Just a short hop from the UAE, Salalah – tucked away in Oman’s southern Dhofar region – is the perfect antidote to the sweltering UAE summer. Despite being on our doorstep, it offers cooler temperatures thanks to the Khareef, an Indian Ocean monsoon that runs from June to September, cooling the air and draping the mountains in mist.
With temperatures sitting in the mid-20s – a striking contrast from the Gulf’s current highs of 40°C+ – and waterfalls gushing through green valleys, it’s the perfect last-minute getaway.
From coastal calm to cave adventures, here are five experiences you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
Serenity at Ain Razat
For nature lovers looking for a little calm, Ain Razat is a must-see destination in Salalah. Located in the heart of the mountains, expect to find a natural spring trickling out, feeding pools and little streams that wind through gardens of tropical plants, flowers, and shady trees. Surrounded by dramatic limestone hills, it’s a cool, hidden sanctuary perfect for an afternoon picnic. Grab a hamper and blanket and join the locals who gather here to enjoy the fresh air, walk along the stone paths, or just sit and take in the mist rolling down the mountains.
Relax at Mughsail Beach with Its Natural Blowholes
Mughsail Beach is one of Salalah’s most striking spots, where soft white sand runs for miles. At the far end, natural blowholes shoot up plumes of seawater through the rocks – a photography enthusiast’s dream. Head here for an unhurried walk, sit back and listen to the waves, or watch locals casting their lines. On calmer days, the water is good for a swim, while the cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop to one of Salalah’s best sunsets.
Experience Panoramic Views from Shaat Viewpoint
If there’s one spot that captures the drama of Dhofar’s landscapes, it’s Shaat Viewpoint. Perched high on the cliffs west of Salalah, this vantage point feels like the edge of the world. During the Khareef, mist drapes around the mountains and thick clouds roll in making it feel like you are literally standing above them. On clear days, the view stretches for miles, just lush green hills tumbling into turquoise waters below. Perfect for hiking and photography fans, it’s utterly different from the Gulf’s flat desert horizons, making Shaat an unmissable stop on any Salalah adventure.
Adventure and Relaxation in Wadi Darbat
Wadi Darbat is where Salalah really shows off. The green valley has waterfalls cascading down its limestone cliffs while the natural lakes reflects the sky. During the Khareef, the whole place transforms with mist in the air and wild camels grazing by the water. You can take a boat ride across the lake, hike up to hidden viewpoints, or simply sprawl out under the trees and let it all soak in. It’s the kind of place where you can hike a trail or sit back and watch the world pass by but either way, you’ll remember it long after you’ve left.
Cultural at Sumhuram Archaeological Park
Sumhuram Archaeological Park offers a step back into Oman’s past, where crumbling stone walls are all that remain of a thriving port city that once fuelled the frankincense trade. More than 2,000 years ago, this was the beating heart of commerce, linking Oman to East Africa and India. Today, you can wander through the ruins of temples, storerooms, and city gates, imagining caravans arriving with fragrant goods destined for the world. Framed by mountains on one side and the beach on the other, this place makes history feel alive.
