Located in the southern part of Oman, Salalah stands out with its rare blend of desert and tropical appeal. Unlike much of the Arabian Peninsula, this coastal city is transformed by the seasonal Khareef (monsoon), turning the landscape lush and green between June and September. Rolling hills, waterfalls, and misty valleys draw visitors seeking a cooler, greener escape in the middle of the dry season elsewhere in the region.

Natural beauty is never far in Salalah. The region boasts white-sand beaches with turquoise waters, including the quiet shores of Al Mughsail, where blowholes spray seawater dramatically through rock formations. Inland, the Wadi Darbat valley surprises with waterfalls and herds of camels grazing in the grass. Birdwatchers also find it rewarding, especially in the wetlands and coastal lagoons that attract migratory species.

Salalah’s local food has both Arabic and East African influences. Coconut milk, grilled fish, and banana leaf-wrapped dishes are common in local eateries. A walk through the Al Husn Souq reveals vendors selling frankincense, myrrh, and handcrafted Omani goods.

Visitors to Salalah often note how it feels like a completely different world from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula, especially during Khareef, when mist hangs in the air and the mountains are shrouded in green. It's a side of Oman that surprises first-timers and keeps many coming back.