11 Amazing Places to Visit in Oman

Oman is not just a nation, but a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by many travellers. One of the underrated holiday destinations for sure, Oman is a spectacular nation that is sure to leave travellers mesmerised with its golden-red sand dunes, ancient forts, stunning fjords, pristine coastlines, turquoise seas, and more.

Oman tourism is full of amazing places that one visit to this country is certainly not enough. The write-up mentions 11 amazing places in Oman you can’t afford to miss out on.

1. Masirah Island

Once used to be a shipbuilding hub, Masirah Island is one of the secluded, and thus must-visit tourist places in Oman. In the island’s main town, Ras Hilf, travellers can see a few abandoned ships. Always windy and filled with cool breezes coming from the Arabian Sea, Masirah Island is no less than a paradise for kite surfers. If you are someone who is fond of sunsets, beaches, and sea life, Masirah Island is the place to be at. Here you will get the chance to see turtles laying eggs on shores and dolphins diving deep in the azure water.

2. Musandam Fjords

Also known as the ‘Norway of Arabia,’ Musandam Fjords is one of the gorgeous places to visit in Oman. Crystal clear blue waters, desert mountains in the surroundings, and two gulfs – the Omani and the Arabian that guards this Omani peninsula are the defining features of the place. The place is a much-loved destination among people who love scuba diving as the water is crystal clear and arrangements to facilitate the same is also top-notch. Speaking of the culture of this place, it reflects Arabian culture along with glimpses of Iranian’s as well. Besides, the destination has one of the busiest waterways, The Strait of Hormuz, and the tallest peak, Jebel Harim, where you will find fossils of fish and various other marine animals which are more than 250 million years old. No wonder why it is one of the major highlights of Oman tourism.

3. Muscat

The capital of Oman, Muscat is a picturesque destination that is known for its charm. The city presents a unique amalgamation of antiquity and modernity. This place in Oman is highly influenced by East Africa and Zanzibar. Of the many places to visit in Oman, Muscat is one destination that attracts tourists of all sorts as there is no dearth of opportunities for them, be it exploring markets, forts, mosques, or indulging in water sports or shopping sprees. Being a city among beaches and hills, the place also draws the attention of culture aficionados and history enthusiasts. Make sure you pay a visit to this wonderful city if you ever plan to come to Oman.

4. Khasab Fortress

Khasab, the local capital of the Musandam, is home to Khasab Fortress which is one of the places in Oman to visit. To reach here, travellers will require to ride a fast ferry boat, joining the capital of Muscat. Since the place is located in Musandam, it is more accessible for people who come from the side of UAE as it is nearer to here than to other parts of Oman. This is because the Musandam region is an exclave and thus separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE.

Speaking of the beauty of Khasab Fortress, it cuts quite a dash with its four magnificent turrets and splendid crenelations. Constructed in the 17th century, this fort is well-preserved and is a prominent place on the list of Oman tourism.

5. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Constructed in the year 2001, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an astonishing mosque in the Bawshar area of Muscat that is true to its name and can easily house 20,000 worshippers. A true architectural wonder in all sense, every nook and corner of this marvellous mosque looks impressive. No wonder why it is one of the best places to visit in Oman.

Speaking of the eminent highlights of its architecture, the main prayer hall has the world's second-largest rug that was woven by 600 women in the span of four years. Besides, a massive chandelier hanging in the centre of the hall and blue mosaic tiles are the defining features of this holy mosque. Further adding to its grandeur are a golden dome, arches, unique lamps, minarets, engraved walls, and decorated interiors.

6. Taqah Castle

Settled in the heart of Taqah city, Taqah Castle is a well-preserved castle that once used to be the permanent residence of Sheikh Ali bin Al Ma’shani Timman. Talking about the layout of this glorious castle, the ground floor has a reception hall, prison, guards’ room, and storage rooms and the top floor has family quarters of the  Wali and watchtowers. Besides, this grand castle houses an interesting ethnographic museum as different rooms of it now display weapons and cookware which demonstrates several aspects of the culture and life of the region. For people who are fond of exploring castles and cultures, Taqah Castle is one of the best places in Oman to visit.

7. Telegraph Island

Settled peacefully in a fjord of the northern end of the Musandam Peninsula, Telegraph Island is one of the best places to see in Oman. In the 19th century, the island once served as home to a station that was used to enable the British government in London to send and receive instructions and information quickly along the Persian Gulf Telegraphic Cable. And this is how the place is known as Telegraph Island. Although the site is historic, its surroundings are simply awe-inspiring and rich in nature’s bounties. Oman mountain range in the surroundings and blue waters in middle simply lend this place a unique charm that can leave you spellbound.

8. Nizwa

Besides being the largest city in Ad Dakhiliyah Region, Nizwa is one of the most beautiful places in Oman. It is a destination in Oman that doesn’t have any dearth of interesting places to visit. Some of the major attractions of the city are Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, and Falaj Daris.

Nizwa Fort once used to serve as the administrative seat of authority for reigning Walis and Imams in times of peace and conflict. Nizwa Souq, situated in the vicinity of the walls of Nizwa Fort, provides travellers with a glimpse of old Oman. The Souq bustles with vendors selling a wide array of products, right from fruits, meat, fish to dates, spices, gold, silverware, as well as silver jewellery the Nizwa is famous for. Falaj Daris, a world heritage site, is the biggest falaj in the country that provides with it the much-needed water for the plantation.

9. Jabrin Castle

Built in the year 1675 by Imam Bil'arab bin Sultan of the Yoruba dynasty, Jabrin Castle is one of the excellent examples of military architecture in the area. Quite surprising but it used to serve as a centre of learning for Islamic law, medicine, and astrology which is pretty unusual for Oman’s castle. Surrounded by desert mountains, it is the picturesque location of this castle that attracts travellers from far and wide.

Being a popular destination of most Oman tour packages, this castle is one of the best-preserved castles in the country. Intricately painted ceilings are the defining feature of this castle. At this marvellous castle, you can enjoy outside views from the top of the tower and discover many rooms and halls inside.

10. Al-Baleed Archaeological Park

Located in Al Balīd of Salah, Dhofar, Oman, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park is a popular spot on the list of Oman tourism and also a part of the Land of Frankincense World Heritage Site. The ruins in the archaeological park are of the ancient city of Z̧afār. Ibn Battuta, the renowned Muslim traveller of medieval times, once visited this site in the year 1329 and commented on its striking beauty.

Taking about the architectural style, the buildings of the ruined citadel appear to be built in the local Dhofar style that mainly uses wood and stone. So, if you love visiting historical sites, make sure you visit Al-Baleed archaeological park on your visit to Oman.

11. Al Hazm Fort

If you are a history buff, then Al Hazm is perhaps one of the famous places in Oman that you can’t afford to miss out on. Known for its rich history, Al Hazm Castle or Al Hazm Fort is located in Rustaq, Oman. Constructed as a residence for the imam, the Al Hazm Fort was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif II in 1708. He was buried within the castle when he died in 1718.

Speaking of its architectural style, it is a large rectangular that is placed between two round fortified towers which look simply magnificent and grand. These towers are on the eastern and southern corners. Besides, the castle has a huge intricately carved wooden door, prison, religious classrooms, and mosque. The location of the place is simply beautiful as it has several green palm trees and rugged mountains.

If you are a traveller at heart, the list of places to visit in Oman is never-ending. However, these 11 places should be enough to evoke the curiosity to explore this desert kingdom more and leave you craving for more.