Places to Visit in Salalah – Discovering Fascinating Salalah

One of the most historically profound attractions in Salalah is the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. This 64 hectare natural treasure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is surrounded by a stunning 'knor' which is made up of a lagoon that is fed from below via underground water and from above through a spring flowing from the mountains. It is a place documented by famous travellers such as Ibn Batuta and Marco Polo and now you have an opportunity to see what they saw and literally walk in their footsteps. A once large and noble city as described by these travellers is today mere ruins; however its historical significance has made this a place well worthy of exploring. To really go back in time here drop by the Land of Frankincense Museum and immerse yourself in the rich trading history of this land. If you are based at the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara you can make use of the complimentary access to the park that can be reached on foot or by the resorts lagoon boat service.

Souqs are traditional markets where you can get a good dose of all things authentic about a place. In Salalah if there is one souq you simply cannot afford to miss out on it probably is the old Haffah Souq located in the old town of Salalah. There is a myriad of items for sale here but it is most famous for good quality frankincense and souvenirs that are traditionally Dhofari. To really benefit from the souqs of Salalah explore this place equipped with a tour guide. You can gain invaluable insight into local culture while enjoying the lively ambience around you.

The desert side of Salalah is magnificent and despite many tourists opting to stay in a beach resort in Salalah, the vast expanses of golden sands are an alluring spot to spend the afternoon in. In the Rub Al Kali visitors get an opportunity to experience Salalah in its most rugged sense and witness an untold form of beauty only evident in the Middle East. To make your adventure even more exciting you could indulge in a 4 x 4 excursion across this beautiful desert and pay a visit to the Thumrait Bedouin tribal settlement while you are at it. You could also journey across the Qara Mountains and get to Al Hashman – an area famed for towering sand dunes. Here you can partake in a range of desert based activities such as camel riding, dune bashing and watch the magnificent views of the golden sun setting across the desert.

Imagine an entire city being swallowed up by the sand. That is precisely what has happened in Ubar which literally translates to the Lost City. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you can enjoy a mysterious overnight excursion and add up the spice with a traditional Omani barbeque camp dinner complete with shisha and plenty of fun. Conclude your trip with magnificent views of the sun rising at dawn.