Must See

Muscat

Oman's capital is full of character, both ancient and modern. It is divided into three main districts: Muscat, Ruwi and Mutrah.

The old walled port town (Muscat) is dominated by buildings of the Royal Court, the Sultan's palace and Government offices. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Ali Mosque and the New Mosque beside the sea add to the district's charm. The city walls contain three beautifully carved original gates, and the entrances are guarded by two well-preserved 16th-century Portuguese cliff-side forts, Al Jalali and Mirani. The town's narrow streets and old houses are overlooked by the hillside Mutrah Fort.

Ruwi is the business district and has excellent streets for shopping. The Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, which outlines Omani history, and the National Museum, which is home to some excellent displays of Omani silverwork, are both located here.

Mutrah port is the commercial centre and home to the fish market; the many souks and bazaars are well worth visiting.

Bahla

Bahla is a town in Ad Dakhiliyah, famous for its pottery and for its pre-Islamic history. Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has seven miles of ancient defensive walls and is home to the World Heritage listed Bahla Fort.

There is also a good souk here, where visitors can buy the town's renowned pottery. The picturesque village of Al Hamra can be found nearby.

Jebel Akhdar

Located approximately 50-100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman coast, Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain) is a mountain range that extends about 300 km northwest to southeast. Rising to a height of almost 3,000m (10,000ft), the area is notable for its date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages.

The fortress of Al Hazm, built in 1708, lies on the northern slopes of the mountains, as does Rostaq, an oasis town that is home to the tombs of Oman's early rulers. Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman, is located on the side of a deep wadi on the south slope of the mountains.

Nizwa

Nizwa is the main town in the interior province, and was once the seat of power during the sixth and seventh centuries. The town is located along an immense palm oasis stretching for 13 km (8 miles) along the course of two wadis. Visitors can scale the imposing circular fort that dominates this verdant oasis town, or listen in the evenings as the call of the muezzin from the nearby Sultan Qaboos Mosque fills the air. Peaceful, sleepy and safe, Nizwa is popular among tourists looking to amble through its souk and fort, before heading out to explore the surrounding region. The town is famous for its silver and copper handicrafts.

Salalah

Explore the unspoilt beaches and lush landscapes of an area steeped in legend, where frankincense can still be gathered and where migrating birds are drawn by the cool rains of the monsoon. The capital of the southern region is set amongst banana plantations and coconut groves, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The Samhuram and Al-Balid ancient cities are a major tourist attractions, and the Tomb of Prophet Omran and Nabi Ayoub (Jacob) Tomb are also interesting to visit. Dolphins sometimes break the surface near the shore.

Sur

Sur is located 150 km (93 miles) southeast of the Omani capital, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Famous for its traditional shipbuilding (dhows), the town is said to be the home of Sinbad the Sailor, and visitors will be charmed by its winding streets, full of carved wooden doors and old Arabesque buildings.

Snorkel, dive and sunbathe on this enticing stretch of coastline, or take a dhow trip and explore the Omani coast. The breeding grounds of the Green Turtle lie south of Sur.

Wahiba Sands

Follow the trails of Bedouin tribes through this isolated desert region, fringed by fortified towns and home to Omani pit-weavers who design elegant textiles from looms dug into the earth.