Here is my selection of the 13 most beautiful travel spots that truly capture the soul of Oman. I may be biased but after living here for over 4 years, I can truly say that Oman is a breath-taking country. Its soft colours, elegant cities and stunning landscapes give a sense of timeless serenity. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, you will find a site or activity that corresponds.
When planning your trip to Oman, I recommend you include some – or if you have time, all – of these places. They are very different but memorable, each in their own way.
The first time I went to Wadi Shab, I was struck by the colour of its pools (a rich emerald green), its dramatic cliffs, and hidden caves. Located just a two-hour drive from Muscat, this deep Wadi offers you an adventure that combines hiking, swimming, and exploration.
The journey begins with a short 2-minute-boat ride across the river (for 1 OMR both ways). This is followed by an easy yet scenic trek through date palm groves and rocky terrain. As you keep going, the path becomes more challenging and includes wading through crystal-clear waters. You’ll find yourself immersed in a tranquil oasis. It culminates in a hidden cave with a small waterfall—one of Oman’s best-kept secrets. Wadi Shab is a must-visit.
Location: Near Tiwi, about a two-hour drive from Muscat
Getting There: Best reached by self-drive; guided tours are also available
Time Needed: Four to five hours, including hiking and swimming
Cost: Free, but a short boat ride (1 OMR) is required to start the hike
Tips:
One of Oman’s most magnificent landmarks. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is an outstanding blend of Islamic architecture and modern design. It includes an enormous prayer hall with intricate tilework, a massive chandelier, and one of the world’s largest handwoven carpets.
Visits are allowed in the mornings (from 8.30 a.m). So you can discover its peaceful courtyards and the serene beauty of its gardens.
Location: Muscat
Getting There: Taxi or rental car; free parking available
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Sunday to Thursday
Cost: Free entry
Dress Code:
Oman seems to have forts and crenellations at every turn! Nizwa Fort is no doubt one of the best kept and most impressive of them. I have often wandered up and down its many corridors and staircases and I can guarantee it will give you a sense of strength and mystery. It features thick walls, hidden traps, and a massive circular tower.
On my first visit, I heard a most striking story. To defend themselves in the past, Omani soldiers would pour boiling date syrup over attackers! The guide added sardonically, ‘I suppose that’s what one could call a sweet death!’
Today, the fort houses a museum showcasing Omani history, weaponry, and traditional crafts. It also has a beautiful garden at the back.
Location: Nizwa, about 1.5 hours from Muscat
Getting There: Self-drive or guided tour
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM on Friday
Cost: 5 OMR for adults, 3 OMR for students, free for children under six
Tips:
To be honest with you, I’m not sure if this is one of the most beautiful places in Oman. But I’ve included it because I believe you should definitely visit it. If anything, you can try to uncover the true heritage and history that remain hidden beneath the ‘overly touristic’ top layer that now covers a lot of the market.
Here, you will enter one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. It is located along Muscat’s splendid Corniche.
Its maze of alleyways always feels chaotic as local people, tourists and merchants mingle. The smell of luban adds to the whole experience as it offers a fascinating mix of stalls selling silverware, textiles, perfumes, and souvenirs. You will no doubt find a wide range of gifts and souvenirs to take home.
To delve deeper, read my ‘Step by step Guide to Mutrah Souq’ by clicking here.
Location: Muttrah Corniche, Muscat
Getting There: Taxi or public bus from central Muscat
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (some shops close in the afternoon)
Cost: Free entry
Shopping Tips:
Bahla stands out in Omani culture as a ‘magical place’ – both in terms of aesthetics and ‘magic.’ Surrounded by a vast palm oasis, Bahla Fort has a mystical aura, with legends of jinn (spirits) adding to its story.
When working as a teacher in Nizwa, my students told me very quickly about a ‘Bahla speciality.’ In Bahla, people can draw a line on the ground, cross the line, and fly to anywhere in the world! They also told me that, according to ‘hear-say’, when they started building the fort, the workers would find their work had all been brought down during the night. Mysterious powers were at work. And this meant they had to build parts of the walls over and over again…
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort is one of the most significant historical sites in Oman. Visitors can explore its courtyards, staircases, and hidden rooms, gaining insight into the fort’s role in Oman’s defensive history.
Location: Bahla, near Nizwa (40-minute drive)
Getting There: Best reached by self-drive or guided tour
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday; 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Friday
Cost: 3 OMR for adults, free for children under six
Must-See:
Unlike the arid landscapes that define much of Oman, Jebel Akhdar—meaning “Green Mountain”—is a lush, high-altitude region in the Al Hajar Mountains.
Famous for its terraced farms, pomegranate orchards, and rose gardens, the area is ideal for hiking and cultural exploration. The mountain’s cooler climate (actually cold in winter!) makes it a perfect retreat from the heat. I recommend you visit during the annual rose harvest in spring. During this time, locals extract fragrant rose water using traditional distillation methods.
Location: Al Hajar Mountains, about two hours from Muscat
Getting There: A 4WD is required; a checkpoint enforces this rule
Time Needed: A full day or an overnight stay
Best Time to Visit: March to May for the rose harvest, or October to April for pleasant weather
Things to Do:
Visiting Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve under the moonlight is a unique experience.
The best time to visit is between June and September, when visitors can witness turtles nesting. Guided night tours offer a chance to observe this remarkable natural phenomenon without disturbing the turtles.
The reserve also has a visitor centre with exhibits on marine conservation, making it an educational as well as a fascinating experience.
Location: Near Sur, about a three-hour drive from Muscat
Getting There: Self-drive or guided tour
Best Visiting Time: June to September during the turtle nesting season
Cost: 8 OMR for adults, 3 OMR for children for night tours
Tour Information:
Nicknamed the “Norway of Arabia, the Musandam Peninsula is a breath-taking region of fjord-like beauty with dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.
A dhow cruise through the Musandam fjords is one of the best ways to take in the spectacular scenery, often accompanied by dolphins swimming alongside the boats. The area is also a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with rich marine life and coral reefs.
Due to its isolated location, Musandam remains one of Oman’s most untouched and tranquil natural wonders. This may change in the future but for the moment it is still an amazingly calm and serene place.
Location: Northern Oman, bordering the UAE
Getting There: Fly to Khasab from Muscat or drive from the UAE
Time Needed: A full day or an overnight stay
Must-Do Activity: A dhow cruise to explore the fjords and spot dolphins
Border Information: If driving from the UAE, check visa requirements for re-entry.
One of my all time favourite villages in Oman. Misfat Al Abriyeen is an incredibly beautiful village that transports visitors back in time. Known for its traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and lush terraced gardens, this mountain village thrives thanks to the ancient falaj irrigation system.
As you walk through the village, you can admire the date palms, banana trees, and plant life that contrast with the surrounding brown mountains.
Location: Al Hajar Mountains, near Al Hamra
Getting There: Self-drive; a 4WD is not required
Time Needed: Two to three hours or an overnight stay in a guesthouse
Things to Do:
Birkat Al Mouz tells a story of Oman’s past. The name translates to “Pool of Bananas,” reflecting the region’s once-thriving plantations.
Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient mud-brick homes, some of which are still adorned with faded decorative elements. The village is also home to one of Oman’s UNESCO-listed falaj irrigation systems, Falaj Al Khatmeen, which continues to bring water to nearby farms.
The surrounding date palm groves and the stunning backdrop of Jebel Akhdar make this a magical place for photography and quiet exploration.
Location: Near Nizwa, at the base of Jebel Akhdar
Getting There: Self-drive or guided tour
Time Needed: One to two hours
Must-See:
The highest peak in Oman, Jebel Shams, is famous for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views of Wadi Ghul, often called the “Grand Canyon of Arabia.”
Jebel Shams is a paradise for hikers, with the Balcony Walk offering an unforgettable trek along the canyon’s edge. Traditional villages, such as Al Khitaym, provide a glimpse into rural Omani life.
Location: Al Hajar Mountains, near Nizwa
Getting There: A 4WD is recommended but not required
Time Needed: A full day or an overnight stay
Cost: Free entry
Best Hike: The Balcony Walk, a three- to four-hour hike offering breathtaking canyon views.
This desert stretches out like an ocean of golden dunes. The Wahiba Sands (also known as the Sharqiya Sands) is one of Oman’s most iconic desert landscapes.
Home to Bedouins, this region offers a chance to experience traditional desert life, from camel trekking to dune bashing in 4WD vehicles. At night, the combination of stargazing and listening to stories around a campfire is a magical experience.
Location: Sharqiya Sands, about a three-hour drive from Muscat
Getting There: A 4WD is required, or visitors can join a guided tour
Best Time to Visit: October to April when temperatures are cooler
Desert Activities:
Near Salalah, Mughsail Beach is a vast stretch of white sand. The turquoise waters of the sea and the surrounding cliffs make it one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen.
One of the main attractions here is the Al Marneef blowholes, where seawater shoots into the air through natural rock openings, creating a spectacular display.
Location: Near Salalah in the Dhofar region
Getting There: A 30-minute drive from Salalah
Best Time to Visit: June to September during the Khareef monsoon season
Must-See:
This blogpost was all about the 13 places that I consider to be exceptionally beautiful. Have you visited any of these stunning locations, or do you have a favorite spot in Oman? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about your journey!
WELCOME to JOUSSOUR to OMAN
Hello and welcome to Joussour to Oman! I’m Christine van den Hogen, a Franco-British writer, teacher and watercolourist. I’ve been living in the Middle East for 7 years and 4 years in Oman.
I’m passionate about helping independent travellers interested in cultures create immersive journeys.
Joussour to Oman is my cultural travel blog and it’s my hope to share my first-hand experience as someone who lives here as well as insights from local people. I want to share insiders’ tips with you so you can plan your trip to Oman efficiently and truly EXPERIENCE Omani culture when you come.
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7 responses
Merci Christine pour ce temps passé à nous décrire comment se sentir comme chez toi, chez nous !
J’ ai voyagé encore !
À bientôt ✈️
C’est un plaisir, Anne. Vraiment!
Wow❤️
Thanks. If you need more information about accommodation in Muscat or other aspects of travelling in Oman, don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi Christine, thank you so much for the restaurant recommendation. I loved the food, the atmosphere and the place in general. I also talked to Khaled, the supervisor. He says hi. Thank you again. Tomorrow is my last day in Muscat. Any last minute must- see places?
Saliha from Algeria
Hello Saliha, Glad to hear you enjoyed the restaurant. In terms of Muscat, there are many options but some must-sees are Muttrah (the Corniche, Souq and Fort), Al Qurum (Shatti Al Qurum with its beach, the Opera building), and Old Muscat (the Royal Palace and gardens around, the Bait Al Zubair museum). I hope you get to see some of these. Have a great day!