Romantic Taqah: Sunsets, Ruins and Resorts

November 7, 2026

Travel advisory: Oman has been drawn into the 2026 regional conflict involving Iran, and in March 2026 drones struck the Port of Salalah, about 45 km west of Taqah. At the time of writing the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Oman, but it warns that the risk of sudden escalation in the region is high and that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. The US State Department rates Oman Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, and says do not travel to the Yemen border area, Duqm or Musandam. Dhofar’s 2026 khareef season ran normally, yet flights and airspace can change at short notice. Read the UK FCDO advice and the US State Department advisory before you book and again before you fly.

Taqah is a quiet, conservative fishing town, and it has no romantic hotels, spas, bars or candlelit restaurants of its own. What it does have are uncrowded sunsets, ancient ruins above a lagoon and a green valley of lakes, all within a short drive of the resorts of Hawana Salalah. For couples, the plan is simple: stay near the beach to the west and spend your days, and your evenings, out in Taqah. Prices are in Omani rials (OMR, about US$2.60).

Where couples stay

The Hawana Salalah resort area, about 15 km west of Taqah, has the closest choice. Juweira Boutique Hotel is for adults only, and the area also has The Club by Fanar, Fanar Hotel & Residences and Salalah Rotana Resort. In Salalah there is Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, and Alila Hinu Bay stands on its own beach near Mirbat, further east. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotels and restaurants, so the resort is also where you will find a drink with dinner. Search stays on Booking.com .

Sunset at the end of Taqah Beach

A rough track climbs the low cliff at the far end of Taqah Beach, a favourite local place to watch the sun go down over the Arabian Sea and the fishing boats below. Bring something to sit on, arrive before the light fades, and keep well back from the unfenced edge.

Golden hour at Sumhuram

The ruins of Sumhuram, a frankincense port founded in the 3rd century BC, sit above the Khor Rori lagoon east of Taqah. Late afternoon is the best time: the heat eases, the stone turns warm in the low sun, and flamingos feed in the water below. The site is usually open until about 18:00, with a small fee at the gate.

A boat on Wadi Darbat

When the lakes of Wadi Darbat are full, during and after the khareef (the June to September monsoon), a pedal boat for two costs about OMR 3 for 30 minutes. It is a peaceful hour among green hills and grazing camels. Stay in the boat: swimming and wading in Wadi Darbat are dangerous, and people drown there.

A short sunset cruise

Short sunset dhow cruises, about an hour long, are sold from the Hawana Salalah marina. Compare sellers before you book, and check that life jackets are on board. Search options on GetYourGuide .

Khareef drives

In the monsoon season the hills behind Taqah turn green and the mist rolls in from the sea. A slow drive up into the valleys with a flask of tea and a picnic makes an easy afternoon together. Drive carefully in fog and watch for camels on the road.

Know the local rules

Showing affection in public is frowned upon and can attract police attention; save it for your room.
Under Omani law it is illegal for an unmarried couple to share a hotel room, as the UK FCDO notes.
Dress modestly away from the resort: arms and legs covered to below the knee, and swimwear only at the resort beach or pool.
Stay out of the sea during the khareef, when big waves and strong currents make Dhofar’s beaches dangerous.