Joanna James
Ranked among Oman's most breathtaking cities, Salalah is a nature lover's dream destination. Blessed with stunning heritage sites and captivating landscapes, here's a rundown of the best points of interest to explore on a trip to this scenic area.
Ideally situated a mere 7km from the Salalah City Centre, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is not only one of Oman's finest religious edifices but also the largest in all of Salalah. The venue which combines modern architectural styles with ancient Arabic motifs is a mammoth structure that dwarfs all other buildings in the area. Named after a famed Sultan of Oman named Qaboos, visitors who are not of the Islamic faith are also welcome to tour the mosque and take in its beautiful interiors.
Located in one of Dhofar province's finest bays, the Sumhuram Archaeological Park harks back to the area's 2000-year-old history. Having once served as a bustling trading port for frankincense, the enclosure is now called the Sumhuram Archaeological Park and is one of Salalah's top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As an active archaeological area, tourists can witness archaeologists digging for ruins of the ancient port and its remnants while the entire area resembles a living museum of days gone by.
Just 3km away from the heart of Salalah lies the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, a cultural landmark dedicated to celebrating the area's proud history of producing some of the world's finest frankincense. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the engaging exhibits at the museum take visitors back to the era when frankincense was first uncovered in Oman. Considered an educational point of interest, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense is home to informative galleries on various topics related to the cultivating and retailing of precious commodity.
As an attraction that's a stone's throw away from Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and other hospitality hubs, no trip to Salalah would be complete without a tour of this venue. Called the crown jewel of all Oman attractions, this sprawling space is another historical site that entered the UNESCO's list of heritage hubs in Oman. Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the Al Baleed Archaeological Park is also within close range of the Haffa souq and the Al Husn Palace. Accessible to visitors free of charge from 8 am to 8 pm, those who drive to the locale will need to pay a nominal parking fee to enter.
Shopaholics on the lookout for an authentic Omani retail experience will find no finer highlight than the Al Husn Souq. Selling everything under the sun from souvenirs and clothing items to food and footwear, this vibrant traditional marketplace is where Dhofari residents head for their daily needs. Although the price points at the souq are reasonable, tourists should not shy away from haggling down the price of an item as bargaining is an integral part of commerce in this part of Oman.
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