Far from being just an endless desert interspersed with scattered built-up cities, Oman‘s varied landscapes range from the fjords of Musandam and the Hajar mountains to wadis that overflow into waterfalls come Khareef season. (And, of course, you can explore the Empty Quarter or Sharqiya Sands, should you want to see sand dunes).
Struggling to make up your mind about where to go? Here are our 9 top places that we think you should visit.
1. Musandam Peninsula
Separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates, the Musandam Peninsula is famed for its breathtaking fjords and desert mountains.
The capital of the Musandam region is the city of Khasab, where you’ll find the historic Khasab Fortress. From the sea port, you’ll be able to embark on a traditional dhow boat trip, on which you are almost guaranteed to see dolphins jumping among the waves as you sail past the fjords. Some tours include a visit to Telegraph Island, which was once home to station that was used to boost the British telegraph messages along the Persian Gulf cable line. Nowadays, only a few ruins remain, but the snorkelling is great.
Musandam is also home to bucketlist hotel Six Senses Zighy Bay, which you can reach by a 4×4 ride through the mountains followed by paragliding, if you’re brave enough.
2. Muscat
Oman’s capital is a great place to start your trip. Here, you’ll be able to see sights like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk, and the Royal Opera House, or head off on day trips like dolphin watching, hiking in Wadi Shab, or paying a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole.
Read next: How to spend 24 hours in Muscat, Oman
3. Masirah Island, Ash Sharqiyah South
Found off the south-east coast of Oman, Masirah Island is popular among kitesurfers thanks to the strong winds here during the summer.
With only one hotel on the island, as well as a few smaller guest houses, this is well off the trodden tourist path. Those who venture here will be rewarded with untouched stretches of sand and the chance to see all four of Oman’s nesting species of turtle who come here to lay their eggs (peak nesting season runs between May and August).
4. Jebel Akhdar, Ad Dakhiliyah
For those who like to hike, Jebel Akhdar, or the Green Mountain, is the perfect stop on your Oman itinerary. Here, you can walk between Omani villages where locals grow pomegranate trees and roses, the latter of which the region is famous for thanks to its rosewater exports.
Among the most famous viewpoints in the country is also found here – Diana’s viewpoint – so named as the late Princess of Wales once visited here during a trip to Oman with the future King in 1986.
5. Tomb of Job, Dhofar
Job is a religious figure, known as Ayyub in Islam, Iyov in Judaism and Job in Christianity. You can visit his tomb and, in the outer zone, you’ll find a small box which protects his footprint (people say it’s enormous). The whole area is a site of Muslim pilgrimage.
6. Taqah Castle, Dhofar
Taqah Castle dates back to the 19th century, and is situated at the entrance of Mirbat. It was built to be the permanent residence of Sheikh Ali bin Al Ma’shani Timman. It’s very well preserved, and houses a very interesting ethnographic museum, showing various aspects of life and culture from the region.
7. Sumhuram ruins, Dhofar
The ancient port of Sumhuran dates from the third century BC to the fifth century AD. This is one of the most important places of the region’s pre-Islamic time. This was one of the great centres of frankincense production of south Arabia. The ruins are spectacular, with amazing surrounding scenery.
8. Salalah, Dhofar
The capital of the Dhofar Governorate in Oman’s south, Salalah is best known for the transformation it undergoes during khareef (monsoon) season. While the rest of the region suffers from high summer temperatures, Salalah turns into an oasis of greenery, waterfalls, and moody mists, with temperatures hovering between 20 and 25°C.
Dhofar is also home to the ‘Land of Frankincense’ UNESCO World Heritage Site, which consists of the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah as well as the archaeological sites of Shisr, Khor Rori, and Al-Baleed, the latter of which was visited by famous travellers including Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo.
9. Nizwa, Ad Dakhiliyah
Around a two hour drive from Muscat, Nizwa is a popular stop after leaving the capital. Here, you can explore the Nizwa Souq and Nizwa Castle, and see the falaj irrigation system that is UNESCO World Heritage listed.
In 2023, the blockbuster Oman Across Ages Museum opened here. One of the largest museums in the Middle East, the iconic building, with a designed inspired by the nearby Hajar Mountains, covers the history of the country, from its geological formation and earliest settlers up until the modern day. It also covers the country’s modern history, from Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s ascension to the throne, as well as its future plans up until 2040.
Other nearby attractions include the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, which is around a 40-minute drive away, and Jabrin Castle, which was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’arubi in 1670.
Another highlight is the Harat Al Bilad Heritage Village, a mudbrick settlement of more than 300 buildings around a 25-minute drive away.
