Oman remains a hidden gem when it comes to tourism, but those who venture to its shores are richly rewarded
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To find out more about Oman,
go to experienceoman.om and
To book your Oman Holiday contact Elegant Resorts
t may be the third-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula and boast endless coastlines and spectacular mountains, beaches, deserts and wildlife, but Oman remains a hidden gem when it comes to tourism.
With its rich history, astounding scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,
Arabia’s best-kept secret is sure to provide unforgettable memories
Crown jewel of the Arabian Peninsula
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Those who do venture to its shores are richly rewarded. From the warmth of the welcoming Omani people, keen to share their history, cuisine and culture, to the remarkably diverse landscapes and natural beauty, there’s much for visitors to enjoy, with accommodation to suit every budget.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday or a romantic break, for a relaxing escape or a thrilling adventure, you’ll find it in Oman. The country has many destinations, all guaranteed to please. To whet your appetite, here are ten unforgettable Oman moments you won’t want to miss.
Discover Oman
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Scene stealer
Oman will seduce you with its
epic landscape
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Watch the sunset at A’Sharqiyah Sands
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Your first glimpse of A’Sharqiyah Sands will be extraordinary – a shimmering swathe of gold on the horizon, home to Bedouin encampments and rippling dunes that rise and fall like waves around them. To see the sun set over the sand, its colour deepening to a rust orange, while the sky lights up a pale rose pink, is a life-affirming experience. A’Sharqiyah Sands is dotted with luxury campsites, many of which offer sunset drives up to the highest dunes, ensuring guests have the best possible views of the stunning surrounds.
Home to some of Oman’s most breathtaking beaches, Salalah is a sun-kissed subtropical city at the southernmost tip of the country and combines classic Omani warmth with an East African feel. Reliable waves make this a great place for bodyboarding; far less challenging than surfing but easily as much fun. Head to Al Mughsail beach, famous for its crystalline white sands and cerulean waters, where natural fountains spring from cliff walls and the dramatic Marneef cave provides an ideal spot to sit and watch the waves.
Catch a wave at Salalah
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Delve into history at Nizwa
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Famous for the imposing 17th-century fort that dominates the town, Nizwa is also a great place for immersing yourself in Oman’s rich culture. Stay at one of the town’s heritage hotels, comfortable retreats among the atmospheric streets, and explore the ancient alleyways on an e-scooter tour that takes in Nizwa’s oldest mosque, date palm farms and a factory that produces the country’s favourite sweet: halwa. Make time to taste some of Oman’s classic dishes too, which include mashuai (grilled kingfish with lemon sauce) and majboos (a spicy rice dish).
Between May and September, the wide beach at Ras Al Jinz, the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, comes alive with lumbering green turtles who come to nest on its sands. At peak times, more than 100 turtles call the beach home, and a night at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve includes a visit to the beach after dark, to see the new hatchlings struggling out of their shells and skittering towards the sea.
See the turtles at Ras Al Jinz
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discover the riches
beneath oman's waves – blazing coral, turtles,
ray, barracuda and
even whale sharks
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One of the least visited but most beautiful areas of Oman is Musandam, an exclave bordered by the UAE and the Strait of Hormuz. With its spectacular fjord-like scenery that runs into the strait, this is the place to come to discover the riches beneath Oman’s waves. The region has 25 dive sites filled with blazing coral, turtles, ray and barracuda – there’s even a chance you’ll encounter whale sharks. The waters are excellent for snorkelling too, while a dhow cruise offers the chance to see dolphins gliding through the water and unique views of the surrounding mountains.
Dive the Musandam
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It took six years to complete Oman’s largest and most beautiful mosque, famed for its elegant prayer halls and arcades, pristine gardens and fountains. Strolling the gleaming marble pavements that run beneath the Arabic archways is one of Muscat’s most unforgettable and humbling experiences. Pair a visit to the mosque with a trip to Muscat’s vibrant and long-running Muttrah souk, crammed with stalls selling everything from pashminas and silk bedspreads to jewellery and bags. It’s a feast for the senses. The air is thick with the scent of frankincense – Oman produces one of the world’s finest varieties. It’s a quintessential Omani experience. Just be ready to haggle!
Muscat’s Grand Mosque and the Muttrah souk
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Take in Oman’s rugged majesty with a trip up the 2,980m (9,776ft) Jabal Al Akhdar, part of the Hajar mountain range. The Saiq Plateau, which rolls out between its slopes, offers a wide range of accommodation, from simple campsites to five-star resorts. Stay at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort and enjoy an unforgettable dinner on a private canyonside viewing platform made famous by Diana, Princess of Wales, who stood here to take in the spectacular peaks and valleys in 1986.
Dine above a canyon
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One of the jewels of south Oman, Jebel Samhan offers hikers, naturalists and wildlife lovers the chance to see gazelle, Nubian ibex, porcupine and hyena. The reserve is also one of the only places it’s still possible to catch a glimpse of the wild Arabian leopard. The peak of Jebel Samhan, the highest of the Dhofar mountains, provides dramatic canyon views – we recommend driving but committed hikers can reach the top via a six-hour trek. En route, you’ll see slopes dotted with desert roses, frankincense and dragon trees – the entire landscape is free of any form of development. A permit is required to visit the reserve, so it’s easiest to go as part of a guided tour.
Walk the Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve
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Bring hiking boots and swimming kit to discover the trio of aquamarine pools tucked away in this dramatic, cliff-lined gorge, reached by a 45-minute hike along a well-marked trail. The walk is an experience in itself, with towering rockfaces, rugged landscapes and small palm plantations along the route. But the highlight is swimming in the shimmering waters – look for the hidden cave waterfall accessed through a small gap in the rocks. An easy half-day trip from Muscat, Wadi Shab is best visited with an experienced guide.
Dip into Wadi Shab
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Oman’s highest mountain at 3,009m (9,872ft), Jabal Shams is most famous for the views from its slopes across Wadi Ghul, a steep gash in the mountains that cuts more than 1,000 metres down between the canyon rims. The viewing platform provides a spectacular panorama but those with a head for heights should follow the W6 route, known as the Balcony Walk, which runs for three miles through the canyon to the abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis.
Gaze across Oman’s ‘Grand Canyon’
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Voyage of discovery
Take your pick
of the diverse destinations
to explore
Picnic to remember
A camel ride into the desert is a unique experience
Wild blue yonder
Wading camels, beautiful beaches and wonderful waterfalls
National treasure
Nizwa's fort is
the most visited monument
in Oman
Turtley amazing
The nesting place of the green turtles is a must-see
What lies beneath
There's a world
of wonders for snorkellers and divers to discover
Marvellous Muscat
Haggle at the souk and admire the glorious mosque
Room with a royal view Stay or
dine in style overlooking truly majestic scenery
Back to nature
Leopards have been spotted in Jebel Samhan
Deep and meaningful
Take a swim in
the gorgeous
Wadi Shab gorge
On the edge
Watch the sun rise at Jabal Shams, Oman's highest mountain peak
Illustration by Stephanie Ginger / Shutterstock
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Deep and meaningful
Take a swim in the gorgeous Wadi Shab gorge
On the edge
Watch the sun rise at Jabal Shams, Oman's highest mountain peak