Joanna James
As one of Oman's most popular tourist hotspots, Salalah is a cultural and recreational Mecca for the masses. From exploring the city's heritage sites to marvelling at its natural wonders, here are seven locations to add to your summer sightseeing itinerary in Salalah.
While there are quite a few impressive beaches in the area, Al Mughsail Beach is by far the best beach paradise in Salalah. The white sanded beach fringed by blue-green waters is made all the more beautiful by the lush mountains that surround it from nearly every direction. The beach is lined with Frankincense trees and is a favourite picnic spot for locals and visitors. There are a number of blowholes near the edge of the water that erupt at various intervals creating a visual spectacle.
Tipped to be an architectural marvel for the ages, Taqah Castle is among Salalah's must-visit cultural points of reason. Located 33km away from the heart of Salalah, the venue once served as the resplendent household of Sheikh Ali bin Taman Al Ma'shani who happened to be Sultan Qaboos' great-great-grandfather. Constructed during the 19th century, some of the main objects of interest on display at the palace include its weaponry and ancient tools.
No trip to the area would be complete without a tour of this iconic mosque. Occupying the city centre, this mammoth landmark is hard to miss as it is also the biggest mosque in all of Dhofar. The sky-piercing minarets and large white domes of the mosque are visible for miles around while the chandeliers and the wall motifs contained in this stunning edifice make it a classic example of Arabic architecture.
Waterfalls in the desert? while it may be considered a geographic anomaly, nature lovers exploring Salalah should not miss the chance to gaze upon the area's waterfalls. easily accessible to those who visit the town during the Khareef season (July to September); Wadi Darbat is a verdant enclave complete with streams, green valleys and mountains. The waterfalls also appear during this special time of year when hiking, boating and picnicking activities hit an all-time high.
When it comes to enjoying an authentic retail experience in Salalah, look no further than the sprawling Al Husn Souq. Dubbed Al Haffa Souq by local residents, this bustling marketplace is the ideal venue to buy clothing, perfumes and everyday items at reasonable rates. The open-air market is a bargain hunter's dream destination as discounts and deals are always available in various corners of the thoroughfare.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Land of Frankincense is home to not only the Sumharam Old City and Al Baleed but also Wadi Dawkah and Ubar the Lost City. Those based at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara will be within close range of this heritage hub and other Oman attractions.
Called the Well of Birds, the Tawi Atair Sinkhole boasts a depth of 200m and extends across 60m as one of the largest hollows of its kind in Oman.
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