Oman holidays: Muscat, the mountains, the desert and the fjords
Mountains of 3,000 metres, fjords in the north, dunes inland and a capital where no building may rise above the mosques. Oman is the calmest and most varied country in the Gulf.
Hajar Mountains
Photo: Chris Linnett / Unsplash
Oman at a glance
It is six in the morning on Jebel Akhdar and the air is below 15 degrees. Beneath you are terraces of pomegranates and roses, while down on the plains it is already 30. Oman is the Gulf country for travellers who want to drive, hike and sleep in the desert, not just lie by a pool.
It is roughly the size of the UK and Ireland combined, but home to only around five million people. The currency is the Omani rial, one of the most valuable in the world. For more of the region, see our Asia travel guide.
How to plan your trip
Muscat, the capital by the sea
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the corniche and souk in Mutrah and the Royal Opera House are the highlights. The city is low, white and orderly, and the best hotels sit on the beach.
Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar, for forts and mountains
The fort and Friday market in Nizwa are two hours from Muscat. From there you drive up Jebel Akhdar, which stays cool even in summer. The checkpoint only lets four-wheel drives through.
Wahiba Sands and the wadis
The Wahiba dunes are around three hours from Muscat. On the way you can swim in Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid, where green water runs through narrow gorges.
Musandam, the fjords of Arabia
The northern peninsula is separated from the rest of Oman by the Emirates. From Khasab, traditional dhows sail into the fjords, often with dolphins at the bow.
Wahiba Sands
Photo: Arisa S. / Unsplash
When to go
October to April: 25 to 30 degrees on the coast and cool in the mountains. The best time for a road trip.
May to September: very hot in Muscat and inland. The exception is Salalah in the south, which turns green during the monsoon from June to September.
Good to know
A hire car is the best way to see the country. Roads are good, but the mountains and desert need four-wheel drive.
Dress modestly away from the hotel and in mosques. Women must cover their hair at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Alcohol is served in licensed hotels.
Check visa rules before you travel. Many nationalities can visit for short stays without a visa.
Where to stay
Oman has some of the Middle East's best resorts. Six Senses Zighy Bay sits in a cove on Musandam, Alila Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar cling to the edge of the mountain, and The Chedi and Al Bustan Palace are the classics in Muscat. All of them are in our Oman hotel guide, along with five more. Combining it with Dubai? See our United Arab Emirates guide.
Frequently asked questions about Oman
How long should I spend in Oman?
Seven to ten days cover Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar and a night in the desert. Add two days for Musandam.
When is the best time to visit Oman?
October to April. In summer only Salalah and the mountains are comfortable.
Is Oman safe for tourists?
Oman is regarded as one of the safest countries in the region. Always check current travel advice before you go.
Can I combine Oman and Dubai?
Yes. Muscat is around five hours from Dubai by road, with several flights a day.