Holiday in Salalah

What makes Salalah special as a destination?

Salalah, the second largest city in Oman, is a well-kept secret of the Arabian Peninsula. While the rest of the region broils in summer heat, the coastal plain of Dhofar transforms into a lush green oasis from June to September due to the Khareef monsoon — a phenomenon that attracts visitors from across the Gulf region and one that you would never expect in this corner of the world. The transformation is spectacular: waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, wadis fill with crystal-clear water, and the otherwise barren mountains of the Dhofar range are covered with a dense green carpet. It’s as if someone transplanted a piece of Ireland into the Arabian desert. Wadi Darbat, the largest waterfall in Oman, is particularly impressive during the Khareef. But Salalah delights not only in summer. The city is the historical center of the incense route, and the trade of the precious resin has shaped the region for over 5,000 years. The UNESCO World Heritage site “Land of Frankincense” includes the archaeological sites of Al-Baleed and Shisr (the ancient Ubar), where caravans once began their journey across the Arabian Peninsula. The Al-Baleed Museum brings the fascinating history to life. The endless white sandy beaches of Salalah — Al Mughsail Beach, Fazayah Beach, and Raysut Beach — are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in the entire region. The blowholes of Al Mughsail, where the sea is shot high into the air through rock openings, are a spectacular natural spectacle. Salalah is also the center of frankincense production. The Al-Husn Souk is filled with the intoxicating scent of fresh frankincense, and visitors can sample and purchase various qualities. Frankincense trees, which grow almost exclusively in Dhofar and parts of Yemen and Somalia, thrive in the mountains above the city — a botanical wonder. The cosmopolitan history of Salalah is also reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Influences from East Africa, India, and Yemen blend into a unique culture that is distinctly different from the rest of Oman.