The most stunning city in Oman, Salalah features a picturesque beauty. There are many tourist places in Salalah you have to visit. And that is why it has been attracting many tourists over the years. If you are looking for a place within the GCC where to spend your vacation, Salalah is the number one choice. Not only is the city fantastically beautiful, but there are many things to do in Salalah.
What makes Salalah so unique is that it features an almost tropical atmosphere, Salalah also includes the best tourist places. The rain helps some impossible greenery to grow there. It also features amazing beaches and golden deserts, what else can you ask for in a vacation?
We have prepared this list to help you plan your Omani adventure. These are the top things to do in Salalah. So, we will let you know many hidden places in Salalah you can go with your friends and family.
Explore Teiq Cave and Sinkhole & Tawi Atair Sinkhole
Not only is Teiq Sinkhole one of the biggest sinkholes in the world, but deep in Tawi Atair’s depth live unique fish. With no other freshwater fishes in 600 km radius, researchers have found an endemic fish that only lives in these caves.
If that is not reason enough to visit the area then its amazing natural beauty may convince you.
You absolutely have to dedicate a day in your trip to explore these natural wonders. Many travel agencies in Salalah organize tours to the area. The magnificent surroundings will provide you with an unforgettable hiking trip.
If you go there during the Khareef season, stay on the platform as the land around the sinkhole is very slippery because of all the rain. However, the view is the most beautiful at that time as the rain makes the lush greenery even greener.
Make certain to finish your tour with a visit to Anti Gravity Point, where cars drive an upward hill on neutral! It is a very fascinating experience.
Tour the Museum of the Frankincense Land
One of the best places to visit in Salalah that located in the heart of Al Baleed site, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site, the Museum of the Frankincense Land is as beautiful as it is atmospheric.
The area was a trading port in the 12th-century, it is where Frankincense was shipped across the sea to India.
The museum is huge. It comprises two main halls: the Marine Hall and the Hall of History, as well as beautiful landscaped gardens. It is wonderfully lit at night.
Frankincense is a kind of aromatic resin mostly used in perfumes and incense. Frankincense trees grow in Oman and specifically in Salalah, they make the city’s streets very aromatic.
Relax on Al Mughsail Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Salalah, and for a good reason, Al Mughsail is a long stretch of white sand beach. The sunset view there is something to behold.
The mountains provide an imposing backdrop to the beach, this makes the scenery unbelievable. This pristine beauty makes the beach popular even in winter, as it is a very popular picnic area. It even offers picnic huts that can accommodate the whole family.
At sunset, after everyone has enjoyed swimming and picnicking, you will see almost everybody strolling barefoot to enjoy the view and the soft fine sand beneath their feet. Take your shoes off and join them, it is a walk to remember.
Check Al Marneef Cave
When you go to the beach, invest a couple of hours to check out Al Marneef Cave. It is an absolute delight.
It is located near Al Mughsail Beach. The view from the surrounding mountain is stunning. There are several benches available for tourists to sit down for a while and enjoy the marvelous view of the beach and the blowholes.
Al Marneef Blowholes, also known as Al Mughsail Blowholes or Fountains are sea caves, through which sea waters come up, creating natural high fountains that splash water around them.
Visiting this magical place is definitely one of the top things to do in Salalah, it is unbelievably atmospheric.
Buy souvenirs at Al Husn Souq
No trip is ever complete without visiting the local markets, or buying traditional souvenirs. This traditional Omani souq is perfect for both. That is why strolling down Al Husn Souq is one of our choices for top things to in Salalah.
You can find everything there, rugs, frankincense, exotic spices, antiques, Omani daggers, traditional coffeepots, and silver and gold ware. The best and worst part is: you are expected to haggle with the vendors.
Visiting the souq at day time will give you a better chance to shop and haggle. However, nighttime offers a much more atmospheric experience.