A bit about Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula and is one of the lesser known destinations in the Middle East. It is, however, home to some marvellous attractions and areas of outstanding natural beauty - a real gem that many travellers have yet to uncover.

It has an extensive coastline that boasts some beautiful beaches, as well as vast areas of untouched desert that are truly spectacular. Its cities are fascinating and showcase both old and new Omani culture, with plenty to see and do, particularly in the capital Muscat.

A holiday to Oman is best spent discovering the interesting heritage in Muscat before moving on to enjoying the tranquillity of the country's stunning coast. Salahah is one of the best seaside spots to visit during your stay, while Nizwa is a delightful inland city that's bursting with history. Discover all this and more on your trip to the country.
 

Enjoy city life in Oman

As the capital city, Muscat is a must-visit if it's your first time in Oman. There are numerous historical buildings here, such as the imposing Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, the beautiful Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace and the huge Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is the third-largest Islamic place of worship in the world.

There are various museums within the city as well, including the National Museum, Omani French Museum and Bait Muzna Gallery. While you're staying in a hotel in Muscat, it's well worth venturing just outside the city to visit one of its wadis. Among the most picturesque is Wadi Shab, an impressive valley featuring deep green pools and atmospheric caves.

Another place you shouldn't miss during a holiday in Oman is Nizwa, the old capital of the country. It is backed by striking mountains and within the city itself are orchards and palm groves, as well as many heritage sites. Make sure you visit the 17th century fort that was constructed by Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'ribi, as well as discover the amazing aflaj irrigation system. Falaj Daris in Nizwa is the largest such system remaining in Oman and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore Oman's stunning coast

As well as spending time in Oman's cities, you should allow a few days to enjoy its picturesque and quiet beaches. There are several stretches of sand close to Muscat, including Aviation Beach and Shell Beach, while the delightful coastal town of Salalah boasts some outstanding bays too. Al Haffa Beach is particularly picturesque and great for bird watching.

There are also a host of active pursuits you can try along Oman's coast, including scuba diving, kite surfing and whale and dolphin watching. In some coastal areas - including Masirah Island and on the Ad Daymaniyat Islands - several species of sea turtles breed. There are various beaches where you can watch the adult turtles come ashore to lay their eggs or see the youngsters emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea for the first time.
 

Discover the desert in Oman

Like many Middle Eastern destinations, Oman boasts stunning swathes of desert wilderness that are an amazing sight to behold. You can take a 4x4 tour deep into the dunes and even spend a night sleeping under the stars - you'll never have seen so many of them dotting the dark night sky.

Another highlight of exploring the desert is having the chance to spend time with one of the traditional Bedouin tribes during your desert adventure, giving you an opportunity to get an insight into this fascinating and ancient culture.

For breathtaking scenery, Ramlat Tawq is a particularly spectacular place to visit, as the picture-perfect dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. The Jiddat al-Harasis Reserve, meanwhile, offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities in the desert, with Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelles, gerbils, sand foxes and Arabian wolves being just some of the species that inhabit this protected area.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get there?
The majority of international flights to Oman arrive in Muscat, with the likes of British Airways and Oman Air offering direct services. There are many other airlines that operate indirect flights to Oman such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Etihad. On average, a non-stop flight takes around eight hours.

What is the local currency and what currency should I take?
The local currency is the Omani rial but U.S. dollars and sterling can be easily exchanged at banks and with money changers. You will probably get a slightly better rate from the latter. There are plenty of ATMs in Oman, while major credit and debit cards are also widely accepted throughout the country.