bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2026 SUMMER & STAYCATIONS 44 Salalah Salalah offers a side of the Arabian Peninsula that many first-time visitors do not expect to find. During the Khareef season, monsoon rains transform the surrounding landscape. Hills turn green and waterfalls flow freely, creating spectacular views. Areas such as Wadi Darbat and Ain Razat attract visitors looking to experience scenery rarely associated with the region. Beyond the seasonal greenery, Salalah’s coastline stretches for kilometres, with white-sand beaches and dramatic viewpoints. At Mughsail Beach, powerful blowholes send seawater high into the air when conditions are right. Few destinations within easy reach of Bahrain offer such a dramatic contrast to the desert landscapes many travellers know best. Quick Escapes A long-haul flight is not always required for a complete change of scenery. Within a few hours of Bahrain, travellers can swap familiar surroundings for mountain roads, historic neighbourhoods and coastlines, making these destinations ideal for long weekends and spontaneous getaways. Muscat Just over an hour from Bahrain, Muscat is one of the easiest destinations for a quick break. The Omani capital sits between the sea and a backdrop of rugged mountains, giving it a distinctly different feel from many cities in the Gulf. A visit can begin at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque before continuing to Mutrah, where the waterfront corniche curves around the harbour and traditional wooden dhows remain part of the view. The nearby souq is filled with the scent of frankincense and stalls selling silver, textiles and local crafts. Outside the city, winding mountain roads lead towards wadis and villages that seem far removed from urban life. Baku A flight of around four hours brings travellers to Baku, a city where centuries-old stone buildings stand alongside some of the most recognisable modern architecture in the region. Many visitors begin in Icherisheher, the old city at the heart of the capital. Narrow alleyways, courtyards and historic buildings provide a sharp contrast to the glass towers that rise beyond the city walls. Along the Caspian waterfront, the promenade stretches for several kilometres, connecting parks, cafés and public spaces. As evening falls, the skyline becomes a focal point, particularly around the Flame Towers.
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