The Most Inspiring Places to Explore in Oman

Oman is an amazing country with awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural, historic, and natural wonders and a welcoming culture. The country looks out on to the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, and this provides a traveler with a natural coastal route.

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Welcome to magical Oman!

With this in mind, let’s take a look at a route to show you the best in the country!

Before you Head off to Oman

To travel to Oman, you will need a visa. The best way to apply is by using the eVisa system that was introduced in March 2018. This avoids traveling to embassies and consulates to apply for your visa as you can apply online. This will give you up to 30 days travel in the country, more than enough for a road trip and you can get a single or multiple entry visa.

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Don’t forget to arrange your visa before you book your trip to Oman.

The requirements for an Oman eVisa are as follows:

  • You must be from an eligible country. There are 71 countries eligible for the eVisa, including most western world countries.
  • You need a passport with at least six month’s validity from the date of arrival in Oman.
  • You must supply a passport-sized photo of yourself and the biographical page of your passport.

You will receive the visa by email which you must print out and show together with your passport when you arrive in the country. You also need to show proof of a return flight.

Arrival in Salalah

Oman has two international airports, one in the capital Muscat and the other in Salalah. For a coastal trek, Salalah in the south is arguably a good place to start. From here you can head north along the coast making your way to Muscat.

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Say hi to these lovely camels.

The city is the second-largest in the country and possesses the biggest seaport in the Arab Peninsula. Mountains flank the northern part of the city, and during the Khareef season lush green foliage grows, and stunning waterfalls form.

See also  Traveling to Oman: Visa and other Entry Requirements

Head south to the coast, and you’ll be greeted with glorious white sand beaches. Arguably, the best beach is Al Mughsali Beach. Surrounded by mountains, natural fountains erupt from the rock. Between the mountains and the coast, Al Marneef Cave and Sultan Qaboos Mosque are just two of the natural, and historical wonders to visit.

Taqah

As you trek along the coast, you will come to the town of Taqah home of two ancient forts one of which has been restored.

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The breathtaking scenery of Oman.

Taqah Castle is worth a visit in its own right. It dates back to the 19th century and was built to be the home of Sheikh Ali bin Al Ma’shani Timman. Today, the castle houses a museum featuring exhibits that bring alive life in the region.

Taqah’s reputation was forged exporting myrrh and is an active fishing port today.

Ash Shuwaymiyyah

Is an intriguing town about 300kms along the brilliant coastal road. The town is best known for the Wadi (valley) Shuwaymiyyah. This is a popular campsite in the country and flanked by mountains. One of the best views is sunset, where the sun slowly hides behind the mountains and long shadows form.

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If you love climbing and/or hiking, Oman is the place to do both!

The valley features ravines and striking cliffs. The views from which are breathtaking. Fishing is highly popular here, predominantly on a commercial basis.

Once you’ve been here, you’ll probably find the experience haunting and want to return as soon as possible.

Ras Al Madrakah

This has become a popular camping spot thanks to the white sands beach where you can pitch a tent. It is a beautiful part of the country that has fierce natural beauty, and the wind tends to be stronger and temperatures cooler.

See also  Traveling to Oman: Visa and other Entry Requirements
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Boat ride Anyone?

As well as camping it is a highly popular fishing spot, and many can be seen reeling in the day’s catch. One aspect that will fill you with awe is the black ophiolite mountains to the south and the headlands to the north. In the middle, is the town.

Sur

Just before you reach Muscat, you may want to spend some time in the Sur. It has a very relaxed vibe and blends the historic with natural wonders. One of which is the lighthouse based in Ayjah. This impressive building is striking, and you can’t miss it as you approach the town.

The town boasts several forts which are well worth your time.

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The architecture in Oman.

If you’re in the mood for something more animated, then the Raz Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is the place to go.

Muscat

Oman’s capital city is vibrant and dynamic. It is a true mix of western and Arabic culture and it possesses iconic and historical wonders.

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Inside one of the mosques in Oman.

One of the most iconic places is The Grand Mosque.  Tourists are allowed between 9-11am, and it is just outside of the city. It was completed in 2002. The grounds are beautifully designed and landscaped and you will find yourself taking picture after picture as you take it all in.

To get the best out of your visit, it is a good idea to take tours of the old and new city. The contrast is remarkable, and you will get snapshots of how Oman people live.

Enjoy Oman and its delights!

Have you ever visited Oman? If so, what was your favorite spot to explore?

See also  Traveling to Oman: Visa and other Entry Requirements

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Agness Walewinder
Agness Walewinder
Travel freak, vagabond, photography passionate, blogger, life enthusiast, backpacker, adventure hunter and endless energy couchsurfer living by the rule "Pack lite, travel far and live long!"
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1 thought on “The Most Inspiring Places to Explore in Oman”

  1. Avatar of Andrew Boland

    This is one country I really want to visit. I nearly did back in 2009 but decided to limit myself to staying in Dubai a few more days as I was under the weather. Looks great Agness!

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