Salalah holidays

While Oman might not be the first place you think of for beaches, Salalah is dotted with stretches of sand that feel almost Caribbean – long, golden, and backed by coconut palms, with the occasional camel appearance to remind you you’re in Arabia.

Golden, sandy beaches are abundant in Salalah, and one of the most popular is Al Mughsayl. It’s a long stretch combining powdery sand with dramatic cliff faces carved into the coastline. Nearby, Marneef Cave is a fun spot to watch the waves rush into the rock formations, creating natural blowholes that spout seawater into the air when the tide is right. And yes – you might even see a camel strolling along the sand.

Al-Fazayah Beach is a bit tricky to reach, but it’s totally worth the effort. A winding track leads to a quiet stretch of coastline with turquoise waters in shades of blue and soft, secluded sands. It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds, enjoy a peaceful swim, or just soak in the dramatic coastal scenery.

For souvenirs and local finds, the souks are your best bet. Haffa Souq is the most famous, full of frankincense, jewellery and traditional clothing, while Al Husn Souq is your go-to for spices, textiles and a few tasty nibbles along the way. Don’t be shy to haggle – the locals expect it, and it’s part of the fun.

For mid-range shopping, As-Salam Street is perfect for strolling between small shops and boutiques, picking up local frankincense and textiles along the way. If malls are more your thing, Salalah Grand Mall is the largest in the city, with plenty of brands, restaurants, and even a cinema.

If you’re after bigger brands or luxury labels, there’s a few malls that fit the bill. Head to Salalah Gardens Mall or Salalah Gallery Mall for a range of designer stores, stylish boutiques – plus, there’s plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a bite while you shop.

This is what Salalah is all about. Evenings are for winding down – whether that’s eating out, pausing by a mosque, or picking up a last-minute bargain at one of the late-night souks. Enjoy the final buzz of the day without the mad rush.

Evenings in Salalah aren’t really about a die-hard party scene, but there’s still plenty of local life. Souks like Haffa Souk buzz until late, while beachside cafés and restaurants offer open-air seating with views over the Arabian Sea.

Omani food is big on slow cooking and bold flavours. Shuwa is the star of the show – lamb or goat marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked low and slow until tender. You’ll also spot majboos, a spiced rice dish similar to biryani, usually served with chicken or goat – and yes, camel meat is common too, either boiled, grilled, or served on skewers.

This is Salalah’s go-to fish and rice dish. Think lemony rice paired with grilled or boiled kingfish – locally known as kanad – caught in Oman’s coastal waters. It’s lightly spiced with all the flavours like cumin, coriander and turmeric, and sometimes finished with cashews on the side.

Comfort food, Omani-style. Harees is made from wheat and meat – usually chicken or lamb – slow-simmered with spices until it turns creamy and porridge-like. It’s especially popular during Ramadan, when it’s often served as a hearty meal to break the fast.

Basically, Middle Eastern doughnuts. Luqaimat are small, golden dough balls – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – and drizzled with date syrup or honey. The name literally means ‘little bites’, and they’re dangerously moreish, especially with a cup of Arabic coffee.

Salalah does coffee and tea a little differently. Omani coffee, known as kahwa, is lightly spiced with cardamom or cloves – and comes with a date on the side. If you’re visiting someone’s home, expect a small cup to appear pretty quickly – it’s how the locals say welcome. Tea has its own twist, too. Karak tea, similar to chai, is sweet, milky and gently spiced.