A Walk Through Oman, One Week Itinerary

Are you having only one week holiday? Are you thinking about your next destination? Well... Have you ever been to Oman?

A journey of discovery awaits you in this welcoming land at the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Western civilisation. Enjoy all of the marvels of this unique setting, the ideal gateway to Southern Arabia.

Would you consider Oman as your next holiday destination? Would you like to see more itineraries suggestions from us?

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Beauty has an address ~ Oman

You Need To See These Magical Coastlines in Oman

Where are the Oman's greatest coastlines? Do you love to spend time by the shore?

With is long, quiet beaches, tropical bays in the shade of palm trees, towering cliffs that drop into the ocean and 3,165 kilometres of coast, Oman is the ideal destination for anyone who loves to spend time by the shore.

From Muscat, the coast is sandy, with a calm sea and long stretches of beach boasting a wealth of facilities and water sports opportunities. To the north, Musandam Peninsula is famous for its dramatic fjords plunging into the sea to create spectacular inlets and coves. To the south, the Salalah region is full of banana plantations and tropical beaches with turquoise water and palm trees bordering the golden sands. 

The Oman Sea and Arabian Sea host a huge variety of animal species such as turtles, whales and dolphins, while their depths are home to coral reefs, long stretches of which are still intact. 

In this article we will show you what traveller can expect from the Omani Coast

Enjoy the coast in Muscat 

The vibrant capital city of Muscat is blessed with many beaches and a calm sea suitable for year-round swimming. A large number of outstanding tourist facilities makes it an ideal base for visitors who want to combine relaxation by the sea with exploration of the country’s inland regions.

The most popular public beach is Qurum, just a short distance from the city centre.

Bandar Khayran, a bay that is a popular snorkelling spot .

A trip to the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is another must-do experience, particularly for diving enthusiasts.

Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi along the coast of Sur, also enticing snorkelers and divers.

Appreciate the picturesque seaside of Sur and Ras Al Hadd 

Local fishing boats, souks and museums, is a great base for exploring Oman’s rich maritime history.

Visit some of the dhow shipyards in Sur to marvel at the craftsmanship and reflect on modern innovation and development.

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Adore Salalah and Dhofar 

A completely different side to Oman can be found in the far south of the country. Gorgeous sandy bays lie between crystal-clear water and lush green palm groves. 

In the town of Salalah you can see tropical fruit plantations and stalls loaded with coconuts, bananas and mangos. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

Admire Musandam 

The best way to appreciate the rugged, fjord-like terrain of the Musandam Peninsula is to view it from the sea. 

In Khasab, half- or full-day trips include dolphin watching, snorkelling and kayaking can be organised on a traditional Omani dhow. 

These are only part of the magnificent coastline of Oman. Its difficult to capture their splendour through images, you must go there to see them. 

The serene environment and the gravel beach is something that one should be looking for. Watching sunset in some of these coastlines would be one of the most peaceful moments of your life.

What are your favourite beaches location in Oman? Would you add any of them on your holiday bucket list?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman   

The Very Best Of Oman (New Infographic)

Thirsty for adventures? 

Whether you want to chill out on the coast, camp under the stars, unwind in supreme luxury or simply enjoy the winter sun, each Oman's geographical regions has something unique to offer. 

With pristine beaches, magnificent deserts, rugged mountains and a history that spans over 5,000 years, the Sultanate of Oman will refresh, engage and inspire you. Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect itinerary. 

Do you like to feel close to nature? Do you love luxury, elegance and style?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

13 Spectacular Places You Must Visit In Oman

Why is Oman called the land of scenic beauty? What are some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman?

"As-salaamu alaykum", and welcome to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman. Safe and inviting, Oman will hypnotise you with its fragrant ancient souks, mesmerise with dramatic landscapes and leave you spell bound with its stories. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Oman is steeped in history and has inspired some of literature’s most famous tales. 

In this article we will show you why Oman is called the land of scenic beauty. You will discover some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman.

1. Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House, Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/500px)

2. Forts and Castles

Nakhal Fort (beautyeye/flickr)

3. Muthra

Mutrah (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

4. Scuba diving

(Thierry Rouchon/flickr

5. Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar

Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar (internationaltravllermag.com)

6. Caving

Ash Sharqiyah (pierrehaut/flickr)

7. Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

8. Musandam

Musandam (panoramas/flickr)

9. Deserts

(oman-conference.squ.edu.om)

10. Salalah

Salalah (saf eins/flickr)

11. Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar

Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar that thrive in spring/summer (timesofoman.com)

12. Wadi Bani 

Wadi Bani Khalid (andries3/flickr)

13. Wadi Darbat, Salalah

Wadi Darbat, Salalah (wajahatmahmood/flickr)

For anyone who has ever travelled to Oman, what was your favourite thing that you saw, and why? What was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there? 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman

Natural beauty, fascinating traditions and heartfelt hospitality make Oman a country you really should get to know better. From luxurious 5-star beach resorts to sleeping under the stars in the desert, Oman’s diverse landscapes will take your breath away.

                  

Adventure seekers can explore some of the world’s largest caves, discover spectacular diving spots or simply watch the world float by aboard a dhow.

Vibrant souks sell traditional silverware, spices and Omani dresses, providing explorers with colorful impressions, and hagglers with timeless souvenirs.

  

If you still have doubts we give you the Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman:

1. 5,000-year-old traditions and culture, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 500 forts and castles. 

2. Variety of accommodation, from luxury, boutique, resorts, and spas to eco-friendly desert and mountain camps. 

3. Amazing wildlife, from Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve to flamingos in Dhofar. 

4. Real adventure, from climbing, hiking and caving to watersports, diving and kitesurfing. 

5. Diverse marine life including dolphins, turtles and whales. 

6. Unspoilt beaches, 2,000 miles of coastline and remote islands. 

7. Growing golf scene, including three championship 18-hole golf courses. 

8. Omani hospitality and gastronomy. 

9. Desert experiences, including wadi drives and oases. 

10. Non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air; daily flights with Etihad from London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester.

Still don't know where to go for your next holiday? If you need more reasons to visit Oman please see 101 Things to See and Do in Oman. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below!

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

The Best Souks in Oman: A Cultural Experience

Souks and Souvenirs - One of the most beautiful attractions of Oman.

Oman is home to numerous souks. These traditional marketplaces have been an integral part of local life for centuries. Every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution.

Both Khanjar daggers and frankincense are prized local souvenirs. Khanjars are handcrafted from pure silver and may cost up to £2,500, depending on age and intricacy. Each one requires the skills of at least three specialised artisans: one each for the dagger, the filigree case and the special leather belt that fastens around the waist.

Visitors to Muscat’s Gold Souk will be dazzled by the displays of jewellery, including many Arabian designs, in 18, 22 and 24-carat gold. Prices are based on the day’s gold rate, the weight of the item and a maker’s fee. Other unique souks include:

• Nizwa, this souk lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souk has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock sale, fish, vegetables and handicrafts. Famed for its silver as well as its Friday livestock market.

• Sohar Handicrafts, located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres and the souk houses under one roof various Omani traditional industries and handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (Halwa) and traditional weapons.

• Al Husn in Salalah, renowned for its traditional Arabian perfumes and frankincense. Al Husn Souq is characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner.

What's your favourite Souk so far?  Have you ever been in any of these Souks? What are other Souks you'd like to visit in Oman?

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Introduction To Oman

 A Unique Culture and Stunning Landscapes

The second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula (the same size as Germany), Oman boasts a unique culture and stunning landscapes. Its vast array of natural attractions range from rugged mountain ranges to ochre deserts. Divers, hikers and history buffs all relish the pristine local waters, untouched coastline and labyrinthine souks. The country’s welcoming population greets over 2.5 million travellers per year. And as word of Oman’s wonders spreads across the British press, around 133,000 of those visitors are now from the UK and over 7500 from Ireland (an increase of 10% and 21%).  

Oman’s greatest attraction is its diverse landscape. The peninsula of Musandam’s majestic fjords skirt the country’s northernmost tip. Further south, Oman is dotted with magnificent desert expanses, towering mountains and virgin sandy beaches. The range of activities available in Oman is equally varied, from canoeing in the Indian Ocean to bird watching and rock climbing. Boat trips to spot dolphins or close encounters with nesting turtles each serve to make a stay here utterly unique.

The country’s abundant cultural and archaeological heritage reflects hundreds of years of foreign influence and international trade. Evidence of this rich legacy is dispersed throughout the country. Oman is home to more than 500 forts, as well as castles, watchtowers and a wealth of ancient cave paintings, not to mention four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Through deliberate and sustainable development, the country remains firmly rooted in its traditions. A trip to Oman affords the chance to experience the timeless Arabian way of life. Moreover, visitors will revel in the natural beauty of a country that purveys its own brand of low impact tourism.

Home to a wide range of accommodation from five-star resorts to boutique hotels and camps. Oman is an ideal destination for leisure, business, conference and incentive travel. State-of-the-art convention and conference facilities along with first-class air, road and telecommunication networks ensure that any trip to Oman runs smoothly. Visas on arrival are available to citizens of over 50 countries, including UK and Irish passport holders. 

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Top 7 Ultimate Ideas in Oman: Travelling With Kids

1. Wild camping and dune-exploring in Oman’s desert interior

2. Top five Omani campsites with kids

3. Oman’s fairy castle forts from Nizwa to Khasab

4. GPS geocaching in Oman

5. Hunting down hidden wadis and secret caves

6. Family travel through the gentle monsoon season

7. Wildlife spotting: the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, turtles nesting at Ras Al-Jinz, scouting out dolphins and whales, etc.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om