A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Located on the coast of Oman, Muscat is a significant Arabic city rapidly gaining recognition as a popular destination in the region. Moreover, there are numerous exceptional activities to undertake in Muscat that are spread throughout the city and its vicinity.
Oman’s vibrant cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the gifts of its terrain, permeating every travel experience here.
In Oman, visitors are welcomed into a land of pristine desert landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant cultural heritage. This heritage is visible in the many languages spoken, ancient forts, and traditional practices such as rosewater distillation. The gracious Omanis embody their values of humility and hospitality, inviting visitors to share in their culture and warmth.
Home to stunning dive sites, intriguing archaeological ruins, historic forts, souqs (markets), and some of the region’s best hiking trails, Oman promises an unforgettable travel experience. Visas to visit this complex, storied land are easy to obtain; however, there’s some red tape to navigate compared to its Gulf neighbors.
Oman’s stunning landscapes are this country’s marquee attractions.
There’s no better way to explore Oman’s pristine, wildly beautiful, and surprisingly diverse landscapes than on a road trip. A network of excellent coastal highways and interior routes offers access to fishing villages, white-sand beaches, stunning gorges, mountain towns, and lush nature reserves.
Oman’s cities and towns offer plenty of cultural experiences and historical sights, but the country’s biggest draws – and the sites that knock most visitors’ socks off – lie outside the city limits.
Tucked into the southeastern corner of the vast Arabian Peninsula, Oman has historically been isolated by mountains, sand, and sea. Today, the same pristine features responsible for the sultanate’s seclusion are now acclaimed outdoor attractions. From the world’s largest sand desert to endangered sea turtles, hulking baobab trees, and ancient ‘pillow lavas,’ Oman is home to a surfeit of natural wonders that are surprisingly easy and inexpensive to explore.
Beyond the urban landscapes, white-sand beaches, and fishing villages along the coastline, Oman’s formidable interior presents exceptional opportunities for those equipped with hiking boots.
First-time visitors to Oman might be surprised to learn that the range of natural landscapes in the country isn’t limited to undulating desert dunes, lush palm oases, and rugged limestone mountains. The country’s 3165 km-long coastline is dotted with sun-bleached swaths of white sand, rocky beaches, and pristine islands where turtles outnumber people, and pods of dolphins swim alongside boats.
A statue honoring the life of 18th-century English writer, philosopher, and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft has been unveiled in London’s Newington Green. However, the sculpture by British artist Maggi Hambling has faced criticism regarding its representation.
Say the word ‘desert’ and chances are that rolling sand dunes and expansive horizontal space spring to mind. In Oman, however, the desert landscape includes a vertical dimension in the form of soaring limestone cliffs incised with canyons. Drive or hike along one of these narrow, arid defiles, and you enter a troglodyte world of ancient cave-dwellings, prehistoric petroglyphs, and old villages that appear to be exuding from the rockface.
For centuries, the quiet Gulf country of Oman was a center of Indian Ocean trade. Now, flush with oil money and with an eye toward a more sustainable future, it is embracing tourism. Saki Knafo explores its ancient towns, vast deserts, and winding, wild coastline and finds a proud nation at the crossroads.
Zaha Hadidis celebrated as one of the leading “starchitects” of her era, recognized for her high-profile commissions in cultural institutions across the globe. The British-Iraqi architect is renowned for her bold, futuristic designs featuring dramatic lines that appear to defy gravity. The art, design, and architecture communities deeply mourned her unexpected passing on March 31, 2016, in Miami, following a heart attack.
The Middle Eastern country of Oman is regarded as one of the safest nations globally, offering spectacular sights that range from historic castles to desert canyons and rocky mountains. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and wished I could have explored longer, as it remains quite underrated.
Oman is a country overflowing with historical forts and castles. With over 500 castles, forts, towers, and various fortifications, this Middle Eastern nation provides a glimpse into its unique past.
No trip to Oman would be complete without a visit to the 13th-century Al Rustaq Fort. This is one of the largest and most well-known forts in the country, and it’s also one of the most impressive looking. This travel guide will explain how to get there and everything you need to know before you go!
Nakhal Fort was probably my favorite castle/fort near Muscat, Oman. Not only is it super photogenic from a distance, but going up to the rooftop also gives you some incredible views of the surrounding area. This travel guide will explain how to get there, along with everything you need to know before you go!
An Naman Castle, also known as Bait Na’aman, is a fortification near the coastal town of Barka, Oman. This historical site is easily reachable from Muscat, making it a worthwhile destination if you have some time to spare. This travel guide will provide essential information regarding how to visit, what to expect, and where to stay!
