Oman is een van de meest rustige en sublieme bestemmingen in het Midden-Oosten en heeft eindeloze charmes om de bezoeker te bieden: een rijk erfgoed dat weerspiegeld wordt in de oude moskeeën en historische bezienswaardigheden, ongelooflijke duikplaatsen, prachtige zandstranden en een exotische Arabische cultuur. Het ligt op het Arabische schiereiland, met een prachtig landschap van uitgestrekte woestijn, eindeloze kustlijnen en golvende duinen. Hoogtepunten zijn: de elegante, suggestieve hoofdstad van Muscat; de vriendelijke havenstad Sur; de charmante bergnederzetting Misfat Al Abryeen; de prehistorische graven grenzend aan de westelijke Hajar; duiken rond het zeereservaat Daymaniyat Islands; en kijken naar honderden groene schildpadden die uit de oceaan opkomen bij Ras Al Jinz om eieren te leggen.
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.
Jebel Akhdar, meaning ‘Green Mountain’, is a rugged mountainous region in the central Al Hajar Mountains. It serves as a gateway to learn about the area’s natural wonders, rich history and cultural heritage. Perched 2000 metres above sea level, Jebel Akhdar provides a respite from the desert heat and is a welcome retreat for nature lovers and adventurers with its mild Mediterranean climate. Dubbed, 'The Fruit Bowl of Oman', the landscape is peppered with lush orchards of prize pomegranates, apricots, other local fruit, walnuts and Oman’s famed damask roses; as well as deep canyons, numerous caves, a collection of charming hamlets, and ancient abandoned villages. Visitors can enjoy views of the eponymous, Jabal Akhdar Mountain, and the majestic Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain.
Set in Central Coastal Oman, the locally-known Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert featuring rolling sand dunes located just south of the city of Sur. The desert stretches for an impressive 170 kilometres along the Arabian Coast and features dunes reaching up to 100 metres in height. Visitors can stay overnight in one of the many camps. Popular activities include 4WD tours (dune-bashing), camel rides, guided horse rides, trekking, sandboarding, and quad biking. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some skillfully handcrafted goods such as traditional camel bags and colourful woollen key rings. Views of the uninterrupted starry night sky will charm you, the golden sunsets and sunrises will mesmerize you, and the Bedouin traditional way of life will enchant you.
With an idyllic location on the breathtaking Musandam Peninsula in Oman, Zaghi is a secluded resort town fringed by a mile-long sand beach. Until recently, this tiny gem was accessible only by boat. Now, albeit by a winding pass, it is only a two-hour drive from Dubai International. The seaside village is situated in a beautiful crescent bay with towering ochre mountains. The mountain and the ocean are the stars of the show here. A nature lover and adventure seekers paradise, visitors to Zaghi can hike, paraglide, enjoy a sunset picnic from one of the vantage points, or head into the deep blue for some snorkelling or a dhow cruise.
