I still wonder how I ended up traveling to Oman in the first place. Probably a mix of lust for adventure, attraction for warm destination (I live in Sweden after all) and a dash of last minute-decision. Ah those random choices… To tell you the truth it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that this journey was a true eye-opener and the start of several, never-ending road-trips there. I love Oman and I am happy to share with you some of my absolute favourite places, so here is my choice for 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Oman…
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
If you only have the time to visit one place in Muscat, I would recommend you seeing the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Truly majestic, it hosts the second largest hand-woven carpet and a spectacular crystal chandelier. I must say that I have visited many Mosques before, but this one is definitely my absolute favourite.
Muttrah Souq
This is the heart of Muscat. Lively, colourful and slightly chaotic, it is the place to be if you want to get a feel of a traditional Arab market atmosphere. Except to find anything and everything available for purchase. Dishdashas, Khanjars (curved daggers) and frankincense are only some of the traditional Omani items which would make adorable souvenirs to bring back home. Don’t forget to show off your bargaining skills!
Wadi Shab
Beside its immense deserts, Oman is also famous for its wadis (canyons). Wadi Shab is a beautiful place to visit in Oman and a perfect for a day-trip to escape from the chaotic atmosphere of Muscat. Easy to access, it will take you only one hour to walk up to the first turquoise water pools. Do swim till the end of the last pool as a surprise awaits you. I won’t spoil it…
Bimmah Sinkhole
On the way to Sur and Ras Al Jinz (turtle watching), this sinkhole is a curiosity worth stopping by. Expect many tourists and absolutely nothing around it. It is possible to swim in the sinkhole water but beware of the many paparazzi around the water pool. Totally worth seeing as it is truly spectacular but do not plan to spend more than an hour there.
Sur Dhow factory
Dhow boats are ancient Arabic boats used for fishing and commercial activities. It is still till this day used in Oman and a symbol of the Omani craftsmanship. Many travellers, on their way to Ras Al Jinz (turtle watching) are only driving through Sur without stopping. Do not make the same mistake and stop by have a look!
Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi Bani Khalid is a fantastic canyoning destination. The touristic part of the canyon is not as stunning as Wadi Shab but it is the only one accessible by car, family friendly and with facilities on site. It is perfect for spending a lazy day by turquoise water pools after an early morning turtle-watching in Ras Al Jinz. Recommended but if you only have the time to visit one wadi and are slightly fit, head to Wadi Shab instead or go canyoning.
Wahiba sands
Oman is mostly covered by deserts and the Wahiba sands desert is undoubtedly the most visited in Oman. Probably because of its location (day-trip from Muscat) and its many Desert Night Camps offering a wide range of activities. Spending a day dune-bashing and wild-camping in the Wahibas can be a fun experience. Although it is not my favourite desert in Oman, I would recommend it as it is on the way to other amazing places.
Sugar Dunes
My absolute most favorite desert in Oman. A jewel! It features untouched white sand dunes only accessible with a 4×4 car. Do not except any facilities or touristic desert camps of any kind. This is for the more adventurous travellers out-there wanting to escape from the touristic places of the North.
Al-Khaluf
If you want to visit a fisherman village then Al-Khaluf is the real deal. Do not expect any shops, museum or other tourist traps, this is as real as it gets. Besides the village itself, the coast along Al-Khaluf is also worth exploring. It features the most beautiful pristine white sand beaches I have ever seen. Imagine : crystal clear water and billions of pink shells contrasting with the pure white sand…Paradise. If you walk long enough along the coast, you will reach the Sugar Dunes desert (after a day long hike).
Dhofar
Famous for its peculiar and refreshing summer monsoon, contrasting with the Arabian Peninsula scorching heat, Dhofar province is one of a kind. Isolated by a thousand kilometers from Muscat, it has its own history, traditions and culture. Dhofar is also renowned for Frankincense, an aromatic resin which was traded on the Arabian Peninsula for more than 5000 years.