Despite being a beautiful example of a traditional Middle Eastern country, Oman still remains under the tourist radar. Swedish travel blogger Myriam Economou from Off to Wanderland hopes to change all that…
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.
All Words and photos (expect top image) by Myriam Economou from Off to Wanderland
Top photo credit Scott Balaam
27 Comments
sara
27 February, 2018 at 12:54 pmoman is a very beautiful country i love all this places
Eugene Smaul
13 December, 2017 at 4:05 amThanks for sharing! Love these vibrant colours of your pictures! Also the article itself is useful for beginner travellers
Scorpio
23 May, 2017 at 8:51 amOman has becomes to be known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Middle East. Khasab the capital city of Musandam attracts millions of visitors every year. Its crystal clear water, mighty mountains and un-spoilt beaches are a great destination for many tourists.
seera lon
3 April, 2017 at 1:33 pmwow nice place to visit, bismma is me next place to visit in next years.thanks
seera lon
1 April, 2017 at 3:02 pmwow Wahiba sands looks real color of sand,realy cool share!
Mohamed Ismail
30 March, 2017 at 3:15 pmWhat a great pictures, Hope u to see on the next one.
Ankit
15 May, 2015 at 1:20 pmOman is really a beautiful place and I recommend that all at least once in their lifetime!
Lavinia2015
8 May, 2015 at 4:50 amOman is a wonderful country.Many unusual attractions to visit. Bimah Sink-hole,Wadi Shab,Dhow Factory and all other places above are places not to miss if you are travelling in Oman.For accommodations, Sur Plaza Hotel is a great place to stay and it is in easy reach of these attractions.They have also provided all the tour guide rates for all these places in their online site plus many more for the travelers.
JAZZ CAR
10 February, 2015 at 11:07 ami haven’t yet visited Oman – hope to do so sometime
Heather
5 February, 2015 at 1:40 amOman looks stunning. I really hope to go there one day! I love sandscapes…they are just so remote and foreign and beautiful all at the same time.
Mike
4 February, 2015 at 4:33 amRight now with it being the “dead” of winter that warm climate sounds SOOOOOO inviting, Becky! 🙂
Linzi Clark
1 February, 2015 at 10:55 amSuch amazing landscapes. I have a thing for deserts and love the look of what’s on offer in Oman. Another one for the wish list!
Becky Moore
3 February, 2015 at 6:02 pmThanks Linzi hope you make it over there one day!
Tiana in Florence
27 January, 2015 at 6:00 amOh my! What another magical world!
Katie Featherstone
26 January, 2015 at 11:11 pmWow, I never knew Oman had such beautiful wild landscapes. Wadi Shab looks incredible! Thanks for sharing- really inspiring post.
Emma
26 January, 2015 at 7:10 pmI live in Qatar at the moment but I’ve heard so many good things about Oman, I’m definitely planning a visit soon!
Scott
26 January, 2015 at 7:09 pmI loved Oman such a special place!
Jess @UsedYorkCity
26 January, 2015 at 2:08 pmI would LOVE to visit that sinkhole, it seems very beautiful and original! Also the sand dunes would be cool to visit! Beautiful photos!
Grace @ Green Global Travel
25 January, 2015 at 9:56 pmBeautiful photos! The Bimmah Sinkhole looks incredible.
Suze The Luxury Columnist
25 January, 2015 at 1:12 pmWadi Shab and the Sink Hole look amazing. My parents have been to Oman and said the people they met were amongst the friendliest they’ve ever encountered
tripper
24 January, 2015 at 9:19 pmThe Bimmah Sinkhole looks terrific. I don’t care for any paparazzi…. I am jumping straight into the water!
Rahman @ Iran Travel Blog
24 January, 2015 at 12:01 pmThere are certainly lots of natural attractions in Oman. I like the variety of deserts and wadis you’ve introduced.
I particularly like to see the Sultan Qabus mosque although it doesn’t look very old. The carpet inside must be something special.
Becky Moore
3 February, 2015 at 6:00 pmHope you make it over there one day!
Jack
23 January, 2015 at 8:06 pmLooks a very interesting place to visit.
Sand In My Suitcase
23 January, 2015 at 5:24 pmWe haven’t yet visited Oman – hope to do so sometime :-). The canyon destination of Wadi Bani Khalid looks like a good escape from Muscat city life. Would be cool to go turtle-watching too…
Catherine
23 January, 2015 at 2:05 pmDefinitely a unusual destination, but the best ones normally are! Lots of lovely looking places, especially the Wahiba Sands and Sugar Dunes!
Becky Moore
3 February, 2015 at 6:01 pmVery true, it’s very underrated as a travel destination but I think people are starting to cotton on! 🙂