up on the cliffs to the east of the town (‘Taqah View Point’,  17.031892, 54.409972 ) for some exceptional views of the even more exceptional beach. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, continue further along the coast to the east and check out ‘Taqah Hidden Beach’ and alternative views of the Kohr Rori sand bar ( 17.031234, 54.434247 ).

Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  34 kilometres

EFTALQUOT (OR IFTALQOOT)

Eftalquot, for some completely unfathomable reason, isn’t a place you’ll see popping up on most travel blogs for Salalah. It’s a large cliff side region just to the west of Salalah’s port area and, if you’re willing to wander down the steep cliffs, presents you with a wide stretch of beach. There is a massive, rusting, abandoned ship at the bottom of the cliffs, just sitting there in the perfect green-blue ocean. Aside from this, the most fantastic views and zero other visitors, there’s also some seriously fun off-road tracks if you have rented a four-wheel drive vehicle.  We spent one of our favourite days in Salalah here, and it was only supposed to be an hour!

Car:  4WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  41 kilometres

GRAVITY HILL

This is a weird, quirky stop, a little off the main highway east of Salalah. It’s a spot on the road where if you put your car in neutral, it will appear to be rolling up hill against gravity due to the surrounding terrain. You can try it out – just keep an eye out for the sign ‘Location of Gravity’. It’s weird, but a little bit of weird fun.

GPS:  17.041226, 54.612730 Car:  2WD Cost:  0 Distance from Salalah:  59 kilometres

WATERFALLS AND SPRINGS DURING THE KHAREEF

The monsoon season brings a lot of rain to Salalah (and strangely, tourists). Normally, excessive rain would be a downer, but in the case of Salalah it’s a huge draw. This is the busiest time of year in the city as most tourists visit to see the ayns (meaning ‘springs’) or waterfalls. The Salalah Tourism Festival, running from mid-July to the end of August, coincides with the Khareef season, holds various events across the city. Here is a list of a few springs and waterfalls you might consider checking out: ◊ Ayn Jarziz – a lovely green spot with some waterfalls, very close to Salalah ◊ Ayn Sahlounout – pretty pool, close to Salalah ◊ Ayn Razat – some nice pools and caves ◊ Ayn Athum – very cool waterfalls and an amazing travertine cliff

Car:  2WD Cost:  free Distance from Salalah:  various

FINAL THOUGHTS – PLACES TO VISIT IN SALALAH

Salalah is often missed off an Oman itinerary due to its distance from Muscat. However, we love the city of Salalah and have returned on each and every visit to Oman. It’s an absolute banger and rarely gets visitors from outside the Gulf states, which is a shame. We feel that you could easily spend a week or more exploring the best places to visit in Salalah and the surrounding Dhofar region. If you get the opportunity, definitely consider it for your next trip! Whether you are visiting for waterfalls and lush greenery, soaring cliffs,  pristine sandy beaches , off-road adventures, ancient history or otherworldly sand dunes, Salalah and surrounding Dhofar will not disappoint. We hope this is helpful, have an amazing trip!

Hi, thanks for visiting our blog! If this post has been of help to you, or you’ve just enjoyed our random ramblings and musings, say thank you by  buying us a coffee ! It helps keep The Restless Beans blog up and running without ads. Thank you, Claire + Nick

The 10 Best Beaches in Oman

Hiking to the Wadi Damm Pools

A Classic One-Week Road Trip from Muscat, Oman

The 20 Best Things to do in Oman

Witnessing Ancient Omani Traditions at the Nizwa Goat Market

Exploring the Curious White Pools of Wadi Al Abyad, Oman

Hey thank you for the nice summaries. It really helps with our planning. Do you guys also know about snorkeling spots in Dhofar? Thank you!

Hi, thanks for your message! We’ve never been snorkelling in Dhofar but know it’s best around Mirbat, to the east of Salalah. There are a few hotels in that region who you could message that might know more specific details. We also met up with a whole bunch of divers who were (scuba) diving off Shaat Hidden Beach west of Salalah too, but I don’t know how decent it would be for snorkelling. If you find somewhere particularly good, let us know – I’d love to snorkel there on our next visit! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hello, we are thinking of coming for 8-9 days to salalah in october 2024. We’ve already done Oman (Muscat and around) and we loved it ! We did a lot of off road and camping … I am wondering if it’s really worth renting a 4×4 for salalah or 2WD is enough for seeing already nice place ? what would you recommend ? or share half of the week with 2WD and rest with 4×4 as the distance seems not so long …

Hello, just came back from Salalah 3 wks ago, rented a 2WD and completely regretted it. Salallah has too many off road off shoots so recommend 4WD

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Lush Arabia

November 21, 2018 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

I knew my trip to the Dhofar region in Oman’s far west would take place outside the annual Khareef (monsoon), but I was nonetheless excited to see all the tourist places in Salalah. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how kind and wonderful local people would be, and how my interactions with them would enhance my Oman trip as a whole.

Whether or not you plan to travel during the Salalah monsoon, and no matter what about Oman’s Dhofar region appeals most to you, I encourage you to continue reading. This is probably the most special place in Oman, regardless of what brought you to the Sultanate in the first place.

Is Salalah Worth Visiting Outside the Monsoon?

Most people head to Oman’s Dhofar region during the Salalah Khareef, or monsoon. Every July and August, heavy rains fall on this part of the country, which leads to cloudy skies, lush greenery and a general atmosphere that is impossible to find anywhere else on the Arabian peninsula. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, it was not possible for me to come during the time, and enjoy the best Salalah weather.

I’m happy to report, however, that I visited close enough to the end of the Salalah rainy season that there was still quite a bit of water at places like Wadi Darbat; the scenery, overall, was much greener than in the rest of Oman, even if it wasn’t out-of-this-world like it might’ve been months earlier. I’d definitely say Salalah is worth a visit any time of year, though you should come during Khareef if at all possible.

The Best Tourist Places in Salalah

Wadi darbat.

Whether you’re looking for hiking in Salalah or just want to take in some stunning scenery, Wadi Darbat is the place to go. You should keep in mind that if you visit outside the Khareef like I did, you will have to mostly travel on foot, while boat trips are a more popular option during the monsoon, when this lush landscape is literally brimming with water.

Salalah Waterfalls

Though most of the waterfalls in Salalah are in or near Wadi Darbat, I did decide to demarcate this attraction separately. In particular, I enjoyed the main Wadi Darbat Waterfall , not only because of the sweet watermelon seller I met there, but because of the lovely conversation I had with a photographer originally from Bangladesh, who is currently living in Muscat with his wife and two children.

Mughsail Beach

Some people wouldn’t consider Mughsail Beach one of the tourist places in Salalah, thanks to its distance west of the city center, but I definitely do. Beyond this, it’s one of the most impressive beaches in Oman , and certainly the most dramatic of the ones I saw (keeping in mind that I didn’t make it to Musandam governerate, home of the infamous “Arabian fjord.”)

Frankincense Forest

Officially known as Wadi Dawkah , and technically more of a grove than a forest, this place is a peaceful excursion—emphasis on the word “excursion.” It’s pretty far north of Salalah and far away from other attractions on this list, but I personally found its frankincense trees really appealing, especially since I went there the morning after the 2018 midterms.

Among the attractions in Salalah city center, the Gold Souq was the most easily accessible for me, and probably the most enjoyable. In fact, while I actually did drive over to the “old city” of Haffa, I found this to be a much more interesting experience. Additionally, while I would probably never buy gold myself, the opulence, glitz and glamour of this market was intriguing to me.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque

In fact, this mosque is rarely listed tourist places in Salalah, probably because it shares a name with a more famous cousin in Muscat. Notwithstanding the fact that Oman’s beloved sultan is actually from around here, the western branch (so to speak) of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is worth a visit, if only because of the picturesque coconut palms that line its perimeter.

Where to Stay in Salalah

Since I visited outside the monsoon, I wasn’t set on sleeping amid Salalah’s nature. Instead, I booked a room at the simple but cheap and relatively satisfying  Muscat International Hotel Plaza , which sits just steps from aforementioned Salalah attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Gold Souq.

However, if you want to stay outside the city or are simply looking for a more luxurious experience, a bevy of other options do exist. The  Hilton Salalah Resort , for instance, seems to be a popular choice for rich American and European families with children, as well as visitors from elsewhere in the Gulf. While  Souly Ecolodge Salalah is not quite as high-end, it does feel like it would be a scenic and beautiful place to ride out the Khareef, assuming you come to Salalah during that time.

Other FAQ About Visiting Salalah

Is salalah worth visiting.

Salalah is absolutely worth visiting! Even if you can’t come during the Khareef monsoon, the dramatic natural landscapes of western Oman are stunning at any time of year. Moreover, many of Oman’s best beaches are in this part of the country, if you’re interested in sun and surf.

Is it safe to travel to Salalah, Oman?

In spite of Salalah’s closeness to the border with Yemen, the city is just as safe as the rest of Oman. Oman’s government and military have heavily fortified all borders crossings, which means there is virtually no chance of militants entering, and therefore no reason for Saudi forces or their allies to extent their bombing campaign into Oman.

What is the best time to visit Salalah?

The best time to visit Salalah is during the month of August, when monsoon rains fill the area’s dry wadi beds, and the city lives up to the “Lush Arabia” moniker I’ve given it in this post. However, even if you can’t visit during August, and regardless of the weather in Salalah, it’s still a beautiful place to travel.

The Bottom Line

Although Oman’s Dhofar region is large and can seem intimidating, the list of tourist places in Salalah is surprisingly manageable. Additionally, while Salalah is obviously at its most beautiful during the annual Khareef (monsoon), you can still enjoy its attractions the rest of the year, particularly in the weeks and months after the last rains fall. Plus, people in Salalah are some of the kindest in all of Oman, which alone makes this distant city worth the long journey. Want to ensure your Oman trip is one for the record books? Hire me as your Travel Coach , and let me sweat the details!

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Salalah Itinerary: A Practical Travel Guide to Dhofar Region in Oman (+map)

Planning on visiting Salalah and Dhofar region in Oman but not sure where to start? This Salalah itinerary planner will walk you through the best places to visit and things to do in Salalah , how to get to Salalah and around the Dhofar region as well as the best places to stay for any budget, including some great camping spots. Use my Salalah travel guide to easily plan your unforgettable visit to the tropicals of the Middle East. 

Soaring peaks are rising above the clouds, majestic waterfalls are dropping into turquoise rivers gushing through the valleys of verdant rolling hills covered in fog. Wind-swept tall palm trees dot the white sand beaches with hundreds of camels freely roaming around. This is Salalah, the capital of Dhofar, Oman’s largest yet most remote region. It is locally known for the Khareef season- a phenomenal tropical monsoon somewhat similar to the one in Kerala, India. 

While the temperatures are hitting up and over 50 degrees Celsius during the Middle Eastern summer, Salalah in the south of Oman is blessed with mild weather and rain from June to mid-September. This climatic wonderland is where many locals in the Gulf region seek cooler weather and rush to enjoy the lush greenery.  

Although less known to international tourists compared to Muscat and Northern Oman, Salalah is the most magical place you will find in the Middle East.

Based on my Salalah road trip experience, I share practical travel tips on how to visit Salalah and the Dhofar region in Oman . The suggested itinerary includes the best places to visit in Salalah , when to visit, how many days to spend, and other handy tips and interesting facts about the area. 

It is a long post, thus feel free to skip ahead using a table of content. But I recommended going through all of it to learn how to best plan your Salalah trip. 

• For detailed information about driving from Dubai to Salalah, make sure to check my practical guide for Dubai to Salalah road trip . It can be also used if you are driving from Muscat . 
• Planning an Oman road trip? Check my suggested itinerary for a 7-day Oman road trip which covers the Nothern part of the Sultanate.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

Ultimate Salalah Travel Guide: How to Visit Dhofar Region in Oman

Is it worth visiting salalah and why travel to salalah and dhofar region in oman .

Salalah is unquestionably worth visiting when traveling to Oman. And here is why: 

• Salalah is one of the most distinct areas in Oman and the Middle East rich in the jaw-dropping scenery of dramatic cliffs, wild white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters reminiscent of the Caribbeans, lush banana plantations, and cascading waterfalls. 
• Also known for the abundance of Frankincense trees, Salalah historically was a major trade center along the Incense Trail. That being said, a few important archaeological sites are present to be explored. 
• However, what makes Salalah so unique is the above-mentioned tropical monsoon season locally known as Khareef. Starting in June the climate magically switches from dry to foggy and rainy. This unusual to the Middle East weather allows Salalah’s landscapes to transform into a green misty wonderland which you can witness every year until late September. 

How many days in Salalah? 

When planning my road trip to Salalah, I wasn’t sure how many days do I actually need to visit the area as the sights are spread out all over the place in the Dhofar region. 

There are guides suggesting 1 or 2 days itinerary for Salalah. However, after visiting it myself, I would recommend budgeting at least 3 to 4 days in Salalah . If you can, aim for a week in Salalah to travel slowly and enjoy the best of Dhofar.

The easiest way to plan the logistics is to look at Salalah city as a jump-off point for visiting surrounding areas. Thus, you would need:

• A minimum of 1 day for the west of Salalah;
• At least 1 day for the east side of Salalah;
• 1 day for Salalah city and nearby attractions;
• Add 1 more day if you want to visit Empty Quarter in the north. 

3-4 days would be just a short glimpse into this wonderful region of Salalah. Stay longer if you can. 

• My top picks of Salalah, Taqa, and Mirbat accommodations (more recommendations of different accommodations in the area at the end of this post)
• Grand Flora Hotel – Located in the busy part of Salalah city this hotel offers a reasonable rate to have a clean simple room to sleep in. They also have a cafe and restaurant which is good value for money and an easy choice instead of looking where to eat in the city. Price range: $
• Al Balled Resort by Anantara – Located at the beachfront oasis, this is Salalah’s first villa luxury resort which will provide you with a full-on luxury experience and is the perfect place to stay if you plan just to relax. Price range: $$$
• Havanah Salalah – located 30 minutes east of Salalah city in Havana compound, this studio type of room for up to 3 people has its own kitchenette and terrace and is a convenient base for visiting wadi Darbat and Samhan mountain, as well as Mirbat and Taqah. $$$
• Lovely Beach Apartment – located on Taqa beach, close to Taqa viewpoint, and as the name suggests this self-contained apartment (up to 3 people) offers a balcony with great sea views. $$
• Alila Hinu Bay Resort Mirbat – this gorgeous resort a few kilometers east of Mirbat offers a 5-star experience and getaway. Modern rooms with terraces and private pools, a huge common pool area, a restaurant, and a wild beach close by. Price range: $$$.

The best time to go to Salalah?

Unlike the rest of Oman, Salalah and the south of Dhofar are year-round destinations. Thanks to the rainy Khareef season, the temperatures in the South Dhofar region average 27 degrees Celsius making it possible to travel to Salalah any time of the year.

Summertime brings Khareef and is considered the peak season attracting many local visitors and tourists from surrounding GCC countries (UAE and Saudi Arabia). 

Visiting Salalah during the shoulder season

If you want to see the barren mountains turn green, and chase a few waterfalls, but avoid the Khareef crowds, the ideal time to go to Salalah is around the first week of September to the middle of September. I visited on the last week of September and I still was lucky to catch the fog, and greenery and see a couple of waterfalls (although not at their full capacity). However, this varies year to year depending on the amount of rainfall during monsoon.

The other advantage going in shoulder Khareef season is that there won’t be as much rain and the fog coverage isn’t too dense to be able to admire beautiful landscapes. The downside of the shoulder season is that the temperatures are slightly higher than in summer (around 30 degrees as opposed to around 26) and it is still extremely humid.

Visiting Salalah during the peak Khareef season

Unlike the rest of the middle east, late June, July, until the end of August is the peak of the Khareef season. It is also the time to see the iconic landscapes of Salalah in full bloom. This is the time when local Omanis, as well as residents and citizens of surrounding GCC countries (Saudi and the UAE), rush to Salalah in order to escape the exhilarating summer heat common for the Arabian Peninsula. 

The Arabian monsoon season in Dhofar brings light rain and thick fog. However, it is not extremely windy or stormy as the Asian type of monsoon. For this reason, Arabs really love coming to Salalah in summer. 

If you love the mysterious foggy scene and don’t mind the rain and the crowds following a similar itinerary or would like to visit the yearly Salalah festival held mid-July to late August, then Khareef is a perfect time to go to Salalah. 

Note though that hotels get quickly booked out in Salalah during Khareef months.

Nonetheless, if you are planning on wild camping, this might not concern you. The only thing to have in mind is that it rains a lot, and staying outdoors overnight might not be the most pleasant experience for some. 

Visiting Salalah outside Khareef season (from October to late May) 

Although greenery stays through the autumn, come to Salalah in winter or spring and you will find barren landscapes similar to the rest of the Middle East.  The amount of greenery and prevalence of waterfalls (except for Wadi Darbat which is green all year round) depends on the rainfall during each monsoon season. 

Nonetheless, the weather temperatures in autumn, winter, and spring will be still pleasant to enjoy outdoors. Also, clear skies in winter will allow admiring of impressive cliffs and landscapes which are usually hidden in the mist and clouds during the rainy season. Wild camping, especially on the beach, is also more pleasant in winter. 

If you are planning on exploring the Empty Quarter, on the North side of Dhofar, then winter is the ideal time to do so as temperatures will be lower. 

Post and pre-monsoon times from October to November and May to June sometimes bring turbulent stormy weather to the Salalah area. This is something not to be taken lightly as there were catastrophic natural events in south Dhofar. 

How to get to Salalah? 

The fastest way to get to Salalah is to take a flight from Oman’s capital Muscat or from the UAE. It takes only 1.5 hours from Muscat and 2 hours from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to reach Salalah by air.  Search for affordable flights from any destination using Skyscanner .

Adventurous travelers often choose to go on a long road trip either from Muscat or Dubai (UAE) . The journey requires driving over 1000 kilometers for 10 to 13 hours (depending on where you start from) for the shortest but the most boring route running through the dry desert without any tourist attractions in between. 

Nonetheless, the trip can be parted with an overnight stop in Nizwa- a traditional and culturally rich town in North Oman. 

You can also choose to follow the coastal road which is more dynamic but significantly longer than the inland route. Be ready to drive over 20 hours from south to north of Oman or vice versa. Account for at least 2 overnight stops to reduce the continuous and tiring time by the wheel. 

Before you opt to drive to Salalah, make sure to also read my detailed Dubai to Salalah road trip planner. 

It is possible to reach Salalah from Muscat by bus. The journey takes over 12 hours. The bus station is located in the Ruwi area. Surprisingly, the ticket price for such a long journey is only 10-20 EUR, depending on the bus company and the quality of the bus.

Oman visit visa

As a UAE resident, you no longer need a visa to enter Oman (your residency must be valid for at least 3 months). As a tourist in UAE, you will have to apply for Oman visit visa.  Some nationalities (mostly EU passport holders and the UK, US, and Canada) can also obtain a visa on arrival, although getting it online is recommended.

You can get an Oman visa online via the Royal Oman Police website. Alternatively, you can use ivisa services. Those guys will get the Oman visa sorted for you for an extra fee. 

ALSO READ: You can find detailed information about UAE-Oman visa types and requirements in my Dubai (UAE) to Oman by road post.

Do I need 4WD to visit Salalah? 

4WD is not essential to visit many of Salalah’s attractions. However, it is beneficial if you want to explore more and go offroad, as well as reach some of the secluded beaches. Also, if you are visiting during the Khareef season, some places which were reachable with any car during the dry season will be accessible only in a 4×4 (like Fazayah beach, for example). 

4WD is essential if you are planning to go into the desert (granted you know how to drive in the dunes) and some secret beaches via very bumpy steep offroad. 

If you are flying into Salalah and thinking about what type of car to rent, I would recommend still getting a 4 WD for complete freedom to reach all the places. 

Looking for a great rental car deal? I use those websites to shop for the best car hire rates:

• Check for the best car rental rates in Oman and UAE at Discovercars .
• Also, browse UAE rental car offers with local providers at Localrent .
• I also recommend cross-checking the offers with the biggest car search engine Rentalcars .

Salalah itinerary: the best things to do and places to visit in Salalah

Salalah City serves as a great base for visiting southern Oman. Most of the natural attractions lay outside the city spread in all directions and require 20 min to 2 hours of driving time, depending on the destination. 

For this reason, the best way to plan your Salalah itinerary is to dedicate different days to visit the west, east, central and north areas of Dhofar governorate. 

West of Salalah: best places to visit

Let’s start with the most dramatic area of all – the west side of Salalah. If you only had one day in Salalah, I would strongly recommend heading West toward the Yemeni border. 

The stretch of the coastline to the west of Salalah is the most jaw-dropping featuring high cliffs raising above the clouds, windy roads leading to secluded beaches, and a few sleepy Omani villages which surprisingly had the best specialty coffee in the area. The scenery reminiscing of Jurassic Park in close vicinity to the barren lands is something I found very fascinating.

The most beautiful places in west Salalah that you should include in your Salalah itinerary:

• Al Mughsayl beach and the blowholes (only seen in Khareef);
• Fazayah beach-one of the most beautiful beaches in the area (4WD is a must during Khareef);
• Shaat mountain viewpoint;
• Rakhyut seaside town;
• Dhalkut – the last town before the Yemeni border.

Al Mughsayl beach and the blowholes

Al Mughsayl (Al Mughsail) beach is one the well-known places in Salalah and is an extremely popular destination to visit due to the wonderful landscapes and phenomenal blowholes-the natural water fountain shooting from the ground. Kids especially find this attraction fascinating. Note that blowholes are only in their full power during Khareef season. The rest of the year you won’t see much.

Tip: if you want to skip the crowds you should visit Al Mughsail blowholes first thing in the morning. Together with Al Marneef cave in the same area, Mughsail is one of the most visited places in the west of Salalah. 

Before you reach the popular spot of Mughsail, you will pass an incredibly beautiful stretch of white sand beach with soaring rocks in the distance. To me, this part of Mughsail beach was more exciting than the tourist spot with blowholes and the cave. Although you can’t deny the beauty of the area, it is just too commercialized to my liking. Thus, I didn’t spend there much time. 

Continuing further west, you will start ascending Jabal Qamar taking some serious hairpin roads until you reach the turn-off point to Al Fazayah beach. 

Al Fazayah beach

The wild turquoise blue Fazayah is one the best beaches in Salalah and Dhofar governorate. Composed of the main beach and several secluded coves, Fazayah is accessible through a windy dirt road with mind-blowing views all around. 

You should have a 4WD if you are visiting during the rainy season. However, sedans with stronger engines also can manage driving slowly when it is dry. 

Shaat mountain viewpoint

At 1000 meters above sea level, suspended in the clouds Shaat mountain and a village of the same name are yet another impressive sight in West Salalah. 

The Shaat viewpoint is often covered in clouds and you will need some luck to get a clear view of the far-stretching high cliffs. It is very unlikely to get an opening between the clouds during Khareef season, but during the dry season in winter you should definitely be able to see some of the most amazing coastline views. 

Shaat secret beach (4 WD is a must) 

Another adventurous spot in the Shaat area is Shaat secret beach accessible only in 4WD. It is a small piece of paradise reachable within a steep offroad drive with a 1000-meter drop in elevation. Visiting Shaat hidden beach for safety reasons is advisable only during a drier season.

IMPORTANT: there is a military checkpoint before you reach Shaat viewpoint. Make sure you carry your passport, driving license for the driver, and car registration documents. The process is quick and straightforward- you will be asked where you going and that is it-officers are friendly.

Rakhyut fishing town

A quaint Rakhyut fishing village is situated midway from Shaat to Dhalkut. The drive to Rakhyut offers some of the most scenic vistas. The village itself is mysterious featuring a large beach with high cliffs around it. Account for 45 minutes one way when descending to Rakhyut from the main road. You can stop for lunch at one of a few local restaurants and get some great coffee in a kiosk next to Rakhyut wadi. 

Dhalkut – the last town before the Yemeni border

The last sleepy village even more strange than Rakhyut town is Dhalkut. It is also the last settlement before the Yemeni border and you will pass one more military checkpoint. 

The road leading to Dhalkut is sort of trilling-windy, steep and at the same time extremely scenic. 

We found a group of camels chilling in the sea-a scene I was always dreaming to photograph, thus the long drive was definitely worth it. 

Make sure to try the yummiest pistachio latte sold in a lonely kiosk at the very end of the main street which runs along the beach.

You can also stop at the ages-old baobab tree on your way in or out of Dhalkut.

TIP: If you want to visit all the above-mentioned places as a day trip from Salalah town, you must start extremely early with the sunrise or even before, and only spend a short time in each location. Trust me I tried doing them all in one day starting late at 9 AM and had to skip Al Fazayah beach because we ran out of daylight. 

The drive to the farthest point which is Dhalkut town is 2.5 hours. Detour to Rakhyut village adds another 45 minutes one way (1.5 hrs down and back up). You would also need at least 30 minutes to go down to Al Fazayah beach (1hour round trip).

Ideally, I would recommend sparing two days for visiting the west side of Salalah. You could go to the beaches of Mughsayl and Fazayah, as well as the Shaat mountain viewpoint on one of the 2 days, drive all the way to Dhalkut, and trace back with a stop at Rakiuyt on the second day.

Or if you are planning on camping, you could start from Dhalkut and move backward towards Salalah with an overnight stop in Rakhyut, or Shaat. Camping at Fazayah beach is also a great option during the drier season. 

East of Salalah: best places to visit

None of Salalah’s itinerary would be complete without visiting at least one of the wonderful waterfalls which are at full flow during the Khareef season. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls can be found on the East side of Salalah. Also, unmissable is Samhan mountain which rises above the sea of clouds, the antigravity point, and some characteristic fishing villages. 

The main attractions to visit in the East side of Salalah:

• Ayn Athum waterfall;
• Travertine Curtain Waterfall and Wadi Darbat;
• Jebel Samhan;
• Anti Gravity Point;
• Mirbat fishing town;
• Khori Rori (Sumhuram) archeological site.

Ayn Athum waterfall

Located in Jabel Qara, around 30 minutes drive through verdant hills east of Salalah City Ayn Athum waterfall (Ayn in Arabic means waterfall) is present during Khareef season. This gorgeous waterfall is cascading 15 meters down the rock and fills up a turquoise water basin. 

The accessibility of the Ayn Athum makes it one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. Arrive early in the morning if you want to enjoy yourself in peace. 

Travertine Curtain and Wadi Darbat waterfalls

Located in a year-round green gorge, Wadi Darbat waterfalls are the most famous in Salalah. Although undeniably beautiful but way too popular for my taste. One of the reasons is that Wadi Darbat waterfalls are easily accessible by any car. It is the most commercialized waterfalls area, where you can even find food stalls, and hire a small boat for paddling in the river. This makes it a very popular destination for families.

Note: swimming in the river is not permitted. 

Nonetheless, the most impressive and my favorite is the Travertine Curtain waterfall or Darbat Cascading Waterfall. It is more secluded than Wadi Darbat, although can be spotted from afar when driving the main road from Salalah to Taqah.

To reach the waterfall you must hike for around 15 minutes alongside the river via a rough path, parts of which require climbing up the boulders. For this reason, only the fit visitors attempt to get there, while families choose the more popular Wadi Darbat. 

You can also access Travertine Curtain by climbing up the hill via a dirt road which you can spot before reaching the car park. The elevated views of the waterfall are also beautiful. You can then descend to the waterfall through the bushes following a dirt path.

Note that as tempting as it looks, the Travertine Curtain water basin is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents. 

Jebel Samhan viewing point

Part of Jabel Samhan Nature Reserve, Mount Samhan is a massif literally rising above the clouds. Home to the endangered Arabian Leopard, Jebel Samhan is part of the highest mountain range in the Dhofar region and also the most striking place you will visit east of Salalah. 

The viewing point of Mount Samham is accessible by 2WD. You can also stroll above the clouds following a well-laid path for around 100 meters which later continues as an unpaved narrow mountain path following the edge of the cliff.

Anti-Gravity Point

Following the windy mountain road from Jebel Samhan towards Mirbat, you will come across the most mysterious place in Salalah, Oman. This is Antigravity Point or Magnetic Point. Here you can watch your car in neutral gear and see it moving uphill.  

I did not believe it until I tried it myself- indeed we set the gear to N and watch the car moving up. So, what is the science behind it, or is it really a supernatural phenomenon? Apparently, it is some sort of optical illusion. The road due to the surrounding landscape appears going uphill while in reality, it is a slight downhill. 

Mirbat fishing town

Once a prosperous frankincense port, the quiet Mirbat fishing town on the east side of Salalah is worth a visit if you love photographing local rugged places and fishermen at work. A strange town reverberating with cries of seagulls doesn’t seem to see that many tourists around. Nonetheless, Mirbat offers a unique setup with worn-out houses and colorful fishing boats lining up the port. I definitely enjoyed my short evening photo journey around the area.

Mirbat is located 1-hour drive from Salalah and could be a good overnight option if you are en route back to the North of Oman via the coastal road.

Khori Rori (Sumhuram) 

A river running through Wadi Darbat makes its way to the sea at Khori Rori located near Taqah town where you will find an important archaeological site – Sumhuram. It contains ruins of an ancient city that used to be an active harbor between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD. Historically an important frankincense trade port, Sumhuran is prescribed to the UNESCO heritage list. 

If you have more time those are the other points of interest in the area:

• Ayn Tabrook Waterfalls;
• Tawi Atair (Sinkhole);
• Taqah Castle;
• Taqah Viewpoint.

Best places to visit in Salalah city

Salalah is the second biggest city after the capital Muscat, although just a quarter of its size. Outside of less striking Salalah functional districts, the most exciting part of the city can be discovered in frankincense-infused alleyways of the old souq, palm-fringed white sand beaches reminiscing of Zanzibar and Bengali fresh fruit stalls lining up against the lush banana plantations. 

Places to visit in the city of Salalah:

• Salalah City beach (Al Haffa beach);
• Al Husn old Souq at Haffa;
• Coconut Huts;
• Al Baleed Archeological Park.

Salalah City beach (Al Haffa beach)

White sand Haffa beach lined with wind-swept tall skinny palm trees reminds more of the Caribbeans than the Middle East. 

Right at the center of Salalah City, it stretches for several kilometers east end west and offers some of the most spectacular sunsets. Locals flock to enjoy their evening at the beach. The downside is that people bring their cars as close to the sea as they possibly can. Nonetheless, it is still an interesting sight to witness in Salalah town.

For those of you keen on swimming, note that the sea is very rough during the Khareef season. However, if you come in winter and decide to have a beach day out tanning and swimming, make sure to wear shorts and a t-shirt as the beach is frequented by locals. Omani culture is conservative and it would look and feel awkward laying down on the public beach in a bikini. 

If you are aiming to suntan, the best is to stay at one of the wonderful Salalah resorts which are more tourist-oriented, or find some secluded empty beaches on the west or east side of Dhofar. 

Al Husn old Souq at Haffa Beach

A traditional Omani market just steps away from the shores of the palm-fringed beach of Salalah city is a place to wander around and shop for what Salalah has best to offer-frankincense. The Old Souq is quite small as many vendors ventured to the newer area in Haffa. Nonetheless, wandering those few alleys offers a unique cultural experience. You can even see women vendors covered in veils-something I haven’t seen in any other Souqs in Oman. 

In Al Husn souq, apart from frankincense incense, you can shop for traditional Omani attire, spices, tourist souvenirs, and Arabic oud (perfume). 

Opening times: daily, might be closed from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Coconut Huts

Lush banana, mango, and papaya plantations cover a considerable area of Salalah city. Driving on Sultan Qaboos street eastwards from Al Husn old Souq, you will find many coconut huts. Those Bengali-run fruit stalls sell fresh mangoes and coconut juice, sweet bananas, and papayas. This place definitely makes you feel like you are somewhere in a jungle of Asia. Make sure to stop and grab refreshing fresh coconut juice for as little as 1 EUR (around 300 Baisas). 

You will find more of the coconut huts located around the farms and the Al Haffa area. 

Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Another UNESCO heritage site and open-air Al Baleed Archaeological Park is what used to be Zafar-an ancient city of Salalah. It used to be an important frankincense port that flourished between the 8th and 16th centuries with the biggest trades happening between Africa, China, and India. Inside Al Baleed park you will also find the only museum in Salalah- a Land of Frankincense museum where you can grasp more information about the history of the area. 

Did you know that: Frankincense, also called desert tears, is a resin extracted from the Boswellia Sacra tree? Frankincense has been an inseparable part of Salalah’s everyday life and culture since ancient times. It used to be the most valuable commodity which earned Dhofar region and Oman a fortune before the oil was discovered. Virtues attributed to frankincense are several: medicine for digestion, tooth cleanser, perfume, magical incense, and even an aphrodisiac. 

North West of Salalah City

Ayn khor waterfall.

Ayn Khor is one the most popular seasonal waterfalls located in the northwest of Salalah. It appears only during the strong monsoon season, and thus might not be present every year. To reach it, you will need a 4WD car, or you can hike through the riverbed for a couple of kilometers. Arrive early to avoid the crowds. 

Did you know that? Dhofar region in Oman has the largest camel population in the world. I have never seen so many camels gazing and freely roaming around the streets and beaches like in Salalah and around Dhofar. They are also some of the luckiest ones in the Middle East feasting on the lush green plants, unlike their brothers and sisters that live in the barren desert areas. 

North of Salalah : best places to visit

Traveling up north from Salalah will bring you back to the vast desert lands. No more greenery or Khareef here, but the desert landscape is far from flat. 

It is an Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali) – the largest sea of sand dunes in the world covering an area of no less than 650 000 square kilometers. It is shared between Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. An important cultural attraction at the edge of the Empty Quarter is the Lost City of Ubar which you can also visit on the way to the dunes.

Dedicate a full day or, even better, an overnight stay under the stars. It takes two hours of driving to get to the Lost City of Ubar and the Empty Quarter up North of Salalah. 

Lost city of Ubar

Discovered only in 1992 at the edge of the Empty Quarter, the Lost City of Ubar used to be yet another important trade center of frankincense. Moreover, it is believed to be the Iram of the Pillars, a lost city mentioned in the Quran.

Today you can visit the unearthed ruins of the Lost City of Ubar. 

Empty Quarter

To properly explore the magnificent sand dunes of the Empty quarter you need a 4×4 vehicle and an experienced driver who is skilled to navigate the vast desert and drive over the 100 meters tall shifting dunes. If you do not know how to drive in the desert you can drive to the edge of the Empty Quarter to catch a glimpse of it.

However, the best way to experience the Rub Al Khali desert is to actually drive into the dunes. I have not visited the Empty Quarter in Dhofar because I have been to the one in Liwa, in the UAE.

Nonetheless, if you have never visited a desert with massive sand waves before, don’t miss the opportunity to join a safari tour. Overnight camping will take your experience to another level. You will be able to see the desert at its best during the sunset and sunset hours. 

Click to check overnight Salalah desert tours on Viator:

Places to visit in Greater Dhofar Region

Driving east from the fishing village of Mirbat you will be blessed with some of the most unspoiled landscapes in the area. Empty wild white sand beaches are lining the coast and are easily accessible from the main road. While on the other side of the road you have towering rugged mountains.

Note that there are no big towns or villages after you leave Mirbat. Thus, if you need to stop for a night, your only option will be camping as the next nearest town with accommodation will be Duqm (6-7hours away from Salalah). 

Hasik beach (made up name) 

We camped on this beautiful beach where the white sands meet the mountain. I called Hasik beach as the nearest town driving eastwards is a tiny Hasik village. 

Wadi Suneik (or Suniq)

A lush green oasis nestled between barren rocks and the river stream flowing into the sea-Wadi Suneik is a little miracle in the middle of the dry terrain. 

You can access Wadi Suneik from the main road. If you are traveling during cooler months, you can even choose to camp there. Otherwise continuing up north, the steep windy road will take you above the expansive canyon with several viewpoints worth stopping at. 

Note that this 150 kilometers stretch from Mirbat to Wadi Suneik is the most picturesque on the coastal road. The section from Wadi Suniq to Sur is nice but not as impressive. Thus, only if you have plenty of time, should you take this road. Otherwise, you can drive the coastal road until wadi Suniq and then come back to Salalah making it a long day trip. 

READ MORE: Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .

Best places to stay in Salalah and South Dhofar

Most of the accommodation options are clustered in Salalah City and that is where visitors usually choose to stay. Taqah has a few accommodation options, mostly self-contained apartments, while Mirbat town has plenty of choices to rent villas and apartments, which are perfect for bigger groups.

Alternatively, you have plenty of ground to camp. You can choose to pitch a tent above the clouds in the mountains, or at the beach. Wild camping in Oman is allowed and very common. Please refer to the map where I pointed out good options recommended by other travelers. 

• Salalah accommodation suggestions
• Belad Bont Resort – located on the West side of Salalah, this resort offers a terrace, swimming pool, modern rooms, and a restaurant with a well-rated breakfast. Price range: $$
• Taqah accommodation suggestions
• 2-bedroom apartment – simple but a new apartment in Taqa town can host up to 6 people. Price range: $
• 1-bedroom apartment – Very basic but spacious self-contained apartment is suitable for a group of 4. Price range: $$
• Mirbat accommodation suggestions
• 3-bedroom villa – massive villa in Mirbat town can host up to 6 people. Price range: $
• 2-bedroom chalet – this apartment is suitable for 6 people, is a few kilometers outside Mirbat town, and offers a private pool. Price range: $$

Salalah and Greater Dhofar Map

How to use the map: Click on the map image above to open my maps in a new window and locate all the places mentioned in this Salalah travel guide. Click the tab in the top left-hand corner to open the layers (points of interest, accommodation, driving routes, etc.). You can save this map on your Google Maps account by clicking on the small star icon next to the name of the map. To open the saved map on your phone or laptop, open Google Maps, then click the menu button, go to “Your Places”, and click maps where you will see this map saved on your list.

I hope you are enjoying my free travel guides & tips. If yes, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee so I can continue creating more useful content from my favorite coffee shop in town. Thanks!

Oman travel essentials

• RENT A CAR : The best way to explore Oman is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• VISA: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• ACCOMMODATION: book your perfect hotel stay on Booking .
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS: book the best-rated guided tours and day trips in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport. Omantel provides the best coverage.
• Flight got canceled or delayed? You might receive compensation if you depart from an EU country. Consult and receive assistance from Skycop if you are eligible for compensation.

More blog posts about Oman

• Driving to Salalah? Make sure to also read my Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .
• Plan your Oman visit with my  1-week Oman road trip itinerary .
• Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.
• Traveling from UAE to Oman by road or vice versa? Check useful information about  UAE-Oman land border crossing using this guide .
• Plan your visit to  Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .
• Plan your visit to Musandam with my detailed  Musandam from Dubai road trip guide.

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Places To Visit In Salalah

Top hotel collections, things to do in salalah.

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1. Mughsail Beach

39 km from city center 1 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Mugsail is a long stretch of clear blue water with white sand and beautiful cliffs on either side of the water. It's a magnificent and picturesque landscape! Perfect for a picnic and a quick swim, you can even drive through the beach! There are also many cute traditional huts at the beach where you can have your own barbequed lunch.

2. Wadi Darbat

38 km from city center 2 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Wadi Darbat is a splendid lush green valley with a river running through the middle. The surrounding hills have small caves which people can hike up to. It's the perfect spot for a little family picnic, or a friendly gathering. During the Khareef (monsoon season), the wadi is packed with locals and tourists that have come to enjoy the scenery. There are many small stalls and restaurants at the valley selling street food like shawarmas, pop corn and ice cream.

3. Sultan Qaboos Mosque

7 km from city center 3 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the largest mosque in Salalah and is located in the city centre. It's a colossal structure with an elegant mix of Arabic and Modern architecture. Its interiors are designed to instil a sense of purity and humbleness for believers during prayers. It is adorned with huge chandeliers, green carpets and wall patterns. The eclectic structure is fully air-conditioned. The mosque has been named after the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos. Non-Muslims are also allowed to visit the mosque and marvel at sight.

4. Sumhuram Archaeological Park

4 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Lying amongst one of the marvellous bays of Dhofar, was once one of the chief trading ports of frankincense, Khor Rori (almost 2000 years ago) which is now the Sumhuram archaeological park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies 25 miles east of Salalah on a hilltop which overlooks the beautiful freshwater creek of Khor Rori. The park itself is fascinating to visit as it is both a museum and an archaeological park. You can see the archaeologists at work around the ruins, excavating this historical place.

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Delightful Salalah Package

Enchanting salalah package, serene salalah tour package: 4 nights oasis retreat, 5. taqah castle.

30 km from city center 5 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Being one of the most popular Castles to visit in Oman, the comparatively newly built Taqah castle is an architectural gem. Situated in a beautiful fishing village of Taqah (in the region of Dhofar), the Castle looks gorgeous with its surrounding pristine white-sand beaches. Being built in the early 19th century, the Castle is well preserved and is now known to be one of the best fort museums in Oman.

6. Marneef Cave

40 km from city center 6 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Located in Shatti Al Mughsayl area, which is about 40 km from Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar, Al Marneef Cave is ranked among the top 10 most popular tourist attractions in the Indian Ocean. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and Al Mughsayl Fountains (which also happens to be the most preferred picnic spot by locals and tourists).

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7. Jebel Samhan

73 km from city center 7 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Jebel Samhan is another local attraction in the city of Salalah. Burrowed in the hills and pasture lands of the Dhofar ranges is a protected and enclosed is the wildlife reserve of Jabal Samhan. The wildlife sanctuary plays host to the endangered Arabian leopard and other species of flora and fauna found in the Arabian peninsula. Although you need a permit to visit the sealed enclosure a trip is well worth the effort.

8. Al Baleed Archaeological Park

3 km from city center 8 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Al Baleed Archaeological Park is a jewel in the landscape of Salalah. The park has been inducted into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Site earning it a prominent place in the itinerary of visitors to the Sultanate of Oman. The park is an open-air archaeological site located off the coast of the Arabian Sea and lies in close proximity to Al Husn Palace and the famous Haffa souq. The park is open to visitors from 8 in the morning to eight in the night with a modest admittance fee per car.

9. Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman

49 km from city center 9 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Past the Wadi Darbat lies the Tawi Atayr, which translates to "Well of Birds", containing one of the most gorgeous sinkholes that point to the honeycombed limestones. Get yourself a guide and stroll down a path to the very bottom. The vast Taiq Sinkhole is the world's third largest sinkhole, as it is 1km long and 200 metres deep.

10. Anti-Gravity Point

4 km from city center 10 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Located on the route between Mirbat and Salalah, is a desolate stretch of road which defies gravity as a car put in Neutral gear will start moving uphill at a speed of up to 35 km/hr. This bizarre experience has a lot of scientific explanations for this; most common being that this is an anti-gravity hill. Regardless, this is a fun spot to visit for mystery-junkies and families alike.

11. Museum of the Land of Frankincense

3 km from city center 11 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Immerse yourself in the Omani culture and history by visiting the UNESCO heritage site, Museum of the Frankincense Land! This museum is part of the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. The displays are beautifully presented and takes you back to the origins of Frankincense discovery in Oman. Interesting and educational, it is recommended for all history buffs!

12. Al Husn Souq

4 km from city center 12 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

You can find almost anything you need at the Souq, from clothes to food to souvenirs, the souq has it all! Bargaining is allowed. The vendors are all respectable and bargain respectfully. You'll also find extremely unique items that you won't get anywhere else in the city. The souq is located next to the Sultan's Palace and is a popular hub for the Dhofari people.

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Salalah

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Beaches in Salalah For a Perfect Evening Under the Sun

Wildlife & Nature

Beautiful Waterfalls in Salalah

Diving in Salalah - Best Operators For a Fantastic Diving Experience

Fairs & Festivals

Salalah Festival 2024- The Mesmerising Season of Omani Khareef

13. Plantations

4 km from city center 13 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

What makes Salalah so tropical are the plantations of coconuts, papayas and bananas throughout the region. The lush green landscape of the city is what makes the plantations in Salalah such a unique visit from Omani other towns. During monsoon, it is stunning as Salalah is greener and lusher. Located near the Corniche in Salalah, these plantations are stunning alongside the white sand beaches of Salalah- a must-add to your Salalah bucket list!

14. Gun Souq

2 km from city center 14 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

A bizarre local market can be witnessed in the town of Salalah. This peculiar souq, apart from selling antiques and souvenirs to tourists are also involved in selling weapons. They don't sell actual firearms but rather antique items. You can procure antique rifles and traditional knives. An informal market setting set up in open-air near Sultan Qaboos Street is your location if you want to adorn your apartment with a collection of antique guns or beautiful daggers. Visit early mornings for a better experience.

15. Tomb of Job

4 km from city center 15 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

At the tomb, lies the remains of Nabi Ayoub (PBUH) or Prophet Job as mentioned in the Bible. Holding a significant landmark from the bible, this tomb is located 25 kms from Salalah on a hill called the Jabal Al Qar and the tomb compound also houses a mosque. The remains of the holy man can be found enclosed in a well-preserved tomb. The sight has been a spiritual hotspot for many religions.

16. Nabi Imran Tomb

0 km from city center 16 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Nabi Imran Tomb holds the record for the longest grave in the world. It is the resting place of yet another important Islamic prophet known as Prophet Imran (PBUH). The grave is forty-one feet long and continues to intrigue followers and visitors with its mysterious length. The grave is nestled in the hills of Dhofar. A small mosque has also been constructed nearby with a well-manicured garden that adds to the spirituality and pleasantness of the place.

17. Nabi Hud Tomb

22 km from city center 17 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Salalah is home to many tombs and shrines that are of great significance to the Islamic religion. Located among the hills and valleys of Dhofar in Salalah lies the tomb of Prophet Hud (PBUH) a revered Islamic figure who as history recollects was sent to preach redemption to the ancient city of Aad. The mausoleum is 3 metres long and 1.5 metres high. The prophet is cited nearly seven times in the Holy book of Quran.

18. Taqa Salalah

31 km from city center 18 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Being one of the most visited tourist destinations in Oman, Taqa is located 40 kms from Salalah in the Dhofar Governorate. The Castle and the popular beach here are favourites for locals for its old-world charm. The reason why the town of Taqa is unique from any other coastal town in Oman is that you may witness a blend of three different topographies merging at the place.

19. Palmyra 7D Simulator

4 km from city center 19 out of 19 Places To Visit in Salalah

Palmyra 7D is a high-end theatre in Salalah which offers a heightened and culminated experience of the senses. With special effects accompanied by water sprays, vibrating seats, fake snow, lightning and thunder, the experience is fun for people of all ages, especially for children! The theatre employs the latest technology to provide viewers with a heightened sense of euphoria while enjoying the film being played. Watching Jurassic Park or the Nun could transcend viewing experience to an unprecedented level of excitement and horror depending on the movie being played.

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Top 10 Salalah Tourist Places

If you are visiting Salalah you must plan your trip and must visit these places, we have made the order of these places such that you will drive in a well-planned way, in the end, we have mentioned the day-wise plan to help you to plan your trip to Salalah.

Best Places to Visit in Salalah

Salalah has a plethora of valleys, natural springs, waterfalls, and green lush mountains. There are many places to visit. But we have prepared the most popular and best places to visit in Salalah during the Khareef (monsoon) season which is between July and September every year.

The list is sorted based on the coordinates, visit the first place first so that you can cover all places in order. This was prepared based on the two-day busy plan, but 3 to 4 days will be enough to cover all the places.

All of these places are outside Salalah City. First, we will cover AIN (AYN) which means Natural Springs or Waterfalls.

1. Ain Razat Park

This is the first point you must visit when you are in Salalah, just 20KM from City, do it early morning and take breakfast with you, and have a picnic here. Ain Razat is one of the freshwater springs, you will also see a cave here as well. There are many food stalls available here.

2. Ain Hamran Salalah

Once you leave Ain Razat just move towards Ain Hamran you can use two routes, the mud road 10km which will take 20 minutes and another is the main road which is 20km and takes 20 minutes too.

3. Ayn Tobruk

A fascinating place where you will see the Falaj. Ayn (ain) Tobruk is situated nearby to Ayn Tabraq in Taqah area. You can skip Ain Hamran if you have limited time otherwise you can cover both the areas at another 18KM from Ain Hamran Salalah.

4. Ain Athum

Now as you have visited Ayn Tobruk the next Waterfall is just 6.2 KM called Ain Athum. This is another waterfall in Salalah (Dhofar region), this place is different of its kind. 21KM from Ain Hamran or better you come from Tobruk.

Now here you covered all the waterfalls or sping water. Now we will move for a lunch break and better to drive to Wadi Darbat for a Lunch break.

5. Wadi Darbat Salalah

Now you will drive towards Taqa and will move to Wadi Darbat, which is 51KM from Ain Athum. If you are hungry you must then take lucnh at Taqa, and then move to Wadi Darbat.

This wadi must be visited only during July and September. It is a green lush valley with river running through the mountains and making a big lake. There are some small caves as well. Boat trips are at very reasonable price. Local food is also available at Wadi Darbat.

6. Sinkhole – Tawi Attair Salalah

Just drive 6.2KM from Wadi Darbar and you will reach Tawi Attair (sinkhole).

Oman has two major sinkholes and one of them is Tawi Attair Sinkhole. It is most famous in Dhofar region because it is one of the deepest more than 200 meters deep and 100 meters wide.

These sinkholes across the globe are formed as a result of depression in the earth’s surface layer.

7. Jabel Samhan Salalah

18.7 KM from Sinkhole, you will reach a beautiful place in just 20 minutes called Jabel Samhan. Stunning view during the drive, where you can do a picnic as well.

Not many people visit this place because they don’t know about the place, but this is an amazing place and dangerous too. Jabel Samhan (Samhan Mountain) is one of the three peaks of the Dhofar Mountains. Below the photo is the viewpoint of Jabel Samhan. There are toilets and tuck shops available. You will see the cloud below the viewpoint. When the cloud moves it gives a really good feeling.

Now after this you must end your trip on this day. You can drive back to Salalah to your hotel and then start the next day with Ain Garziz.

8. Ain Garziz

This will be the morning of your day. And just 17 KM from Salalah City you will reach this place, Ain is an Arabic word that means fountain and spring. At this place, you will see the Natural Spring water coming through the mountains. Depending upon the amount of rain you will see the waterfall or spring water.

We recommend to take the breakfast and do picnic at this place, you will have many places around to sit and enjoy.

You might get disappointed if there are not much rains, but there are then you will see the water coming from just under the mountains.

Then you can enjoy swimming in the natural swimming pool

9. Raysut Beaches and Waterfalls

Now drive 23km to reach Raysut where you will see many waterfalls and spring water, the places are similar to the ones that we have already covered above, You can also visit beautiful beaches in Raysut Area.

10. Mughsail Beach

Drive another 36km from Raysut and you will reach one of the most popular beaches of Salalah called Mughsail Beach. This is one of the most famous attractions in Salalah. Once you visit Salalah don’t forget to visit Mughsail Beach. This beach is a long stretch of blue water with clear and white sand and mountains on both sides of the beach.

Other Tourist Places to Visit in Salalah

The list doesn’t end with the above Top 10, but in two days you can cover maximum 10 places, however, if you have more time I will suggest visiting the below 10 more places too.

• Hawana Aqua Park
• Al Baleed Archeological Park
• Shaat View Point Oman
• Ittin Salalah
• Anti Gravity Point in Salalah
• Nabi Ayub (AS)
• Nabi Imran (AS)
• Ayn Sahalnoot
• Shops in the beach area (Coconut and Banana)
• Taqah Beach

Green Lush grossy fields in Salalah

While you are driving from one tourist’s destination to another, you will discover green lush grassy fields, where you can have a picnic or you can even have friendships with camels;

It looks amazing when you look at the camels around these green fields in Salalah

10 Places to Stay in Salalah

There are many places, you will find hotels and furnished apartments, in case you want to stay in a hotel here is list of some of the hotels.

• City Hotel Salalah
• Millennium Resort Salalah
• Al Baleed Resort
• Crown Plaza Hotel
• Salalah Rotana Hotel
• Salalah Beach Villas
• Airbnb (Many villas and apartments are available)
• Private Villlas
• Camping Sites
• Camper Vans

How to traval to Salalah

There are various options, if you are traveling from within Oman then there are below options

Flight to Salalah

There two main airlines that fly from Muscat to Salalah and Salalah to Muscat. Oman Air operates multiple flights daily and Salam Air operates one flight daily. Salam air is cheaper option as compared to oman air.

Road Trip to Salalah

If you decide to drive your own car then it will be an adventurous trip, It is 1050 KM from Muscat to Salalah. 950 KM is a deserted road with few restaurants and even hotels on almost every 200 KM.

Soon after you reach Thumrait in Dhofar you will start getting the feeling that you are in Salalah Cloudy and foggy roads will lead you to the destination.

Soon after you reach the foggy roads, you will see the green lush mountains

You have multiple options to travel by road to Salalah

Drive your own car to Salalah

You can drive your own car, Saloon or SUV both are fine, however, SUV will be a good option when you drive to mountains with dirt roads. Below is example of one of the tourist destination that was visited by SUV

Rent a Car from Muscat to Salalah

If you don’t own a car or you are a visitor, you can also rent a car from Muscat easily, there are various online options and you can also visit any car rental providers. You can also rent a car from Salalah if you flew by air.

Muscat to Salalah Bus Service by Mawasalat

Mawasalat providers a luury bus services from Muscat to Salalah. OMR 8 is charged per passenger as a one way ticket and OMR : 12.500 is charged two-way ticket. There are various bus stations from where you start your journey, Tickets can also be purchased online with guaranteed seats.

Mawasalat also provides an Internet Facility.

It takes 12 hours by bus to reach Salalah from Muscat.

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Salalah, Oman – Islamic History, Architecture, and Culture

SALALAH: EXPLORING ITS ISLAMIC HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, AND CULTURE

Salalah, the capital city of the Dhofar region in Oman, holds a significant Islamic history and boasts a blend of traditional and contemporary Islamic architecture. In this essay, we will explore Salalah’s Islamic heritage, its architectural gems, and the vibrant cultural expressions that thrive within the city.

Islamic History: – Salalah has a rich Islamic history that traces back to the early days of Islam . – The region embraced Islam through the influence of Arab traders and the spread of Islamic teachings. – Salalah played a crucial role in the maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean, fostering cultural exchange and Islamic scholarship.

Architecture: – Salalah exhibits a mix of traditional Omani architecture and Islamic influences, creating a unique visual landscape. – The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, a prominent Islamic architectural marvel, features impressive domes, minarets, and intricate geometric patterns. – Traditional Omani architectural elements, such as carved wooden doors, ornate balconies, and arched windows, can be observed in residential buildings and historic structures. – The Al-Husn Palace, an iconic landmark, showcases the fusion of Islamic and contemporary architectural styles.

Cultural Expressions: – Islamic culture is deeply embedded in the fabric of Salalah, shaping its customs, traditions, and artistic expressions. – Islamic festivals, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are celebrated with great joy and involve prayers , family gatherings, and sharing of traditional meals. – Traditional Omani music, such as the melodic “samri” and rhythmic “haban” genres, often incorporates Islamic themes and echoes the values of the faith. – Islamic calligraphy, with its elegant script and verses from the Quran , is highly regarded as an artistic expression of devotion.

Interfaith Harmony: – Salalah embraces interfaith harmony and respect for diverse religious beliefs. – The city is home to a multicultural population, allowing for peaceful coexistence and fostering understanding among different religious communities. – Religious tolerance is celebrated, and individuals are free to practice their faith without discrimination.

Preservation of Islamic Heritage: – Salalah places great importance on preserving its Islamic heritage and promoting cultural practices. – Historic mosques, such as the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Al-Husn Mosque, are meticulously maintained as architectural treasures and centers of worship. – The Salalah Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that highlight the Islamic history and cultural traditions of the region. – Traditional crafts, such as frankincense production, textile weaving, and silverwork, are preserved and celebrated as part of Salalah’s cultural identity.

Islamic Tourism: – Salalah attracts tourists from around the world who are interested in exploring its Islamic heritage and experiencing its rich cultural traditions. – Guided tours of the city’s significant Islamic sites, including mosques and historic landmarks, offer visitors insights into Salalah’s Islamic history . – The annual Salalah Tourism Festival provides an opportunity to witness traditional music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions that showcase the Islamic heritage of the region.

In conclusion, Salalah, Oman, is a city steeped in Islamic history, adorned with magnificent architecture, and alive with vibrant cultural expressions. The city’s Islamic roots are reflected in its architectural landmarks, religious festivals, traditional arts, and cultural practices. Salalah’s commitment to interfaith harmony and the preservation of its Islamic heritage contribute to its unique charm and allure.

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Learn About the  Start of the Religion Islam

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Beyond my Door

Life over the Threshold.

Photo Essay: Wanderings in Salalah Oman

by Anwar Y 1 Comment

Salalah Oman is one of those places that is so beautiful and so magical yet so few people know anything about it. Surprisingly that even is the case among Arabs. Perhaps being peaceful and quiet means people generally ignore you. Additionally Oman is not as flashy as some of its neighbors to the North such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. And honestly that’s a good thing. There are just so many beautiful places in Oman and I would tend to believe it might be the most beautiful and diverse of the Gulf Countries. In the south, Salalah is one such jewel, chilly and green during times when other parts of the region and scorching under the hot summer sun. It seems to defy logic, going south for the summer for cooler weather and greener hills, but Salalah delivers. I wanted to share some of the photos from around the region. I”ll talk more about visiting places here in another post.  These are from some of the drives around Dhofar (the province for Salahah).

The beautiful Green hills of Salalah. Yes It was hard to know the difference between here and say somewhere else in the world. But yes this is the Arabian peninsula.  If we had been there earlier in the summer they would have been even more green. Yes I did not realize how close I was to the deserts edge that I had visited so soon after here as well. So much diversity in such a relatively small country.

The hills were beginning to turn brown as the monsoon seasons were ending. There were camels as far as the eye can see. You almost thought they were wild until we saw their caretakers coming over the hills as well.

Going where the road is still being built. We were following the GPS but sometimes the road just didn’t seem to really be going anywhere and our tiny little Nissan Sunny was not really up for the cause. Around the bend we saw construction vehicles digging out the future roads ahead and only a few adventurous four wheel drives able to make the trek. Time to turn around and go back!

These photos show a bit of the “rush hour traffic” in Dhofar. Outside of the Salalah there was not much in terms of traffic. Just lots of open roads. We did have to be careful a bit and try to avoid some of the wildlife. Yeah the camel especially seems a bit out of the ordinary for the surrounding lush environment.

The inevitable “Camel Crossing” Sign. I loved this one and wanted to take it home but of course needed to leave it be. Always on the look out for camels!

It was so easy to get off the beaten path and find a beach and have it all to yourselves. In Oman you would not really see folks swimming on a public beach but in general you would find people spending the day lounging and have lunch or spending the day with their family. We amazingly had these beautiful places all to ourselves. The beaches are just incredible, the sea and the mountains so close together.

– – – – –

There’s so much to see and do in Oman beyond the hills of Salalah . I would recommend checking my friend’s post on places to visit in Oman .

Practical Information

Visiting Oman is easy and most countries can get a visa on arrival at the airport. Flying to Salalah is possible with a connection in Muscat.

Getting around requires renting a car. There are plenty of car rental places in the airport and many of the big companies including Budget, Sixt , etc.

There are lots of hotels and resorts in Salalah and the surrounding area. My hotel was terrible but my friend loved her resort the Salalah Rotana Resort . It was gorgeous although very far from the main city. I stayed in the city based on a recommendation but I would not want to be there again. There are plenty of other hotels in Salalah if you prefer to stay near other things beyond the resorts.

Sofi leen says

July 7, 2017 at 3:34 am

I have always wanted to go to Oman. I can’t believe how cheap that gas is! Haha, the weather always seems to do that to me too, raining the whole time in places that rarely get rain

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VISIT DHOFAR, OMAN

Oman’s southernmost region is host to many unique attractions including Prophet Ayoub’s Grave nestled deep in the mountains, the blowholes of Mughsayl, and the Land of Frankincense – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deep-sea diving and snorkeling off the coast of the Hallaniyat Islands are just some of the more adventurous activities available through local tour operators.

In the summer months, when most of the Arabian Peninsula experiences soaring temperatures, Dhofar ushers in the monsoon season, bringing with it lush greenery, cooling rains, and pleasant temperatures. Locally known as Khareef, this special season starts from late June to early September and coincides with the Salalah Tourism Festival, which is held every year.

HERE THE PLACES TO VISIT IN DHOFAR

The Museum of the Frankincense Land

Wadi Darbat

Al Balid Archeological Site

Khuriya Muriya Islands

Sultan Qaboos Mosque

Al Fazayah Beach

Wadi Dawkah Reserve

Ubar - Lost City

Jebel Samhan

Other oman regions.

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Come From Away

Dr. Marielle Risse

“Waiting for [both] the Barbarians”: Tourism in the Dhofar Region of Oman – 2009

(photo by M. A. Al Awaid)

Risse, M. “Waiting for [both] the Barbarians”: Tourism in the Dhofar Region of Oman,” Traditions and Transformations: Tourism, Heritage and Cultural Change in the Middle East and North Africa Region; Amman, Jordan. April 6, 2009. Paper presented by Dr. Sheena Westwood, College of Communication and Media Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi.

The narrator of Constantine Cavafy’s poem explains that his town is “waiting for the barbarians.” Everything is in a state of confusion and expectation as when the barbarians arrive “they will make their own laws.” But, as night falls, the barbarians have not arrived; in fact it is rumored that there are no barbarians and the narrator wonders “what shall become of us without any barbarians? Those people were a kind of solution.”

The government of Dhofar is not, in a similar manner, merely waiting for barbarians to show up in their green hills, but there is a similarity to the poem. Barbarian tourists are a “kind of solution,” bringing in revenue and creating jobs. In this paper I would like to discuss the present and future of this energetic group of people in the Dhofar region of Oman. Dhofar is in the middle of the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, the south-western corner of Oman. Salalah is the largest city with many villages spread out to the border with Yemen to the west and the fishing village of Hasik to the east. To the north, there are many villages in the Qara Mountains and, beyond the mountains, a few villages exist in the desert plains on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter.

An exuberance of geography makes Dhofar a  nature-based tourist destination: green plantations in Salalah, perfect beaches, desert, reefs, and a monsoon bringing rain and fertile crops in June, July and August. Two of the most popular destinations are Darbat, a small lake surrounded by grazing land and Tawi Attair (“the well of birds”) a large sinkhole which is home to many species of birds. In addition, Dhofar has a long history encompassing religious sites, such as Job’s Tomb, and an extensive mercantile tradition through the sale of frankincense, as evidenced by the archeological sites of Samhuram at Khor Ruwi and Al Balid. As frankincense is the best known export from this region, the government has developed a frankincense park so visitors can see the trees close up and the Haffa Souq, where tourists can find all different qualities of luban, as well as majmars, the clay containers used to burn it.

Increasing tourism in Salalah is a goal of both the regional and national government. The solution that the barbarians offer is not simply increasing revenue, but increasing the number of jobs for young Omanis. To give a specific example, eight years ago, the ancient harbor of Khor Ruwi near Salalah had no modern structures, signposts or fences. Four years ago, the beach was still open and free for picnics and swimming but on the nearby hillside were new official buildings, new fences, and an entry fee into the archaeological site. Now there is an entrance gate and admission fee for the beach. As the fee is low, about $3 per car, the goal does not seem to be revenue generation as much as 1) protecting the site and 2) creating jobs for Omanis as guards, drivers, workers/ supervisors at the new café.

Located between the Emirates and Yemen, Omanis can clearly see the benefits and costs of modernization with its attendant influx of foreign tourists, as well as the costs of not modernizing and not creating a tourist sector of the economy. The Omani government is trying to carefully create a tourism sector, steering between these Scylla and Charybdis. Thus, Khor Ruwi has been turned from one of a number of pretty beaches into a “museum” for tourists. This area, to me, represents the current Omani policy towards tourists: gentle containment.

But who is the Ministry of Tourism containing? Dhofar is unique in having two very different kinds of “barbarians.” The region welcomes Arab tourists in July and August and European tourists between November and March. Having two distinct sets of tourists (Arabs, usually from the GCC, traveling in large family groups looking for rain, and Europeans, mainly older Northern European couples, looking for sun) has created a distinctive, bifurcated tourist industry.

The first tourist season starts in June in which tourists arrive in Salalah to escape the high temperatures and unrelenting sun on other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Over 450,000 (over 415,000 from the GCC) arrived for the 2008 “Khareef,” the monsoon season of clouds and mist which turn the mountains green. Many Salalah residents rent out their houses  to the tourists. Visitors are not allowed to camp, so there are many small, impromptu “businesses” which spring up to guide tourists to houses and apartments for rent. The hotels are full and every so often there is a news report that tourists are “sleeping in the mosques.” This is related to me by locals with pleasure; that so many people want to come to Salalah is seen as a matter of civic pride.

The government of the Dhofar region actively plans to assist/ accommodate these visitors in a variety of ways. There is a special ‘festival’ with entertainment programs (famous singers, local dances, etc.), there are bilingual, brown road signs to point the way to tourist sites such a Job’s tomb and Mughsal beach, many of the favorite ‘beauty sites’ such as natural springs or mountain overlooks are ‘up-graded’ with paved parking spaces, picnic tables and concrete huts. Darbat, the most famous wadi in the area, has new fencing along the road.

When the sun returns in September, the Arab tourists leave and Salalah returns to its gentle, small town feel. Then, around the beginning of November, you have the first sightings of the winter tourists. The two largest hotels in Salalah, the Crowne Plaza and the Hilton, started a joint venture in 2005 to accommodate a plane load of Swedish tourists who fly direct from Stockholm to Salalah once a week.

The hotel rooms have specific, friendly guidelines about “respecting local culture,” including women keeping their elbows covered in public. Yet the road near the Crowne Plaza often has hotel guests walking from the hotel to the nearest grocery store wearing sleeveless shirts and carrying bottles of water. No one walks in Salalah and no one wears sleeveless shirts but this 1 km stretch of road is a kind of DMZ, the taxis don’t even bother to honk to check if they need a ride.

At the beginning of April, as it becomes hotter in Dhofar, the Swedish charters stop and the town waits impatiently for the clouds and rain of Khareef in June.

In interviews with Edward Chaaya, General Manager, Crowne Plaza; Andreas Justkowiak, Direction of Operations, Hilton; and Osama Mariam, Chief Executive Officer, Dhofar Tourism, all three men agreed that Dhofar was poised to become a major tourist destination. As the promotion video for the Mirbat Beach Development proclaims, Dhofar has: “pristine nature, diverse wildlife, vibrant heritage” in an investment friendly, peaceful nation.” “Unspoiled” and “undiscovered” are two words which come up frequently in Ministry of Tourism information packs.

The “unknown” factor of Dhofar has actually been helpful in the recent economic downturn; not having too a high dependence on tourism now means that the global recession has not hit Salalah. Both the Hilton and the Crowne Plaza hotels have plans to expand which are currently on hold, but they reported only slightly lower occupancy rates. The government budgets for tourism improvements have not been cut back. Major road construction between Salalah and Taqa, for example, continues, and the airport road was recently widened.

Upgrading infrastructure (roads, power, electric and water) is essential for expanding Dhofar’s ability to increase tourism, as is more flights. Oman Air has ordered new planes in an effort to improve service to Salalah. With only three flights daily, currently there is not enough seats to accommodate more tourists. The reason the Swedish charter has been so successful, explains Edward Chaaya, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza, is that there are no airport transfers. Most visitors to Salalah currently need to change planes in Muscat, which usually involves an overnight stay.

2012 is the ‘magic’ year for the Dhofar region.  The government plans to have the airport doubled in size by then, as well an expansion of Salalah Port and the Salalah Free Zone. The Muraya project, near Taqa, with three five-star hotels also plans to open in 2011/ 2012.

In agreement about Dhofar’s potential and the changes needed to realize that potential, the management of the Crowne Plaza and Hilton also agree that any future plans must take into account the dual nature of tourism.

Sun-starved European tourists arrive by plane in couples or small groups as part of a package deal; a few cruise ships also stop at Salalah Port during the winter. Western tourists stay in the large hotels, move as large units in tour buses. Most of this groups needs are met by the hotel but the government needs to: organize/ supervise tour guides; create, develop and interpret ‘sights’ such as the Al Balid museum, the frankincense park, the Shishr excavation. This group of tourists expects and needs stereotypical “Arabian” experiences such as seeing/ riding camels and a visit to the ‘traditional souq’. At the hotel, they need sun chairs, umbrellas, BBQs under the stars, and patio chairs. The Swedes do not need nightclubs or luxury shopping, preferring a boat tour to see dolphins and a dart board.

The GCC tourists in Khareef have no desire to see sand or camels. As most arrive in cars carrying many family members, their basic need is a place to sleep. They spend most of the day either driving or picnicking in the mountains, now covered in mist.

Unlike Swedish tourists who enjoy the sun and sights all day and sleep early, Khareef visitors usually nap in the afternoon and need entertainment in the evening. This means two government-sponsored festivals with a replica of a traditional village, displays of handicrafts, live demonstrations of weaving, out-door hubble-bubble cafes, children’s rides and events such as showcases of local songs and dances, poetry concerts, live radio/ TV broadcasts and a Moroccan-style night club at the Hilton. In terms of government intervention, this type of tourist needs upgraded roads, designated picnic areas, family-oriented activities such as concerts, festivals, and shopping opportunities; organized/ supervised house and apartment rental policies; attentive policing; and extra trash collection. An increased number of drivers on steep, fog-covered mountain roads also requires additional medical personal to cope with an increased number of accidents.

The two hotels have a slightly different focus. As Andreas Justkowiak, Direction of Operations at the Hilton explained, 25 to 40% of his hotel’s business is corporate or military as the hotel is next to the free trade zone and port. Given the current problem of pirates off the coast of Somalia, navies from many countries are sending boats to patrol the area and ‘shore-leave’ usually means Salalah. The sailors take over the department stores and the hotel swimming pool areas, causing the small expat community to send warning SMSs to each other – “don’t go to Hilton, American ship in port”. The sailors will occasionally rent a SUV with or without a local guide and go exploring. They need basic maps with tourist sites clearly labeled, clear and fair car rental policies and lists of local restaurants which are able to handle large groups of gregarious, high-spirited 20-30 year olds.

The Crowne Plaza, has fewer corporate guests, but is working to expand the number of local Omanis who use the hotel. Edward Chaaya, General Manager of Crowne Plaza, has two reasons for encouraging locals to visit the Crowne Plaza. One is to interact with the Swedish tourists. He deliberately discounts the price for a gym/ beach membership for locals so that the Swedes see “authentic” Omanis at the hotel, while the Omanis can see and become accustomed to Western tourists and the hotel.

Having local men visit the hotel means that they might stop at the restaurant for a coffee or hubble-bubble, perhaps eventually arrange a business meeting at the hotel. In 2004, the hotel hosted one wedding of a local Omani couple, in 2008 there were 65 weddings, with an average attendance of 450 people on each occasion. In addition, local families are beginning to rent the beach villas for a weekend away from home.

Chaaya has set up separate entrances for women during weddings and screened off portions of the restaurants to make locals feel more comfortable. Of course, he is approaching the issue with an eye on the bottom line, increasing local revenue makes the profits of the hotel more stable at a time when fewer people are traveling for pleasure.

But I am interested in this deliberate attempt to ‘mix’ Omanis and foreigners in terms of what this means for Omani culture. In a region of about 240,000 people, there are approximately 75 Western expat teachers, there are expat employees at the port, free-zone and military base but the opportunities for interaction are few. Besides the Crown Plaza, there is one restaurant and one coffee shop in Salalah where you could find Westerners and Omanis sitting at neighboring tables or sometimes at the same table.

Interactions between the two groups are generally pleasant. I have lived in Salalah as a single American woman for over three years and have never had a moment of unease or worry in any exchange with an Omani. But these exchanges are limited to work situations, at the university or, for example, the telephone company. Omanis are extremely courteous but the infamous ‘expat’ bubble is hard to break in Oman. An extreme example of this can be found in an article published in the Times by a man who came to Dhofar for a camping trip; he never actually spoke to an Omani. The trip leader was British and the ‘guides’ were Indian; the cuisine had nothing to do with traditional local specialties, featuring duck pate and fine wine, which caused the writer to opine that the desert is “in my blood. The silence, the emptiness, the calm: no wonder so many religions are born here” (Joly).

Edward Chaaya, General Manager of Crowne Plaza, remarked that for some locals there is “nothing to see” here and that the potential for tourist development needs to be explained. Many families earn enough by renting their house out during Khareef that they don’t see the need or desire for increasing the number of tourists and there are occasional remarks that more money is spent for tourist needs (paving scenic overlooks and constructing sun shelters) than local needs (paving gravel roads and putting up street lights).

Both the management of the Crowne Plaza and Hilton would like to get more locals interested in the tourism industry. For example the Hilton works with the Ministry of Manpower in creating an internship and trainee program. The two biggest challenges to hiring locals is proficiency in English and retaining employees given the divergence between family/ tribe demands and hospitality industry expectations which require a degree of flexibility in scheduling on weekends/ overtime/ being called in on sudden notice.

Knowing the learning curve in creating a full-scale tourist industry is steep the government included tourism as one third of its strategy to increase private industry in order to decrease the country’s reliance on oil revenue. The other two sectors are minerals/ manufacturing and agriculture, including roses, dates, limes, coconuts, and fishing (Hoch).

Specifically the government has stated it is interested in “up-market”/ “quality rather than quantity” tourists, “rather than risk the consequences of mass tourism, Oman’s tourism industry is setting its sights on the more discerning traveler” (“Oman Development,” 12). At the beginning this meant business travelers and expensive package tours (Hoch), but this has expanded to the “blue rinse” market (i.e. seniors), the cruise ship market and twin destinations (“MBRs boost tourism”). To increase tourism, market-based representatives have been placed in various European countries including Great Britain, France, Germany, Scandinavia, and Australasia.

This plan has been effective. There were only 14,000 tourists in 1995 but tourist arrivals doubled between 2000 and 2005 (“Travel and Tourism in Oman”). Oman is now one of the top ten destinations for British vacationers (“MBRs boost tourism”). There is a complimentary push to market Oman as a second home market for GCC nationals. In Muscat you can see examples such as the Blue City residential project, The Wave, Muriya and the Shangri-la resort (“Travel and Tourism in Oman”).  Travel Trade Gazette , in February of this year, stated that tourism added 943 million Omani Riyal to the GDP in 2008 and the government is planning for tourism to add an additional 1.6 billion O. R. to GDP by 2018.

Thus Oman is moving cautiously into this area of development and, helpfully, Oman has a long history of interchanges with other cultures. As far back as 4th century BCE, the Dhofar region engaged in commerce with Mesopotamia and India. The trade of frankincense, horses, copper and other products connected Oman to the outer world until the late 1800s. So in a sense the “new” government policy on tourism is simply a return of a previous “overseas-centered” outlook.

But, the culture of the Dhofar region, although modern in appearance with cell phones and satellite dishes, is still deeply traditional. When I taught “The Importance of Being Ernest” in a literature class in Salalah, most of my students enjoyed the antics of Algernon and Jack, but some complained that the story was about “bad people” – several students asked why we were reading about men who lied and women who did not behave well.

The issue didn’t split the class in two but it certainly created some tension between one camp saying “this is not good literature because it is not serious” and the other side saying “lighten up.” We had some good conversations about the definition of good literature and everyone was relieved that there was a “proper” ending but “you are not supposed to read about bad people” was a line I heard several times.

\I am certainly not advocating inflammatory texts but “The Important of Being Ernest” has no objectionable, heretical or blasphemous language. It is one of the most revered, anthologized, loved and admired plays in English. My students want a college education, they want to learn to speak, read, write and understand spoken English – but they only wanted specific texts which fit exactly into their expectations.

The same issue of regulating contact with a foreign culture arises when I have asked local tour guides how they view the tourists they have met. The answer is uniformly positive. “I have never had a bad experience,” said one. That is heartening but when I question about how they view an increase in the number of tourists, the answer is always, “more tourists would be fine, but they need to respect the local culture.” Yet that is exactly what tourists rarely do.

In all of the discussions about increasing tourism, I have heard no remarks about what will happen when the values/ morals/ worldview of the local culture is confronted with “barbarians.” For example, there is a large 5-star hotel now being built by a conservative fishing town about an hour’s drive from Salalah. When speaking with a representative from the development company, I asked about the potential impact of tourists on the town. The response was that the hotel had offered the town’s leaders to help them restore their traditional souq. Not mentioned was the possible impact of large numbers of Europeans, in European swimwear or lack thereof, on the numerous immaculate beaches near the resort which are currently the sole province of fishermen.

Now, the few tourists at the Crowne Plaza who stroll down the beach, past the hotel grounds and onto the part of the beach used by local boys to play soccer, are greeted with silent stares. The European tourists are now too few in number to make a difference in the culture or challenge traditional ways. But increasing numbers will increase contact points. Some of that contact will be positive, as the Omani-Swedish mixed volleyball games at the Crowne Plaza. But reading yet another lurid travel article, I cringe at the misconceptions and misunderstandings between cultures. Another Times article about the Dhofar region included these over-heated words:

Out of the Arabian desert rode ferocious aestheticism, the whirlwind of Islam, the fury of prophets, a cruel absolutism, and the implacable belief in a religion of iron practicality and brass nerve

The desert nomad has seemed the paragon of manliness. He represents what we must once have been: lawless, a wanderer following his flocks, responsible only to his family, governed by the unwritten law of steely formality guarded by a spring-loaded temper, never forgiving, never forgetting, bowing to nothing less than God and the crescent moon. (Gill)

Mind you that’s “following,” not leading his flocks, “lawless” and yet “governed by the unwritten law”, and “bowing to the moon.”

Then the writer deals the coup de grace, praising Oman for not being “a collection of oil wells with a hankering to look like Singapore on the Gulf, whose highest aspiration is to be the holiday resort for footballers, drunk expats and Hello! shoots.” Thus it ever is with tourists, they find the ‘unspoiled place,’ declare it perfect in laudatory articles in the Times , and then are shocked, shocked, to see that the place turns into a “holiday resort for footballers, drunk expats and Hello! shoots.”

Footballers, drunk expats – barbarians indeed. Huns running around grocery stores in bikini tops and surly Vikings demanding extra towels. Countries like Egypt, which have endured tourists for centuries, have developed their own coping mechanisms, but for a country such as Oman, which is beginning to play tourist roulette, I would advise caution and containment.

I use the metaphor ‘roulette’ deliberately. The culture in Dhofar is a combination of town, desert and mountain Dhofari sub-cultures, with a mix of Indian, Pakistani, African and Western expats, but the differences within Dhofar are much smaller than the differences between Dhofar and, for example, main-stream European values. As business and tourism, (i.e. capitalistic ways of thinking), increase, the current solidarity will be challenged. And, it is not possible to pick and choose what aspects of modernity are going to arrive and how they will affect the culture.

The motto of the Dhofar tourism industry is “tourism enriches.” This is true, visitors pay for hotel rooms, rental cars, entrance fees to museums, restaurant tabs, local crafts – they create jobs and cash flow. They can also bring an extensive list of problems including pollution, drugs, prostitution, issues with sewage disposal and physical degradation to the natural environment. As pointed out at the “2005 Conference on Sustainable Tourism” on World Tourism, with Omani and UNESCO officials, there are “numerous implications of tourism to societies” including a negatively impact on the currently pristine coastline and jeopardizing water resources with features such as swimming pools and golf courses.

The barbarians will come. They will write ridiculous articles. They are a kind of solution, but a solution that needs careful management.

“ Discover Om an will help boost Tourism in Oman.” Discover Oman . June 15, 2003. http://www.ameinfo.com/25107.html . March 24, 2007.

Gill, A. “Oman: The Turban Warrior.” Times online, 29 January 2006.

Hoch, Christopher. “Trade and Tourism in Oman – TED Case Studies.” Trade and Environment (TED) Database . http://www.american.edu/TED/omantour.htm . March 25, 2007.

Joly, Dom. “Chasing Shadows in Oman.” Times online, 16 December 2007.

“MBRs boost tourism.” Times of Oman . January 24, 2006. http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=122834 . March 24, 2007.

“Muscat Declaration on Built Environments for Sustainable Tourism.” World Tourism Organization . http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/doc/DeclarationOman-e.pdf . March 25, 2007.

“Oman’s Development.” Travel Trade Gazette , issue 169, Feb. 1 2009. page 12-13.

“Oman Tourist Statistics” – e-mail exchange between “[email protected]” and “[email protected].” September 15, 2000. http://www.counterpunch.org/pipermail/oman-1/2000-September/000844.html . March 24, 2007.

“Travel and Tourism in Oman.” Euromonitor International . January 2007. http://www.euromonitor.com/Travel_And_Tourism_in_Oman . March 25, 2007.

Uki, Ali. “Tourism: Time to Make a Difference.” SafariLands . March 14, 2006. http://www.safarilands.org/index.php/tourism/more/tourism_time_to_make_a_difference/ . March 27, 2007.

Interviews:

Edward Chaaya, General Manager, Crowne Plaza – February 23, 2009

Andreas Justkowiak, Direction of Operations, Hilton – February 25, 2009

Osama Mariam, Chief Executive Officer, Dhofar Tourism – February 28, 2009

“Waiting for the Barbarians” by Constantine P. Cavafy (1904), translated by Rae Dalven

What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?

The barbarians are to arrive today.

Why such inaction in the Senate?

Why do the Senators sit and pass no laws?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today.

What laws can the Senators pass any more?

When the barbarians come they will make the laws.

Why did our emperor wake up so early,

and sits at the greatest gate of the city,

on the throne, solemn, wearing the crown?

And the emperor waits to receive

their chief. Indeed he has prepared

to give him a scroll. Therein he inscribed

many titles and names of honor.

Why have our two consuls and the praetors come out

today in their red, embroidered togas;

why do they wear amethyst-studded bracelets,

and rings with brilliant, glittering emeralds;

why are they carrying costly canes today,

wonderfully carved with silver and gold?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today,

and such things dazzle the barbarians.

Why don’t the worthy orators come as always

to make their speeches, to have their say?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today;

and they get bored with eloquence and orations.

Why all of a sudden this unrest

and confusion. (How solemn the faces have become).

Why are the streets and squares clearing quickly,

and all return to their homes, so deep in thought?

Because night is here but the barbarians have not come.

And some people arrived from the borders,

and said that there are no longer any barbarians.

And now what shall become of us without any barbarians?

Those people were some kind of solution.

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Omani Culinary Arts Festival kicks off in Salalah

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Guest Essay

My Beloved Italian City Has Turned Into Tourist Hell. Must We Really Travel Like This?

By Ilaria Maria Sala

Ms. Sala is an Italian journalist. She wrote from Bologna, Italy.

A little more than 10 years ago, Bologna, my Italian hometown, was not really considered a big tourist destination. Group tours would come, but the city was primarily known for being the place with one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its cuisine — dishes like tortellini and tagliatelle — was an attraction, too, but in a subdued way.

Budget airlines, short-term rentals and social media changed everything. These days Bologna is on its way to becoming a full-blown, must-avoid-the-main-roads kind of tourist city. Some of the effects of this have been typical, like the landlords who have converted apartments to short-term rentals, which has raised rents and sent students farther from the university and into the smaller towns on the periphery. But one result has been very particular to Bologna: the consumption of mind-numbing, heart-stopping amounts of mortadella.

If you are not already familiar with it, mortadella is a cold cut made of finely ground, light-pink pork dotted with white cubes of fat and, occasionally, pistachios. It and Bologna go way back . The slow eating of our city by mortadella shops started before Covid but accelerated when, as in many cities, lots of Bologna’s independent shops, cafes and restaurants went out of business during the pandemic. Many of those in the center of town were bought up by chains with deep pockets and a singular vision: to sell mortadella to foreigners.

Downtown has changed completely. In the streets around the historic main square there used to be many old stationery shops — a favorite sold fountain pens, inks in every color and all the hand-bound notebooks one could dream of. It had been there for as long as I can remember, but was recently turned into an “Ancient cold cuts butcher.” It’s part of a chain. Just across from it, in what I think used to be a jewelry store, is a second self-styled ancient butcher from the same chain. When I asked the shop assistant how ancient they were, she replied that they had been open for three months.

Also just off the main square is a little maze of streets where the ancient food market used to be. Many shops are still there, looking picture perfect and trying to sell their fruit and vegetables, though presumably not to the throngs of people marching behind leaders with microphones and little flags held aloft. Those groups usually stop in front of the old shops that have given in and now exhibit rounds upon rounds of mortadella in the windows.

There are also endless representations of pigs. In front of one shop I saw statues of happy pigs holding the knives with which they’ll presumably butcher themselves into mortadella. Pig snouts on the logo of another. Naturalistic, stylized and smiling pigs gaze benignly on the waiters below, who cart trays piled high with fluffy pork arranged like clouds and ribbons.

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