Do you prefer mountains or beaches? Either will do because there are ample places to visit in Salalah. The largest city of the south Omani governorate of Dhofar has lush green mountains, exotic beaches, peculiar species of flora and fauna, breathtaking deserts, enticing archeological sites, mesmerizing mosques, and exquisite souqs. Once a prime trade port for frankincense, the capital city of Oman is the perfect place to plan a holiday with your family and friends. The best season to visit Salalah is the Khareef season or Monsoon season, which are from June to August.
12 Best Places to Visit in Salalah: To Be with Nature
There are many tourist places in Salalah that provide calm and peace to one’s mind and soul. The city flourishes during the Khareef season, and apart from offering many unique places, the city also grows a variety of vegetables and fruits like coconut and bananas. If you are planning to explore middle eastern countries, Salalah is one of the wholesome places to visit in the middle east.
A paradise for a globetrotter, there are many options for people planning a vacation and such gorgeous places that you would want to stay for a little more and spend some more time around the site's numerous topographies.
- Taqah Castle: Explore The Ancient Administration
- Sultan Qaboos Mosque: Adore The Place Of The Almighty
- Mughsayl Beach: Perfect Place To Leave Your Footprints
- Marneef Cave And Mughsayl Natural Fountains: Admire The Enchanting Beauty
- Al Husn & Gun Souq: Take Away A Little Part Of Salalah With You
- Taqa Beach: Heaven For Birdwatchers
- Samahram Archaeological Site: Discover The Trade City Of Frankincense
- Wadi Darbat: Experience The Thrill
- Anti-Gravity Point: Experience The Unbelievable
- Jebel Samhan: Admire The Splendid View
- Empty quarter desert: Enjoy Sand Bashing And Traditional Cuisine
- The Museum Of Frankincense: Learn The History Of The Famous Incense
1. Sultan Qaboos Mosque: Adore the Place of the Almighty
The largest mosque in Salalah welcomes its visitors with classical Arabic designs on the magnificent wooden doors at the entrance. There are two prayer halls, one for males and the other for females. The male hall is more extensive and beautifully decorated with several chandeliers, wall patterns and green carpets.
One of the main attractions of this mosque is the spectacular chandelier that lies under the central dome. It is one of the city's two landmarks and should be on the list of people looking for places to visit in Salalah. This eclectic structure becomes more enjoyable than ever when it welcomes non-Muslims with open arms, just not during prayers. So, enquire before visiting the mosque.
Location: Muscat, Oman
Timings: Saturday to thursday: 8.30 a.m - 11.30 a.m. Friday: closed
Top Attractions: Architecture, peace
2. Mughsayl Beach: Perfect Place to Leave your Footprints
It takes 40 minutes of drive from Salalah to reach the gorgeous Mughsayl beach. The blue water of the sea and white sand on the beach makes it one of the best places to visit in Salalah. People looking for leisure time to spend with their spouse can take a long walk on the beach barefoot and feel the softness of the sand while making footprints on it.
The beach is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Some people spend days just sitting and watching to capture a glimpse of different species of birds on the beach. People with children can plan a picnic on the beach and spend quality time with their children playing and running around the coast. The beach offers so many activities for people to do that it has undeniably become one of the great beaches in Oman.
Location: Outside of Salalah city
Top attractions: white sand, birds, scenic view
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3. Marneef Cave and Mughsayl Natural Fountains: Admire the Enchanting Beauty
Situated near Mughsayl Beach, are the Marneef cave and natural fountains. A rocky structure that appears to be a cave is one of the famous places to visit in Salalah. There are several smaller caves in the same area where people can enjoy rock climbing with family and friends. One of the most intriguing attractions near this cave is the natural fountains. Three such fountains have meshes over their openings. These fountains are super active during the Khareef season, the best time to visit Salalah, and tourists can enjoy getting drenched. One can also sit under the gazebos near these fountains and enjoy the view.
Location: Near the Mughsayl beach
Top attractions: fountains, scenic views, caves
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4. Al Husn & Gun Souq: Take Away a Little Part of Salalah with You
Take nothing but memories! Not really. While visiting such an exotic place as Salalah, one can never leave the place without visiting the souq for souvenirs and other authentic items. Al husn souq is the one where you get everything from traditional Omani dresses, spices, ornaments, artefacts, frankincense and other perfumes, carpets etc.
A peculiar Souq in Salalah is the Gun souq, where antique guns and knives are sold as showpieces apart from regular market items. These harmless weapons can be bought by anyone interested in such a collection.
Location: Al Husn souq: near AL haffa beach. Gun souq: near Sultan Qaboos Street
Top Attractions: traditional items, food items
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Muscat, Oman for an Ideal Omani Retreat
5. Taqah Castle: Explore the Ancient Administration
The castle was built in the 19th century and served as the administrative center and residence of many governors till 1984. After the Ministry of heritage and culture took responsibility for the castle, it was restored, keeping the ancient weapons, jewelry, furniture, paintings, and items of daily use as they were. One of the intriguing places to visit in Salalah, the castle turned museum, is a great place to understand how the administration of the olden times used to work and live in the same place.
This two floors castle is heaven for an antique fanatic. The place has a guard room, a prison, a tannur oven, a bath, and a store to keep household goods, weapons, firewood, and food on the ground floor. The first floor has a kitchen, rest places, and a graceful suite for the governor and his family. There is a beautiful white sandy beach near the castle, and people can savour their palettes with a delicious lunch in the lovely fishing village where this fantastic castle is situated.
Location: Al Husn street, off Taqah street, Taqah, Oman
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Top Attractions: Archeology, history, artefacts
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6. Taqa Beach: Heaven for Birdwatchers
The fascinating attraction of this beach is the amalgamation of the three different terrains in one place. A desert and mountains create a spellbinding view around the beach, making it a photo-worthy place. One of the beautiful places in Salalah is another paradise for birdwatchers to sit and appreciate the beauty of different birds that visit the beach. There’s also a sunset point at the cliff's end, making it a special place to be with your spouse. It is recommended for couples to experience the serenity of this white sandy beach who are planning their honeymoon in Oman.
Location: 40 kilometers from Salalah
Top Attractions: white sand, sunset, birds
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7. Samahram Archaeological Site: Discover the Trade City of Frankincense
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a chief trading city port for frankincense. The captivating view of several ongoing excavations makes it worth the visit. The city is as old as 4th century BC, which also makes it one of the oldest settlements in Oman. One of the best tourist places in Salalah has several ongoing excavations that started in 1996 with the restoration of many exciting things such as frankincense store rooms, temples, homes, globular jars, fishing tools, women’s ornaments, incense burners, coins, etc. In addition, the temple is believed to be a significant finding that was the Mesopotamian moon god's worship place.
Location: Khor Rori Area
Timings: Everyday: 8. am. to 8 p.m.
Top Attractions: History, artifacts
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8. Wadi Darbat: A Place to Experience the Thrill
If you are looking for adventure and fun, look no further, Wadi Darbat comes with the whole package. The valley offers its tourists an opportunity to go on a hike, enjoy the waterfalls, boat in the canal, and have a picnic. The combination of so many activities in one place makes Wadi darbat one of the most attractive places to visit in Salalah. Furthermore, it is a thrilling experience to create your tracks during the hike as there are no particular pathways but be cautious about encountering snakes.
The biggest lake in Salalah offers people different boat rides such as kayaking, paddling, or a motor boat ride. However, the cloudy weather and lush green landscape during the Khareef season make it irresistible for people to deny the pleasure of a boat ride.
People planning a vacation with children will have a blast at this place. Many small eateries offer delicious food. One can also pack for a picnic around the lovely environment and set up a barbeque to treat family and friends. So, if you are planning to spend time with your loved ones, visiting this place could be one of the things to do in Oman.
Location: a few kilometers behind Taqa city
Top Attractions: Boating, trekking, picnic
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9. Anti-Gravity Point: Experience the Unbelievable
This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Salalah, described as uncanny and intriguing. Basically, the Anti-gravity point is a route between Mirbat and Salalah, a road that counters gravity and makes your car move between the speed of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour while on neutral and without any acceleration. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting Salalah.
Location: The route between Mirbat and Salalah
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10. Jebel Samhan: Admire the Splendid View
Situated on the eastern side of Salalah, Jebel Samhan is worth putting on the list of places to visit in Salalah. Jabel Samhan is a nature reserve in Mount Samhan, home to the endangered species of wild Arabian leopards, Arabian Gazelle, fox and Nubian goat. The place is surrounded by magnificent hills and lovely pastures, where the tourists get the chance to appreciate the exotic flora and fauna.
Location: Dhofar, Oman
Top Attractions: Flora and fauna, mountains
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11. Empty Quarter Desert: Enjoy Sand Bashing and Traditional Cuisine
A desert safari tour to one of the largest deserts in the world should be on the top of your list while looking for tourist places in Salalah. The nerve-wracking experience of dune bashing in those SUVs, sand boarding, camel ride, and a lip-smacking Arabic meal at the end of the day will create a precious memory to reminisce. Taking the full-day safari tour is recommended for the wholesome experience, though tourists can choose from various packages.
Location: Dhofar, Oman
Top Attractions: Desert safari, adventurous activities, delicious food
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Salalah: Reveal the Hidden Paradise to the World
12. The Museum Of Frankincense: Learn the History of the Famous Incense
The only museum in the city of Salalah is a treat for those looking to understand the history of ancient civilizations. It is an indoor museum with two main halls, Maritime Hall and History Hall. The Maritime Hall exhibits navigational instruments and crafted wooden things like Omani boats. The History Hall showcases a copy of a letter sent by Prophet Muhammed to the people of Oman in the 8th century. Talking about other things present in the History Hall, there are artifacts from the Al Baleed Archeological site, such as pottery and metal work.
Location: 245P+QC8, Salalah, Oman
Top Attractions: History, Archeology,
There are a lot of places to visit in Salalah, and each location showcases its beauty and charm, which may make you extend your vacation days. The best months to visit in Salalah are June and August, although people can also during other months as the city never loses its charm. So if you are someone who wants to explore all kinds of terrains, experience delicious Arabic food, and discover history through archeological sites and museums in one vacation, then look no further and Avail of the Salalah holiday packages to have an experience of a lifetime.
Places to Visit in Salalah - FAQs
Salalah is the capital city of southern Oman's Dhofar province. It is known for its beaches, mountains, deserts, and banana plantations. The city flourishes during the Khareef season, also known as the Monsoon season.
The Khareef season is the best time when the city's weather is at its best. It is between June and August. One can visit in other months also if you don’t want to encounter a massive crowd.
Salalah international airport is the name of the airport. The airport offers travel to regional destinations and some international charter services from Europe.
Here are some tips for enjoying your vacation without any problems.
- Always carry your passport
- Respect the tradition and culture of the place
- Keep sunscreen and goggles handy
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Salalah is known for its beaches, mountains, desert safari tours, archeological sites, and lip-smacking Arabic food. There is Taqa beach, Mughsayl beach, Samahram Archaeological site, The museum of Frankincense, Empty quarter desert etc.
There are many places to visit in Salalah; however the beaches and safari tours will make your day worth remembering. A romantic walk on the beach, a thrilling experience during the desert safari, and exquisite Arabic cuisine will fill your heart with love and happiness.
The museum of Frankincense is the only museum in the city of Salalah. It exhibits the history of the aromatic Frankincense and how the city used to be a famous trade port in ancient days. There is a Frankincense tree inside the museum.
The ideal months to visit Salalah are June to August, known as the Khareef season. The weather is pleasant during these months, and people can enjoy all the places.
