Oman beach holiday salalah. Salalah is the southern “Maldives” of Oman. What to bring from Salalah

Salalah is the capital of the southern province of Dhofar, one of the oldest settlements in Oman. The city, surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Desert, is comfortably located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The ancient history, cultural traditions and natural wealth of Salalah provide an unquenchable tourist interest in this place.

They say that the name Salalah is translated from one of the local dialects as “shimmering”: something like this, due to the dazzling whiteness of the buildings, people from neighboring mountain tribes called the city - their dwellings were of a dull gray color! The past of the city is also dazzling, so to speak: on the site of today's Salalah in ancient times there were the possessions of the Queen of Sheba, here is the grave of the prophet Job, the city was the capital of Oman for some time, and it was in Salalah that the current Sultan Qaboos bin Said was born.

Unlike most cities in Oman, Salalah is home to many immigrants from China, India, Pakistan and other Asian countries. Despite the demographic diversity, the local laws and established practices are respected by everyone without exception.

Salalah attracts travelers from all over the world with its beaches and excellent organization of water sports. A variety of excursion programs and a high level of service in hotels have long been the hallmark of Salalah. The time spent here will be filled with wonderful emotions and impressions.

Climate and weather

The best season to travel to Salalah is from September to April. At this time, the city is transformed: gardens bloom, waterfalls, streams and geysers rustle in the mountains. The fact is that Salalah lies in the path of seasonal winds - monsoons, which begin in June and last until the end of September. They bring cumulus clouds, which, in turn, bring heavy drizzle and rain. The long-awaited moisture revives the gardens and generates streams of water in the mountains. It seems that the population of the entire Arabian Peninsula is flocking to Salalah in the hope of escaping the summer heat. Indeed, the daily temperature in Salalah can exceed +30 ° C only in April-May. The rest of the time it is much more comfortable here: +27…+29 °C.

Nature

Almost all year round, Salalah appears as a luxurious oasis among the endless sands. On the coast, cacti and coconut palms, mangroves and arid plateaus, salt lakes and dunes coexist peacefully. deserts of Rub al-Khali. Papaya, mango, mimosa, aloe and tamarisk also grow in the vicinity of Salalah. In the east of the province Dhofar there is such a unique phenomenon for the Middle East as a tropical forest that plays an important role in the ecosystem of the region.

The azure waters of the Arabian Sea are washed by snow-white beaches, and in the most beautiful lagoons you can meet ibises and flamingos. Beach Mugsale is a haven for many exotic birds and is famous for its "sea fountains", beating powerful jets from holes in the rocks.

Attractions

Salalah and its surroundings delight lovers of ancient artifacts. It is worth visiting such ancient settlements as Taka, which has several watchtowers and two forts from time immemorial, Mirbat, once famous for purebred Arabian horses, and Samharam, the ruins of which include the remains of the palace of the Queen of Sheba.

One of the highlights of Salalah is Tomb of Nabi Ayyub(tomb of the prophet Job). It is located in the northern part of the city and is a three-meter sarcophagus inside the mausoleum. According to legend, Ayub was a righteous man who lost everything he had, but never once expressed his displeasure before people or God. Today, the tomb of Nabi Ayyub is a sacred place for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

What you really can’t refuse when relaxing in Salalah is visiting the famous incense path which made this city famous all over the world. The incense tree is deservedly considered one of the main treasures of Oman. Approximately one and a half thousand tons of frankincense juice is extracted annually. In the old days, his frozen lumps were worth their weight in gold. Today, frankincense mining sites (for example, the ancient settlement of Ubar) are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Of the natural attractions, mountains are especially admired. Jebel Akhdar are the highest in Oman. Wonderful orchards and many flowers grow on their slopes, which are looked after by the inhabitants of another ancient settlement, Saik. By the way, it was here that once upon a time they began to produce rose water, which conquered the whole world. Noble persons consider it their duty to visit the Jebel Akhdar mountains. Princess Diana herself was here. In her honor, one of the mountain peaks was named Diana Peak.

Nutrition

Salalah restaurants impress even the most demanding gourmets. Here you can enjoy both local cuisine and European, Indian, Asian dishes. Here, tourists are advised to definitely drink camel milk - the source of strength of the Bedouins, as well as not to disregard the huge variety of seafood and meat dishes.

Tellingly, a great lunch will not empty your wallet if you visit places like Siam Kitchen, Hassan Bin Thabit Restaurant and Baalbeck Restaurant. Siam Kitchen is the only Thai restaurant in Salalah. Here, all dishes are complemented by jasmine rice and cost in the range from $3.5 to $9. Hassan Bin Thabit Restaurant serves Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Baalbeck Restaurant offers amazingly delicious Lebanese food. Before the main course, they will definitely offer a plate with fresh vegetables, and after that - sweet watermelon and fragrant tea. Restaurants are open on all days except Friday.

Expensive restaurants are located mainly at hotel complexes - for example, Hilton Salalah and Crowne Plaza hotels can boast of excellent establishments. The first restaurant, Sheba's Steakhouse, is famous for its delicious steaks. The Crowne Plaza's restaurant has a reputation for being an upscale establishment with a full range of modern gastronomic delights. Dinner here will cost about $ 30, not counting alcohol.

Accommodation

Salalah is visited by so many tourists (both foreigners and Omanis) every year that the city's population doubles during the high season. Therefore, there are many opportunities for living here.

As for the budget options, in Salalah there are many 1-2-3-room apartments for a day at affordable prices.

From mid-range hotels, the following options are recommended. First, Haffah House. The hotel is located in the city center, close to the airport. According to reviews, it has excellent rooms and good service for its level. The hotel has a fairly large swimming pool, gym, tennis court, exchange office and car rental. A standard double room will cost about $80 per night. If you want to live on the coast, do not pass by the Arabian Sea Villas hotel. It is located on the southern beach of Dahariz, surrounded by coconut trees. The price for accommodation includes breakfast, the cost of a double room will be approximately $100.

Popular 5* hotels in Salalah are Hilton Salalah resort and Crowne Plaza. At the same time, Crowne Plaza is considered to be the preferred option in terms of price / quality ratio. The cost of rooms in both is approximately the same and starts at $ 170 for a double room.

Entertainment and recreation

The main reason why Salalah is so attractive to travelers, in addition to historical sights, is, of course, its beaches. The sand on them is just snow-white, and the sea is crystal clear. The most popular beach Mugsale- located in the western part of the city. There are many birds here, and in the early morning you can also see camels. All beaches are equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, which can be used free of charge.

Here, vacationers can not only swim and sunbathe - they are offered various active water activities: banana riding, water skiing and motorcycles, yachting, diving and snorkeling. However, even if you have extensive diving experience, remember that diving can only be done in an organized manner, under the guidance of a specialist from a diving center: it is dangerous to dive into the water yourself due to unpredictable sea currents.

If you are already tired of a beach holiday, you can go on a jeep or camel safari with a stop at the Bedouin camp.

Purchases

There are several markets in Salalah. The most colorful of them is the market. Souq Al Hasn. Here you can buy aromatic oils, incense, incense, national clothes and shoes, including handmade by local craftsmen. There is also a huge selection of gold and silver jewelry, and if you try, you can even find antiques. And yet, according to the assurances of sellers, it is in this market that you can buy the most fragrant spices in the world. Walking past counters with powders and crystals of unknown purpose, it is hard to resist and buy at least a couple of spices! It is especially interesting to visit the Al-Hasn market in the evening, when fragrant incense is lit, lanterns are lit and a unique atmosphere of an oriental fairy tale is created.

The market can only be paid in cash. Remember that the time from 13:00 to 16:30 is a lunch break, and Friday is a national holiday. Do not forget that you can and should bargain in the market.

Transport

Public transport in Salalah is represented by buses. And although they go regularly, it is still more convenient for a tourist to travel by taxi. Taxi cars can be any color but are usually orange or white. It should be remembered that, as is always the case in tourist areas, taxi fares near hotels and popular attractions will be higher than in other places. If there is no desire to overpay, it is enough to move away from the hotel by 50 meters. You can bargain with the driver, but the price must be agreed before the trip. Please note that for women in a taxi there are passenger seats behind the driver, only men can sit to the right of the driver.

It is easy to rent a car in Salalah. It will be possible to do this, most likely, even in a hotel. You must be over 21 years old and have an international driver's license. If you get behind the wheel in Salalah, do not violate the rules of the road. Especially strictly monitor speeding, not wearing seat belts, using a mobile phone while driving. These violations are punishable by heavy fines, and arguing with the inspector is not only useless, but can be fraught with prosecution.

Connection

Mobile communications provided by local operators are almost flawless - there are more problems with roaming. Therefore, the easiest way is to purchase a SIM card from a local operator (Omantel is the most common) and a prepaid card to replenish your account.

Internet and Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels and many cafes. There are also several Internet cafes in the city. Their prices are different, but, as a rule, they do not exceed $ 2 per hour of work. True, the connection speed, depending on the location, can be unstable. If the availability of Internet access is important, we advise you to check with the hotel before checking in its availability and speed.

Local calls can be made from telephone booths. For this, telephone cards are used, which are available everywhere in shops, kiosks or gas stations.

Security

Salalah, like elsewhere in Oman, has a very low crime rate. But, as they say, God saves the safe, so do not tempt fate. No need to walk alone through deserted streets at night. Forget the adage “I carry everything I have with me” and keep your valuables in a hotel safe, not in your pockets. It is also unwise to leave documents and valuables in the room - expats with unstable morals often work in hotels, and theft from rooms in Salalah, albeit rarely, has happened.

When diving or swimming in the sea, make sure that you do not come across conical shells, rays and sharp corals - this is the “top list” of marine life that can hurt. When diving, do not forget that at least two days must pass between the last dive and the air flight so that the body calmly endures the load.

If you are going to ride around the area, be sure to take a sufficient supply of water: there are very few shops, cafes and restaurants outside the city.

Being in Salalah, as in other Omani cities, one must remember that Muslim traditions here largely determine the rules of behavior in society. To avoid unpleasant situations, we advise you not to violate accepted norms. When addressing local residents, be polite and tactful, avoid irony and familiarity (what you think is humor can be regarded as an insult). Be sure to thank you for your services.

If you want to film or photograph local people, be sure to ask their permission. Please note that filming of clerics, interior decoration of mosques, military installations and people in uniform, as well as police stations is prohibited.

On a walk around the city, it is better to abandon excessively bright and catchy clothes. Women should make sure their shoulders and knees are covered. Men should wear trousers and a shirt when visiting public places. By the way, you should not dress “like an Arab” and wear Omani national clothes everywhere: the locals will not be delighted with this.

Remember the reverent attitude of the Omanis towards water. Although Salalah is not as critical of water shortages as it is in other regions, respect the local rules: do not pour water on the ground, do not swim in open water, and do not leave taps open.

So, we are in Salalah - completely on the other side of the country and have a whole day ahead of us to explore this "oasis" of Oman. I think it's a good idea to pop into town first, since we've run out of cash. Let's see at the same time Al Balid National Excavation Museum, and then we will ride around the outskirts of Salalah, there should be a lot of interesting things there.

And then we walked towards the large green crowns of trees that could be seen in the distance. How do you like this haven for two hitchhikers living in a tent?

We liked it too. True, the tree somehow smells strange, a very subtle strange aroma, I didn’t even understand whether it was pleasant or not very. In any case, we slept well, and this is the main thing. We need strength. See you soon;).

P.S. By tradition - a direct connection from Indonesia, or rather from the island of Sulawesi. Have you ever thought that you can spend the night at a gas station? To be honest, I didn't even think about it. In short, thanks to my desire to get a beautiful photo from the gas station, we met with its main manager, who provided us with an entire room with air conditioning, shower, toilet and rug :). Two cans of cola are included. Tomorrow we are moving to Makassar, friends. Do not forget

Oman can offer tourists an excellent beach holiday, interesting excursions and a high level of service. In this country, there are desert and green savannahs with waterfalls, the Arab East with its cultural traditions and the European standard of living. And in Oman there is the oldest market in the Arab world (at least it is considered to be such). There are a lot of bazaars in the Sultanate. And this means that in Oman you can combine an active (well, or vice versa, relaxed) vacation with active shopping. Prepare a spare suitcase - it's hard to leave here empty-handed!

The national currency of the country is the Omani rial (see our converter for the current exchange rate against the ruble and other currencies). It is most profitable to change dollars or euros. It is best to do this in official exchangers. Moreover, in large cities they are almost at every step.

In the tourist places of Oman, you can pay in dollars or euros, but at the same time, the merchant will round the price, and the purchase will no longer be so profitable for you. Cards are accepted in shopping centers, good restaurants and hotels. But withdrawing cash from them is more difficult - not all ATMs accept foreign credit cards.

So, what can be brought from Oman?

Many tourists think that in Oman you can profitably buy everything the same as in the UAE. In fact, close proximity does not affect the Sultanate in any way - shopping here is completely different. Of course, there are shopping centers, but all the most interesting things are still sold in bazaars and private shops.

It is possible and necessary to bargain in small shops and in the bazaars of Oman - this is part of the national tradition.

The oldest and most colorful bazaar in the capital is Matra (Mutra) in the district of the same name (it is located in the very center of the city near the Corniche promenade). It seems that they sell everything that money can buy here. Locals call this market Al-Dalam, which translates as "darkness".

One of the most interesting shops in Muscat is Omani Craftsman’s House. Here you can buy, perhaps, the best works of Omani masters. Prices will be much higher than in the bazaar, but you won't have to worry about the quality.

In Nizwa, head to the central souq (bazaar) or the goat market (it takes place in the square near the main bazaar on Thursdays and Fridays). For shopping in Salalah, you should go to the Khaffa market. In Sohar (in the historical homeland of Sinbad the Sailor) there is a large central bazaar - here you can easily find everything that is generally worth bringing from Oman.

Dagger

The traditional Omani knife is called the khanjar. Perhaps this is one of the best-selling souvenirs in the Sultanate. Tourists sometimes get worried and ask if it is possible to take the dagger out of Oman. Why not? The main thing is to do it right.

If you decide to bring a dagger from Oman, do not forget to keep the receipt. This souvenir is considered a weapon, so you need to put it in your suitcase and check it in.

Prices for real daggers start from 200 rials (they need to be declared). But souvenir analogues cost about 7-9 rials, depending on the size.

antiques

Collectors from Oman can bring interesting antiques. Including the khanjar of the age of the century before last. Look for paintings, silver, wood and other interesting things in private shops or bazaars. It is believed that the widest selection of antiques in the central market of Nizwa. From the capital to this city about two hours drive.

Wood

From Oman, tourists bring souvenirs and sandalwood home decorations. Although in the course of wood and simpler. Buy boxes, figurines, frames, dishes and other home accessories - all this is inexpensive and very beautiful. As a rule, such things are decorated with carvings or gilded painting.

Ceramics

Oriental ceramics is always very interesting and beautiful. In the numerous markets of Oman, there is a huge selection of dishes, vases and cute figurines that you can bring for yourself and your loved ones. You can safely take unfired clay or beautiful and shiny glazed ceramics - everything is reliable and durable. The most popular souvenir from Oman in this category is the cone-shaped ceramic incense burner.

Copper

Beautiful oriental coinage in the bazaars of Oman can be viewed endlessly. The patterns are made with jewelry elegance. Buy trays, mugs, wide dishes, vases, boxes, mirrors, whatever. If you want to bring a gift from sunny Oman to a coffee lover, take a cezve (and, of course, the famous oriental coffee).

Incense

Most often, tourists bring salal incense from Oman, which is considered one of the highest quality and most valuable in the world. The price for it is very low - on average, only half a rial per pack. You can buy incense in the markets of Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Sohar and other cities - almost everywhere. But most of all incense, of course, is in its homeland - in the city of Salalah. You can also buy myrrh there, as well as various perfumes based on it.

Other incense are also popular: bakhoor, sandalwood, nutmeg. However, incense in Oman is still in first place. At the same time, buy an Arabic lamp for incense to smoke them - they are inexpensive and very beautiful.

Clothes and accessories

In the capital of Oman, there are several shopping centers where the usual European shopping awaits you. However, they do not come here for him at all. If only because the prices here are not so low. But in the markets there is where to roam.

National clothes

A popular souvenir from Oman is the traditional kumma hat. You can also buy a snow-white men's shirt, which is called dishdasha (although it is unlikely that you will need it in life, of course). And in the Omani bazaars there is a huge selection of bright Muslim shawls and scarves. Women often buy them as a keepsake.

fabrics

If you go shopping in one of Oman's bazaars, you will find a huge selection of fabrics. Natural silk (the one with embroidery is especially good), cotton, wool ... You can buy a cut or take a walk to the atelier and order tailoring.

Leather

As in other countries in the Arab world, Oman has a good selection of leather accessories. Men can buy purses or belts, women will like bags and wallets. Colored leather products look beautiful. Moreover, in Oman it is processed well - the paint will not wash off from the rain. Prices are low. A wallet in the bazaar will cost about 2.5-3 rials, prices for bags start at 4 rials.

Decorations

Women and girls are advised to look for shopping in jewelry shops in the markets of Oman. Here you can buy gold and silver jewelry at attractive prices. The choice is large, and the design is for every taste: European, Oriental, Asian. The quality of jewelry in Oman is high.

It is believed that the largest selection of gold and silver in Nizwa. A nice bonus: jewelry prices in Oman are lower than in neighboring Emirates.

Of non-precious jewelry, bracelets, pendants and earrings with popular amulets are especially popular. The hand of Fatima and the nazar bonjuk are found everywhere in the markets of Oman. Bring them as a gift to loved ones: it is believed that they protect from the evil eye.

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Cosmetics and perfume

Bring oils and cosmetics based on them from Oman as a gift to girls and women you know. Massage sets with various incense included are especially popular. The choice of oils is traditional: coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond and others.

The best perfume in the world

Amouage is an Omani brand established decades ago. This is a mixture of the best Arabic traditions and French flair (compositions were created by a guest perfumer from France). Each fragrance is made up of hundreds of different ingredients. That is why these perfumes are considered among the best in the world and, accordingly, one of the most expensive. The wealthy European public is crazy about them.

You can buy Amouage perfume in Oman in specialized stores. However, more favorable prices are still in duty free. We advise you to get acquainted with the fragrances while relaxing inside the country, and on departure to purchase the coveted bottle.

Pink water

In Oman, women should buy real rose water and cosmetics based on it. She is no worse than the famous flower water from Bulgaria. You need to look for it in the markets or in pharmacies.

By the way, rose water can also be attributed to gastronomic souvenirs. Please note that there is also a food option - this water is added to coffee or desserts.

Food and drink

At the central market in Nizwa, you need to go through the souvenir and antique departments: immediately behind them are large fruit and vegetable, meat, fish and date shops.

Dates

What eastern country without dates? It is believed that the best varieties grow in the desert (and Oman has it). The choice is large, and they are all delicious, meaty, juicy, sweet. On sale there are dates in chocolate or with a nut inside, and also sprinkled with sesame seeds. It will be convenient to carry the product home in a box weighing 500 g or 1 kg.

Sweets

The most popular sweet in Oman (after dates, of course) is halva. We advise you to bring it as a gift to children and friends with a sweet tooth, it is very tasty. Halva is inexpensive, but it is sold in bazaars (if it is by weight) and in supermarkets (in packages).

Also in Oman you can buy baklava, Turkish delight, nougat, nuts in sugar and other oriental goodies.

Honey

Omani honey deserves special attention. It is natural and somehow especially tasty. Especially the one sold at the market. Such honey can certainly be used as a medicine. And it is often used in the preparation of traditional sweets, so try them too.

Spices

The most popular condiments in Oman are hot spices and fragrant spices. Buy pepper, a mixture for cooking meat or fish, saffron (which, by the way, is profitable), cumin, zira, coriander, cardamom, vanilla, dried lemons ... It is most profitable to take goods at the market: you can bargain for it, and also buy several packages of spices and get another one as a gift. By the way, this often happens.

Coffee

If you have been to Turkey or Tunisia, then the taste of Omani coffee should probably seem familiar to you. The most popular here, as in other Arab countries, is ground with cardamom. Due to the added spice, it seems more robust and tart. Omani coffee is really good, fragrant, delicious, so feel free to buy it for yourself or as a gift to your loved ones. By the way, in restaurants in Oman they often add not only cardamom to coffee, but also ground seeds or even a drop of rose water.

Prices for coffee are low: on average - 1 rial for a 450-gram jar. You can find a product at competitive prices not only in the capital, but also during a beach holiday in Oman. Good coffee is available in almost every supermarket.

We hope you find our tips for shopping in Omani cities useful. We wish you pleasant and profitable shopping! Have something to add? Write in the comments!

Oman is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Its territory is almost the same as Italy, but only 2.7 million people live on it. Until recently, the main income of the country's economy was oil production. But oil reserves are limited and have almost run out, in connection with this, Oman is currently massively investing in tourism, and in the future it is planned to make this industry the main income of the economy. Fortunately, the climate allows you to count on European tourists from October to April and on the Arab in the summer. In winter, the climate is tropical: 27-29 degrees during the day and about 20 at night. In summer, it is very hot in the main territory of the Sultanate, but in the mountains the temperature is about 25 degrees, so tourists from the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia come there for the summer months.
Oman is considered the Arab Switzerland: very low crime, good infrastructure, cleanliness and
calm political environment.

We were in the south of the country in the city of Salalah. We spent most of our time at sea. Huge white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. There is practically no rain in this zone in winter, which is important for a week-long trip, unlike the Caribbean or Maldives. By the way, a small time difference is a big plus: 3 hours with Europe (winter) and 1 hour with Moscow.

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Locals do not swim in the sea, so, as you can see, the beaches are deserted.

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In addition to the sea in Oman, a huge desert deserves a visit. Golden sand, soft as flour, dunes and rare plants.

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It is not advised to go to the desert without a professional guide, which we did. But I personally did not expect that the trip included dune rallies, which I would not call safe. And, as expected, 2 out of 7 jeeps got stuck in the sand.

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On the way we stopped to look at the camels in the pasture:

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And on the incense plantation.

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These trees grow only in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, in Oman and Yemen. In ancient times, incense was sold for its weight in gold, and its sale brought huge incomes to the Sultanate.

It is a pity that we could not visit the capital of the Sultanate Muscat, it would be ideal to stop first for 2-3 days in the north of the country and travel around the sights, but this time it did not work out in time. I hope we will add a visit to Muscat in one of the next trips, since Oman air offers tickets to many interesting destinations at very competitive prices.

Salalah is the hometown of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. After he ascended the throne, Muscat, the capital of Oman, became his permanent residence. But sometimes he still uses this palace in Salalah as his summer residence.

Previous sultans, including the current father, lived in Salalah. But Sultan Qaboos decided to change this tradition.

The palace, known as Al Husn, also called the White or Old Port, was built in the 18th century. Interestingly, the reason for the construction was the found source of fresh water, because it was around the dug well that the walls of this fort were erected.

Subsequent owners have constantly improved and expanded it, so it is now a large, modern building complex, located south of the city center, overlooking the beach. It is surrounded by a thick stone wall on the land side. The palace is guarded so heavily that even the beach area is closed to outsiders. But getting close to the walls and taking a couple of photos is by no means forbidden. At least the armed guards don't seem to mind.

Currently, this palace houses the Documentation and Research Center, where scientists study historical documents and ancient artifacts.

City Museum

In the province of Dhofar, the Salalah City Museum is considered one of the most visited tourist attractions, as it can very well represent its main activities and features of the area.

Since various types of fossils have been found in the region, the main activity of the museum is to compile expositions on this topic. Here you can also find exhibitions dedicated to ancient manuscripts, literary works, exquisite Arabic ceramics.

But the pride of the museum was the collection dedicated to the trade in incense, as well as its extraction and delivery to ports.

The museum is open from Saturday to Wednesday, from 7.30 to 14.30. The entrance is free.

What sights of Salalah did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

gold market

The Gold Souk is one of the largest trading platforms in Salalah. It is located near the roundabout of Nahda Salam, which is in the city center. It consists of small shops that have something to offer their customers.

It is customary to bargain in the market, so even a very expensive item can be bought at half price, but this market already has very affordable prices. The best-selling items, apart from jewelry, are silver knives, daggers and spices. Travelers can also buy something here as souvenirs.

Taka is a small old fishing village located in the south of Oman, east of Salalah. Taka's main attraction is the medieval fort, recently reconstructed and open to tourists. Built of clay bricks on a hill above the village, a small fortress evokes associations with castles of crusader knights. The fort also served as a home for the local ruler.

Passing through the ancient wooden doors, you will enter the courtyard of the fortress. From here, you can climb the walls along the steep narrow stairs and admire the beautiful view of Taka lying below and the endless sea.

Most of the buildings in the fort, except for watchtowers, are two-story. The fortress has preserved the prison building, with surprisingly small cells, a pantry for food storage, an arsenal and a medieval kitchen. A large collection of weapons is exhibited in the fortress, which adorns the walls of the interior. It also exhibits ancient costumes and dishes.

The second floor of the fortress housed the private quarters of the ruler and his family. On the walls of these rooms, some household items and elements of interior decoration are exhibited.

Magnetic mountain near Mirbat

A small section of the road between the cities of Mirbat and Salalah, passing through the gorge - Wadi Hin, is called Magnetic Mountain. This place is a popular tourist attraction. If you stop the car here and turn off the engine, then the car will slowly roll uphill by itself.

Locals can explain this phenomenon to you by the presence of a powerful magnetic field in the area or even a gravitational anomaly. In fact, the magnetic mountain phenomenon is an optical illusion. Due to the nature of the terrain, the slight slope of the mountain seems like a climb to you. There are quite a few places like this around the world.

Despite the fact that there is no natural wonder here, visiting this place can serve as an interesting test of how easy it is to fool your eyes. Moving from Mirbat to Salalah, do not miss the second road that turns off the coast. A cell tower standing at the turn can serve as a reference point. The magnetic mountain starts just around the corner.

Mausoleum of Prophet Bin Ali

At the exit from the small town of Mirbat, located in the south of Oman near Salalah, there is an ancient Arab cemetery. Among the many gray stone tombstones, a small snow-white mausoleum with two symmetrical pointed domes stands out.

This is the tomb of the Muslim sage and prophet Mohammed bin Ali al Alawi, a descendant of the son-in-law of the prophet Mohammed. He came here from southern Yemen, founded a madrasah in Mirbat, and after his death in 1161 was buried in this mausoleum.

The mausoleum is an example of the typical funerary architecture of medieval Oman. The building is made of clay bricks, covered with plaster and painted white. Inside the mausoleum is a massive stone sarcophagus, because of its size, there is a belief that the prophet Bin Ali was a giant. Access to the inside of the mausoleum is allowed only for those who practice Islam.

Port of Khor Rouri (Salalah)

Khor Rouri or Sumhuram is the ruins of an ancient port, most actively used since the 4th century BC. and until the 4th century AD. It is an architectural monument of the pre-Islamic period and an archaeological site where many ancient artifacts were found.

During its heyday, the port was an important point at the crossroads of trade routes. It was surrounded by a wall in which the city gates were carved. Also on the territory of the port were a small temple, hydraulic structures and limestone pipes, the remains of which were found by archaeologists. Along the gates, ancient Arabic inscriptions were found on the walls, and in the city itself there are many different ceramics and metal products. Today, Khor Rouri is a labyrinth of the remains of walls and fortifications with a total area of ​​7,000 square meters.

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