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Oman
From spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts and a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still sensing its ancient soul.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Muscat
Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern…
Hajar Mountains
Rising without competition from the surrounding plain, Jabreen Castle is an impressive sight. Even if you have had a surfeit of fortifications, it's worth…
Muscat
Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of…
Oman
Built on the foundations of a pre-Islamic structure, the towers and entrance of this fort were constructed during the reign of Imam Said Bin Sultan in…
Salalah
Well-labelled and atmospherically lit at night, the ancient ruins of Al Baleed belong to the 12th-century trading port of Zafar. Frankincense was shipped…
Dhofar
The upper plateau of Jebel Samhan suddenly ends in a vertiginous drop more than 1000 meters to the coastal plain below. Barely a ledge interrupts the…
Jebel Shams
The term 'Grand Canyon of Arabia' is wholly deserved for this quintessential feature of Oman's spectacular mountain scenery. A short path leads to the…
Oman
Two cannons mark the interior courtyard of this enormous fort – the entrance alone signals its former importance. Built on top of pre-Islamic foundations,…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Muscat
Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of…
Dhofar
This small reserve, 40km north of Salalah, protects a 5km grove of ancient frankincense trees and is listed by Unesco as part of the frankincense-related…
Nizwa
The site of one of the oldest souqs in the country, this extensive marketplace is dedicated mostly to fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, all of which…
Jebel Shams
The term 'Grand Canyon of Arabia' is wholly deserved for this quintessential feature of Oman's spectacular mountain scenery. A short path leads to the…
Muscat
Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques; it looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the…
Sur
The corniche affords a picturesque view across to the village of Ayjah. Dhows used to be led to safety by Ayjah’s three watchtowers, which mark the route…
Hajar Mountains
Renovated but as yet closed to visitors, the attractive 17th-century fort is much photographed as it is perfectly framed against the massif of Jebel…
Nizwa
Built over 12 years in the 17th century by Sultan Bin Saif Al Yaruba, the first imam of the Yaruba dynasty, Nizwa Fort is famed for its distinctive 40m…
Dhofar
A popular picnic site during the khareef and a great place to enjoy the jebel in any season, Wadi Darbat is a grassy plateau in the hills marked by Oman's…
Oman
These government-protected rocky islands, around an hour’s boat ride off the Batinah coast, are rich in marine life and make an exciting destination for…
Hajar Mountains
Rising without competition from the surrounding plain, Jabreen Castle is an impressive sight. Even if you have had a surfeit of fortifications, it's worth…
Oman
Justly famed for its natural beauty, this wadi just north of the town of Al Kamil makes a rewarding (and well-signposted) diversion off the Muscat–Sur…
Hajar Mountains
After many years of restoration, Bahla Fort, one of the largest in Oman, makes a grand sight looming over the sprawling modern settlement of Bahla. Built…
Hajar Mountains
All over Oman, terracotta pots with simple ribbed motifs decorate the entrances to smart villas and hotels. The potteries where these beloved vessels are…
Muscat
Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern…
Oman
Between 8am and 1.30pm it's possible to enjoy the magical bay (the OR1 fee is payable at the Ras Al Jinz Reserve visitors centre) without an escort…
Jebel Shams
Offering cosy stone cabins with bathrooms, verandas and heaters, plus some Arab tents popular with Omanis at weekends, this camp is so close to the canyon…
Oman
Most people visiting Wadi Bani Khalid head for the springs that collect in a series of deep pools in the narrow end of the wadi. The pools have been…
Dhofar
Oman’s most spectacular bay ends in a set of sheer cliffs that reaches towards the Yemeni border. Immediately below the start of these cliffs the rock…
Jebel Shams
The most popular of several well-established routes on Jebel Shams, this 5km hike (in each direction) requires some nerve because of the 1000m drops but…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Oman is the third-largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, famed for its long coastline, high mountains and rugged canyons. Here are the top things to do.
Read articleThings to Know
From practical advice and tips for hiking to social etiquette dos and don’ts, here is what you need to know before going to Oman.
Read articleTransportation
Visitors can enjoy travel between and among the stunning landscapes of Oman by plane, boat and car. Here’s our guide to getting around the country.
Read articleVisa Requirements
Wondering if you need a visa to go to Oman? Here’s the lowdown on the latest visa rules to get you into this desert sultanate with the minimum of fuss.
Read articleMoney and Costs
With some planning – and our expert guide – it’s not a challenge to enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality of Oman on a limited budget.
Read articleBest Road Trips
From coastal drives past fishing villages and white sand beaches to journeys to see historic forts, these are the best road trips in Oman.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Oman
Filter by interest:
Budget TravelTraveling to Oman on a budget: how to get the best out of your tripFeb 22, 2022 • 8 min read
BeachesThe best times to visit Oman for blooming roses, racing camels and nesting sea turtlesJan 24, 2022 • 5 min read
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