Jabal Akhdar is a mountainous region located approximately 2 hours' drive from Muscat. It's a magnificent place, between mountains and greenery, where the sun and the heat seem to have spared cultivation and vegetation.

Jabal Akhdar: the green mountains of Oman

Jebel Shams is the highest point in Oman, at an altitude of 3,000 m. It's a site dedicated to hikers, but also suitable for those wishing to admire the scenery without the long walks.

Jebel Shams: at the summit of Oman

Masirah is an Omani island located in the Indian Ocean to the east of the country. Masirah has only recently opened for tourism and getting there is very easy. Masirah offers beautiful white sand beaches, as well as a new perspective of Omani traditions.

On the island of Masirah, pristine beaches and traditions

Nizwa is one of the largest cities in the country. During your visit to Oman, don't miss out on this city packed with history and the centre of numerous activities.

Nizwa: the capital of central Oman

Middle East

A visit to The Sultanate of Oman means experiencing the land of the Arabian Nights: a country that bridges the cultures of Africa and India with a breathtaking mix of mountains, coastal plains and deserts. Located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the Sultanate of Oman occupies a land area almost twice the size of France, yet has only three million inhabitants. A land of myths and legends, it was the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. Oman’s geography offers visitors a selection of rich and varied landscapes: a vast desert covers the majority of the center of the country. High mountain ranges extend along its northern and south-eastern coasts (including Jebel ach-Chams with a peak of 3,009 metres), where you can experience deep canyons, cliffs, fortified villages and oases. Before leaving for the Sultanate of Oman, add two new words to your vocabulary: Dejbel (mountain range) and Wadi (the riverbed that irrigates the lush palm groves). Most cities, including the capital, Muscat, are located in the north of the country. Tourists also visit Oman for its seaside resorts, with superb marine life and corals that attract more and more divers travellers each year.

Oman

Qalhāt

Whadi Shab

Sur will delight those who love stopovers that are off the beaten path. Spared from tourism, this particularly authentic port radiates a unique charm. 

Sour

Muscat

The capital of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat has the charm of a city that is both modern and traditional. 

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Muscat is the first place you have to see in Oman. It lets you soak up the local culture and get adapted prior to exploring the country. It's a very open town, there are lots of foreigners and the locals are very tolerant and open minded. Woman do not have to wear a veil. You can walk around in a t-shirt and trousers without any problems. But you should avoid provocation and not wear low cut tops or mini-shorts (despite the heat). The only places that will tolerate short clothing are the big hotel chains, night clubs and big restaurants - in other words, the places where foreigners and expatriates go.
When you are in Muscat don't miss Muttrah souk. It's in the old town. It's the perfect place to explore Omani culture. Once you've walked round the souk you can stroll round the traditional quarter. Avoid open displays of wealth (such as the latest camera hung around your neck) because these are poor areas. Theft is almost non-existent in Oman but it is simply more respectful. 
Another place you should see are Muscat's beaches. I especially liked Yiti. It's still a wild beach that not many tourists know about. It's not easy to get to, and it's better to go there in your own car, rather than being dependent on taxis.

Muscat is the capital of Oman, a country situated on the point of the Arab Peninsula, between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. <a href="/oman/">A trip to Oman</a> is really for couples or adventurous travellers.

Muscat is the gateway to the Sultanate. It may be surprising at first glance, with its highways and other modern buildings. To capture the soul of the city and notice its charm, it is better to go to the Muttrah district, which has traditional architecture (blue and yellow faience domes and ornate balconies), a souq, and a nice promenade built along a bay. While browsing the souq's slightly less touristy paths, I had the chance to stumble upon the area of the manufacturers of kummas (the Omanis' traditional hat). This part of the souk is particularly authentic, and a kumma is a good gift idea when having a <a href="/oman/">stay in Oman</a>.   The modern city has interesting monuments such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Opera, which are also worth a visit.  Muscat's interesting character lies in this big gap between tradition and modernity, which is fairly typical of the country.

The capital of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat has the charm of a city that is both modern and traditional.

Muscat Vacations

Muscat: How to get there?

Muscat: See when to go ?

Muscat: For how long?

Muscat: What to see nearby?

Oman: our articles for your vacations