Oman has a landscape for everyone. It is a country shaped by its land and its people, from the dunes of Al Sharqiyah to the bays of Muscat and the green hills of Salalah. Across the country, history and culture are part of everyday life, seen in the forts of Nizwa, the souqs filled with the scent of frankincense and the quiet rhythm of the coast. Days can begin among desert sands and end beside the sea, with time to swim in mountain wadis, walk through old towns and watch turtles nesting at Ras Al Jinz. Every region reveals something different, yet it all feel connected.
Few landscapes capture the imagination quite like the Al Sharqiyah Sands. Stretching for around 200 kilometres, this vast sea of dunes has long been home to Bedouin tribes who still welcome visitors to their camps. Staying overnight in a traditional tent brings a peace that is hard to find elsewhere. As dawn breaks, climb a dune and watch the first light sweep across the sand, turning the desert from deep red to gold. Evenings end quietly, with talk around the fire and the vast stillness of the desert above.
Just a few hours from the desert, the scenery changes completely. Wadi Bani Khalid is one of Oman’s most beautiful and accessible oases, a ribbon of turquoise pools surrounded by cliffs and palm groves. A short walk from the entrance leads to calm, clear water that is perfect for a swim, while the upper pools offer a quieter escape deeper into the canyon. It is a natural contrast that captures Oman’s diversity in a single day, from dunes to cool mountain water.
At the foot of the Hajar Mountains lies Nizwa, once Oman’s capital and still one of its cultural heartlands. The seventeenth century Nizwa Fort dominates the skyline, its round tower standing as a symbol of the country’s long history of trade and defence. Inside, the rooms and corridors tell stories of life in earlier centuries, while outside, the souq comes alive with the scent of spices and frankincense. Craftsmen sell silver jewellery, pottery and dates, timeless pieces of Omani culture still made by hand.
Muscat balances tradition with modern elegance. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the region’s most beautiful religious sites, with vast prayer halls, marble courtyards, intricate mosaics and striking chandeliers. Nearby, the Royal Opera House showcases Oman’s growing cultural scene, its architecture combining Omani design with understated sophistication. Muttrah Souq remains a maze of narrow lanes where traders offer textiles, lamps, frankincense, perfume oils and handicrafted goods. Walking through the market at dusk, with the call to prayer echoing from nearby mosques, you feel the energy of everyday life in the capital.
Between late June and September, Salalah in the Dhofar region transforms into an unexpected paradise. Known locally as the Kareef, this monsoon season brings mist, waterfalls and lush green hills, a rare sight in Arabia. Locals picnic by the cascades of Wadi Darbat or drive through the frankincense covered mountains, while the coastal air fills with the scent of rain. For travellers, it reveals a tropical side of Oman.
On the eastern tip of the country, Ras Al Jinz Beach is part of one of the most important green turtle nesting areas in the Indian Ocean. Each year, thousands of turtles return to this stretch of coast to lay their eggs, continuing a cycle that has lasted for generations. Guided night tours allow visitors to watch the turtles come ashore in near darkness, their movements gentle and deliberate, while early morning visits sometimes reveal hatchlings making their way to the sea. It is a moment that captures the quiet, natural wonder of Oman’s coast.
This content has been made in partnership with Experience Oman
From desert dunes to mountain trails and the calm waters of the coast, Oman offers a family adventure filled with variety and space to explore. This 7 night holiday is based at the five star Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort near Muscat, where comfort, ease and time together come first. Days include privately guided tours to Nizwa, the Wahiba Desert and the nearby mountains, combining discovery with relaxation throughout
Experience the contrasts of Arabia on this elegant 10 night twin centre journey that combines the serene beauty of Oman with the glamour and excitement of Dubai. From the peaceful coves and mountain scenery of Muscat to the desert sunsets and skyline views of Dubai, this itinerary offers a seamless blend of exploration and luxury.
Discover two remarkable sides of Oman on this 9 night journey that combines the cool mountain air of Jabal Akhdar with the coastal elegance of Muscat. Stay in two exceptional five star resorts, explore dramatic landscapes by 4x4, and experience Omani culture through guided tours and traditional dining.
