This tiny watchtower, crowning Jebel Add – the rocky promontory on Al Sawadi's largest island – would once have been on alert for potential invaders. Now redundant, it makes a picturesque focus at sunset when the sandstone seems to melt in the golden light. At low tide, it takes about 20 minutes to walk across the sand spit to the empty tower. Wading back when the tide returns, however, is foolhardy especially as deadly (but shy) sea snakes inhabit the bay.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.04 MILES
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…
23.98 MILES
This 2km corniche, to the west of Seeb, has a landscaped area for walking, enjoying sea views, sniffing drying sardines and watching the fishermen mending…
22.67 MILES
This fortified residence has hosted royalty on two occasions in its 300-year history. Now the sensitively restored, mud-brick house has been converted…
25.28 MILES
Between the main road and the sea, this traditional souq is housed under some makeshift awnings in a sandy-coloured complex of buildings just off the…
11.77 MILES
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…
28.35 MILES
Beyond the date plantations that surround Nakhal Fort, this hot spring emerges from the wadi walls and is directed into a falaj (immigration channel) for…
25.77 MILES
One place to get a feel for local Omani culture is on the main one-way road that runs in an ellipse through the heart of Seeb. Wadi Bahayis St is flanked…
27.85 MILES
The road through Nakhal, from the fort to Ayn Thawarah hot springs, winds through a dense plantation of dates. Enough light passes through the feathery…
Nearby Oman attractions
1.03 MILES
Many Omani families from Muscat head to the twin beaches of Al Sawadi at the weekend, throwing up canopies among the tamarisk trees and barbecuing enough…
6.86 MILES
This multistorey, imposing merchant house from the 18th century sports a fine archway and a pair of unique, quirky turrets and is protected by high mud…
8.06 MILES
With its unusual octagonal tower and a location fending off incursions from the sea, Barka Fort cuts a dash along Barka's busy coastline, flanked by…
8.06 MILES
This traditional market is a fascinating place to stand on the sidelines and watch. Giant tuna are lugged across the fish slabs of the open-air premises,…
11.77 MILES
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…
16.84 MILES
Off the main Muscat–Sohar Hwy, this large formal park has mowed lawns trimmed with flower beds and is shaded by mature trees. It makes a pleasant retreat…
17.86 MILES
Enclosing a tidy acreage of the Batinah Plain, this enormous fortress has three circular towers and an unusual rectangular fourth tower. As with many of…
22.67 MILES
This fortified residence has hosted royalty on two occasions in its 300-year history. Now the sensitively restored, mud-brick house has been converted…