Oman Holidays 2024 & 2025 MIDDLE EAST
Best Time To Go:
October to April
Time Difference:
GMT +3 hours
Flight Duration:
7 hours approx
Airports:
Muscat International Airport (MCT)
One of the Middle East’s mellowest and most sublime destinations, Oman has endless charms to offer the visitor: a rich heritage reflected in its ancient mosques and historical sites, incredible dive sites, beautiful sandy beaches and an exotic Arabian culture. It is set on the Arabian Peninsula, featuring a magnificent landscape of vast desert, endless coastlines and undulating dunes.
Highlights include: the elegant, evocative capital of Muscat; the friendly port town of Sur; the charming mountain settlement of Misfat Al Abryeen; the prehistoric tombs bordering the Western Hajar; diving around the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve; and watching hundreds of green turtles emerging from the ocean at Ras Al Jinz to lay eggs.
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Things to do and see in Oman
Visit the Capital - Muscat
Fringing the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is sandwiched between the desert and ocean, featuring a dramatic mix of pristine coastline, rugged mountains and hauntingly beautiful sandscapes. It is a prime example of ancient history blended seamlessly with contemporary charms. The city has done an admirable job of preserving its old-world splendour, age-old Bedouin culture and traditional values while simultaneously embracing the modern and cosmopolitan.
Visit bustling markets permeated with the fragrance of frankincense; feast on shawarmas at local cafes or streetside stalls; catch a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House; or wander the streets of Mutrah at sunset for beautiful views of Arabian architecture and fishing boats against a backdrop of mountains. Muscat’s opulence and vibrance is complemented by its striking scenery.
Discover Sur
Sur, a placid sea coast town with its striking traditional dwellings, is a pleasant getaway and one of the most important towns in the eastern region. A trip through Sur's labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows.
Sur has a long history as one of Oman's foremost trading ports. Though now surpassed by Muscat, it is still a thriving town. A glimpse of how it used to be can be seen in old Sur and the small suburb of Aija.
Sur's dhow yards are world-renowned (and presumed home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor). Though demand for dhows has declined sharply in the past 100 years it is still possible to see traditional dhow builders at work. Sur is also famous for its breeding sites of the world's rare sea turtles in Ras Al Jinz, which has been declared a protected wildlife area.
Explore Misfat Al Abriyeen
Nestled deep in Oman’s Hajar mountains, Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the most interesting places to visit in Oman and one of the most beautiful places in the Middle East. The area has a 300-year history of human settlement and agriculture, and is best-known for its incredible mud architecture, which uses hulking boulders for its foundation.
Misfat Al Abriyeen is an authentic, ‘living’ Omani mud village build into a mountainside in the Al Hamra region. Made up of houses, a maze of shaded passageways, beautiful gardens and open terraces, it’s a well-known spot among both local and international visitors.
Climb the Hajar Mountains
Go to Jebel Shams, the country’s highest peak at 3009m (9872ft) in the Hajar Mountains, for a picnic on the plateau with dramatic canyon views. Hikers can head out on an adventure through the canyons of Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr, surrounded by rugged limestone walls.
The Balcony Walk is a five-hour hike on an old donkey trail, now marked, with remarkable views along the rim, that ends in the abandoned village of As Sab.
Other trails bring you to villages, farms, date plantations and natural pools hidden among the rocky landscape. Local operators, such as Husaak Adventures, offer one- or two-day guided hikes to summit Jebel Shams.
Best Time to Visit Oman
The best time to visit Oman is between October and April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. During these months, daytime temperatures range from 20C to 30°C, making it ideal for exploring Oman.. This period is also perfect for cultural experiences in cities like Muscat and Nizwa, as well as enjoying the lush landscapes of Salalah during the early winter months.
Sample Itineraries Including Oman
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Oman.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Top Hotels in Oman
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