One of the Middle East’s mellowest and most sublime destinations, Oman has endless charms to offer the visitor: a rich heritage reflected in its ancient mosques and historical sites, incredible dive sites, beautiful sandy beaches and an exotic Arabian culture. It is set on the Arabian Peninsula, featuring a magnificent landscape of vast desert, endless coastlines and undulating dunes. Highlights include: the elegant, evocative capital of Muscat; the friendly port town of Sur; the charming mountain settlement of Misfat Al Abryeen; the prehistoric tombs bordering the Western Hajar; diving around the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve; and watching hundreds of green turtles emerging from the ocean at Ras Al Jinz to lay eggs.
A lush, subtropical area known for its annual Khareef (monsoon rains), Salalah is the capital of the province of Dhofar in southern Oman. The best time to visit is between June and September, when the celebrated rains transform the desert landscape before your very eyes, creating seasonal waterfalls. However, there are some excellent cultural sights to enjoy in Salalah at any time of the year: don’t miss the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, which provides a fascinating look into this historic trade, the 800-year-old Bin Ali Mosque, the grand Imperial Palace and the evocative ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. When your day’s sightseeing is done, head to the beautiful Mughsayl Beach to enjoy its white sands and warm, inviting waters.
Fringing the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is sandwiched between the desert and ocean, featuring a dramatic mix of pristine coastline, rugged mountains and hauntingly beautiful sandscapes. It is a prime example of ancient history blended seamlessly with contemporary charms. The city has done an admirable job of preserving its old-world splendour, age-old Bedouin culture and traditional values while simultaneously embracing the modern and cosmopolitan. Visit bustling markets permeated with the fragrance of frankincense; feast on shawarmas at local cafes or streetside stalls; catch a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House; or wander the streets of Mutrah at sunset for beautiful views of Arabian architecture and fishing boats against a backdrop of mountains. Muscat’s opulence and vibrance is complemented by its striking scenery.
The sandy bay of Ras Al Jinz is located at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula in eastern Oman. The area is home to Turtle Beach Nature Reserve, an important conservation area administered by the Omani Ministry of Tourism. Here, more than 20,000 female greenback turtles come to shore to lay eggs, returning to the very beach where they once hatched. The main nesting season is July to September, though turtles can be viewed all year round. Be forewarned: only a limited amount of people are admitted to the beach at any one time, so advance booking is essential. For this reason, many visitors opt to stay in the lodgings available within the Reserve, though Ras Al Jinz can also be accessed from scenic Wadi Bani Khalid.
Ibra is a captivating city located in Oman’s Ash Sharqiyah Region, set roughly two hours’ drive from Muscat, and known for its incredibly rich heritage. The second-largest city in the region, it was once a flourishing hub for art, education, and trade, the remnants of which remain in the form of numerous fascinating historic attractions. Must-sees in Ibra include the enthralling watchtowers; the bustling traditional marketplace (souk); and the Falaj Al Afrit. The town is also famous for its finely crafted silver jewellery, known as the best in the country, and its delicious locally-grown bananas, mangoes, and dates. The old town area provides an atmospheric place to wander, with its remnants of grand colonial buildings. Notably, Ibra is also the home of the massive and powerful Al Harthy Tribe, who led numerous rebellions against the Muscat sultans in the early twentieth century.
