Salalah
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At a glance
- Country
- Oman
- Region
- Dhofar
- Population
- 330,000
- Best time to go
- June to September, October to March
- Main airport
- Salalah (SLL)
- Coordinates
- 17.02°N, 54.09°E
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Overview
Salalah, capital of Oman's southern Dhofar region, feels a world away from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. Coconut palms and banana plantations line its streets, and white beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea.
It is famous for the khareef, the summer monsoon that turns the surrounding hills green and misty, and for frankincense, traded from this coast for thousands of years. Several of the ancient trading sites are now UNESCO-listed.
Things to see
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Photo: Juozas Šalna, CC BY 2.0 Al Baleed Archaeological Park
Ruins of a medieval trading port by the sea, with the excellent Museum of the Frankincense Land.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Juozas Šalna, CC BY 2.0 Sumhuram
The remains of an ancient frankincense port above the lagoon at Khor Rori, east of the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Syed99975, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mughsail Beach
A long white beach west of the city, where blowholes in the cliffs spray seawater into the air.
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Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0 Al Haffa Souq
Stalls of frankincense, burners and perfumes near the seafront.
Things to do
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Photo: Muiad123, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wadi Darbat
A green valley with a lake and, after the monsoon, waterfalls tumbling down the rocks.
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Photo: Armatus1995, CC BY-SA 4.0 See frankincense trees
Gnarled frankincense trees grow at Wadi Dawkah, in the dry hills north of the city.
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Drink fresh coconut
Roadside stalls along the plantations sell coconuts, bananas and papayas.
Where to stay
City centre
Practical and good value, close to the souqs and restaurants.
Hotels in City centreAl Haffa
Near the beach and the old souq, with sea breezes.
Hotels in Al HaffaBeach resorts
Larger resorts along the coast east of the city suit a relaxing break.
Hotels in Beach resorts
Getting around
A hire car is by far the best way to explore the beaches, wadis and archaeological sites; taxis cover the city.
The airport is close to the city, around 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
When to go
The khareef from late June to September brings cool mist, greenery and crowds of Gulf visitors. October to March is sunny and warm, perfect for beaches and sightseeing.
Plan your trip to Salalah
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.