Salalah is wrapped in an interesting ancient identity highlighted by its old palaces, souks, heritage trails and tombs. A beach city that features strong oceanic currents, the region is also a fascinating hub of archeological parks and breathtaking natural sights. Here is a guide to the Top 5 Must Do’s in Salalah.

1 - Al-Baleed Archelogical Park

Al Baleed Archeological Park is a stimulating ancient site to explore the conspicuous antediluvian charm of Salalah with its early Bronze Age settlement ruins and Iron Age home vestiges. The earliest settlement here is rumored to date back to 2,000 B.C. Al Baleed has witnessed several excavations since the 1970’s and an expansive pathway snakes through the relics to help visitors explore significant structures like the Citadel, City Wall and Grand Mosque. The heritage attraction is gorgeously illuminated with flood lights at dusk and looks even more resplendent in a warm tangerine glow. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon but visitors should stay until sunset to enjoy the site in natural and artificial light. Opening hours are from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

2 - Job’s Tomb

This is one of the most significant religious sites in Salalah and is a mausoleum of Job or Prophet Ayub from the Old Testament of the Bible. The tomb is very simple but the region surrounding the grave site is beautiful and offers a fantastic view of the city and the mountains surrounding it. Another remarkable feature about the heritage site is the spring, where according to legend, Ayub thumped his foot on the ground to generate water from it.

3 - Haffa Souk

The Haffa Souk swells with an effervescent traditional energy and cultural spirit that is hard to miss. There is a wide range of collectibles for tourist to select in a fairly-tale-style old bazaar ambiance. Purchase dates, souvenirs, handicrafts, local costumes, hand-woven caps, perfumes and jewelry at unbelievable prices. Make sure you bargain with the merchants to bag favorable prices. Even if you aren’t into shopping for local items, visit the souk for the experience.

4 - Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is a stunning valley slicing through the Arabian Peninsula and is at its best after the rainy months when the attraction features a beautiful waterfall at the end of the wadi along with a gushing river that flows through the valley to merge at the Khor Rawri Sea. 

5 - Al Husn Palace

The magnificent palace that was erected by Sultan Turki during the nineteenth century is currently a modern complex of spruced-up buildings located adjacent to the beach of Salalah. The palace features huge stone walls along with teak doors and is still used by the present sultan as his summer residence.

Salalah is a nice destination where visitors can go for a staple dose of exotic culture, ancient heritage and a deeply engraved historical legacy.