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 former capital of the Sultanate, Nizwa still keeps remnants of its prestigious past. 

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While you are at Nizwa, don't miss the fort. It's situated high above the town so you will have a wonderful view of Nizwa and its impressive palm grove.
When you get back to town, go round Nizwa's souk, a place that is filled with tradition. There you will be able to find the famous Omani dessert, halwa. One of the best Omani desserts in my opinion. There are also shops with walls covered in kandjars: oriental daggers that are worn by men during ceremonies. 
I also remember discovering an ingenious irrigation system: the falaj. A system of channels in the soil which transport the water to different places. Following one makes an interesting walk but, be careful, it is not drinking water! But you can use it to cool yourself down during the hot season.

Nizwa is in the interior of the country, about 2 hours by road from Muscat. It was once the capital of Oman. It's a destination for families as well as adventurers.

Best known for its fort that dates back to the 17th century, Nizwa charmed me by the authenticity of its architecture. The city is surrounded by a thick wall of earth and is home to a souk that is as lively as it is authentic. On a <a href="/oman/">trip to Oman</a>, this is a good place to buy crafts (especially pottery and products resulting from growing dates) and to see life in a large Omani city that has scarcely been affected by tourism. I arrived in the early afternoon, and I have to admit that the city was almost deserted. On the other hand, when the temperature goes down, the streets gradually begin to fill up, and it's really exciting after dark. It's pretty amazing to see such huge difference!  By contrast, the city has only a few hotels, so it’s better to spend the night in the surrounding mountain villages (Al Hamra or Jebel Shams).  The city also lies in the vicinity of the imposing Bahla Fort, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for humanity.

The former capital of the Sultanate, Nizwa still keeps remnants of its prestigious past.

Nizwá Vacations

Nizwá: How to get there?

Nizwá: See when to go ?

Nizwá: For how long?

Nizwá: What to see nearby?

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