Oman Sightseeing

Bahla
Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has seven miles of ancient defensive walls and is a World Heritage Site. There is a good souk here and the town is known for its pottery. The picturesque village of Al Hamra can be found nearby.

Jardin
Jardin’s 17th-century fortified palace provides spectacular views across the desert to the mountains. Aside from the views, the palace is outstanding for its painted wooden ceilings.

Jebel Akhdar
Literally ‘The Green Mountain’, and rising to nearly 3000 metres, Jebel Akhdar is renowned for its date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages such as Bani Habib and Sharijah. The fortress of Al Hazm, built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq, containing the tombs of Oman’s early rulers are situated on the northern slopes. On the southern slope sits Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman.

Muscat
The most interesting part of Muscat is the old walled port area which contains the lively Mutra Souk, Muscat’s oldest market. No visit to Muscat is complete without a wander through this fascinating market. Muscat’s seafront is very picturesque with old filigree houses and two forts. The well preserved 16th-century Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Mirani guard the entrance to Muscat, and the city walls contain three beautifully carved original gates. Mutrah’s archaeological excavation of the tumuli at the site of Souks Bausharios is fascinating. Ruwi is the capital’s business district and has excellent streets for shopping. The National Museum is located here, featuring fine displays of Omani silverwork as well as the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum, which outlines Omani history and exhibits a collection of weapons and war attire.

Nizwa
Nizwa was once the country’s capital during the sixth and seventh centuries. Located inland about two hours drive from Muscat, Nizwa today is famous for its gold and silver handicrafts and its lively market - Nizwa Souk. The town centre is dominated by the huge circular tower of one of Oman’s oldest and largest forts. Also interesting is the enormous palm oasis that stretches for 13km along the course of two wadis (riverbeds)

Qurum
Qurum sums up Oman’s archaeology, history and culture. The National Museum has a collection of silver, jewellery, weapons and ancient stone artefacts. From here dhows cruise along the palm-fringed coast and there are excellent beaches and fishing grounds.

Salalah
The capital of the southern region is a surprising city blessed with lush vegetation. Sprawled along sandy beaches and set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, Salalah seems almost tropical as it is one of the only places in the Arabian peninsular that catches the monsoon. The Al-Balid ruins, site of the ancient city of Zafar, are a major tourist attraction. Also worth visiting is Al Hafah Souk, famous for its fabulous perfumeries. The beaches of Salalah are striking and worth exploring.

Sohar
Sohar is the legendary hometown of Sinbad the Sailor. With a long, rich sailing history, Sohar also features Sohar Fort - an imposing four-story structure with six towers and a museum overlooks the bay. There is a very large and souk here, full of tailors, fruit-sellers and fishermen.

Sur
Situated about three hours drive from Muscat, along the coast road to Salalah, Sur is an intriguing seafaring town and a trading port. Famous for its traditional shipbuilding, Sur started trading along the African coast as early as the sixth century. It is a charming old town with winding streets, carved wooden doors and old Arabesque buildings. The nearby village of Tiwi is also worth a visit.

Wander the Winding Allies of Mutrah Souk (Muscat)
No visit to Muscat is complete without a wander through this fascinating market. Muscat’s oldest market is teeming with life, especially in the evening time. Hundreds of tiny shops sell all sorts of treasures such as ornate silver daggers, Bedouin jewellery, frankincense, herbs, spices, honey, perfume, carpets and clothing.

Go to the Beach
Oman is blessed with some stunning beaches such as Qurum Beach, Mughsail, Bandar, Al-Jissah and Yeti, as well as Ain Sahnot, Ain Rzat and Ain Hamran, with parks and gardens surrounding them. Many beaches offer diving and sailing facilities. Surfing and windsurfing are popular around Masirah Island where waves are normally two to three metres high. The Bander al-Rowdha Marina has a water sports complex, with a landscaped beach area, swimming pool and restaurants.

Take a Dhow Cruise
Cruise in a traditional wooden boat along the dramatic coastline. Watch for dolphins and whales - Fahal Island is an especially good site for spotting these playful creatures.

Go Caving
Oman is home to the second largest cave in the world the Majlis al-Jhinn. Its long passages, crystal-clear streams, canals and drip curtains extend throughout its 4 million cubic metre expanse.

Join a Desert Safari
Hop on a camel and head out into the desert! A variety of desert safaris are available, transporting explorers on camel, horse or four-wheel drive. The safari from Shargiyah Sands to Al-Rub'a is spectacular. A host of tour companies offer such safaris.

Swim in Colour
Swim in the crystal-clear beauty of the Bimmah Sinkhole, located on the coastal road from Muscat to Sur. The spectacular colours of its water must be seen to be believed.

Catch the Rain in Salalah
Salalah is one of the only places in Arabia that is bathed by the monsoon from May to September. A refreshing break from the stark beauty of the desert, Salalah sits amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches. The Al-Balid and Samhuram ancient cities are a major tourist attraction.

Explore Sur
A fascinating sea-faring town famous for its traditional shipbuilding, Sur started trading along the African coast as early as the sixth century. It is constructed around winding streets, full of carved wooden doors and old Arabesque buildings.

Peer into the Past
Nizwa, the main town in the interior province, Nizwa was once the country’s capital during the sixth and seventh centuries. Famous for its copper and silver handicrafts, the centre of the town is dominated by the huge circular tower of one of Oman’s oldest and largest castles. An immense palm oasis stretches for 13km along two wadis (riverbeds).

Explore the Green Mountain
For those craving greenery, head to Jebel Akhdar (‘Green Mountain’), a 3000 metre mountain noted for its date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages. The northern slopes contain sixteenth century fortresses, an oasis and ancient tombs of Oman’s early rulers. On the south slope sits Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman.