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Itineraries
Oman covers an impressive amount of territory, but its excellent roads allow you to see significant swathes of the country in a relatively short time. There’s plenty to absorb you in the capital for a few days, while with a week to spare you could just about complete either of the first two itineraries below; with a month you could stitch the three itineraries together – and there’s plenty more to be discovered beyond these suggested routes.
WEST OF MUSCAT
To the west of Muscat extend some of the country’s most well-trodden trails, for good reason. Oman’s highest mountains, the Western Hajar, offer breathtaking scenery and thrilling drives, while scattered here and across the Batinah plain below are some of the country’s most historic towns, forts and souks.
Jebel Akhdar Wind up to the Saiq Plateau from Birkat al Mauz to wander the clifftop villages high above Wadi al Ayn.
Nizwa Wrapped in historic charm, Nizwa is home to an imposing fort and a laidback souk that hosts a lively Friday goat market.
Ibri With a fine fort and souk, Ibri makes a good base for visiting the ruins of Al Suleif and the “beehive” tombs of Bat and Al Ayn.
Jebel Shams Peer down into Oman’s “Grand Canyon” from the country’s highest peak.
Wadi Bani Auf Tackle Oman’s classic off-road drive through the chasm of Wadi Bani Auf, passing en route the fairy-tale village of Bilad Sayt.
Rustaq Loop Rising from the date plantations of Al Batinah are three of the country’s most picturesque forts: Rustaq, Al Hazm and Nakhal.
Musandam Check out Khasab’s fine fort and take in the wondrous scenery on a cruise through the khors or a drive to the top of Jebel Harim.
A SHARQIYA LOOP
Making the most of Sharqiya’s smooth coastal and inland highways, this route takes in Oman at its most traditional and scenically diverse, featuring some of the country’s most photographed landscapes, from palm-fringed canyons to undulating dunes.
Coastal highway from Quriyat to Sur Dotted with natural beauty spots, from the Bimmah Sinkhole and the Salma Plateau to Oman’s most spectacular pair of wadis.
Sur This enchanting fishing town makes an excellent base, with a trio of forts, a picturesque harbour and a historic dhow-building yard.
Ras al Jinz For millennia, turtles have found their way to this beach at the end of the Arabian peninsula to lay eggs in the sand: perhaps the country’s most memorable natural spectacle.
Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan and Al Kamil Between the coast and the Sharqiya Expressway is a trio of interesting and staunchly conservative villages with historic forts and a surprising museum.
Sharqiya Sands Desert camps are hidden deep within Oman’s most accessible sea of sand, making ideal bases for camel riding or simply taking in the magical sunsets.
Ibra This dusty town boasts one of the country’s most vibrant and traditional souks, along with a pair of splendid old mudbrick villages.
SOUTHERN OMAN
Check your mileage allowance if headed down the long road to Dhofar, taking in the utter emptiness of the inland route or – preferably – the striking beauty of the new coastal road. The khareef (monsoon) paints Salalah and its surrounds a lush green from June to August.
Salalah One of Oman’s most dynamic cities and the obvious base for exploring Dhofar, with an enchanting souk, ancient ruins, miles of beaches and tropical flair.
Mughsail Beach A spectacular stretch of coastline, with sheer cliffs towering over pristine beaches.
The Empty Quarter You’ll barely scratch the surface of this legendary stretch of sand. Stop off en route at Shisr – thought to be the ruins of ancient Ubar.
Jebel Samhan There are freshwater springs, sinkholes and incredible views along the slopes of Jebel Samhan, towering over the coast to the east of Salalah.
Coastal road from Hasik to Shuwaymiyah Some of Oman’s most jaw-dropping scenery; look out for the pretty lagoon of Wadi Sanaq and the broad canyon of Wadi Shuwaymiyah.
Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve The remote outpost of Duqm is a good base for visiting the herd of oryx at the Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve.
Masirah island Continue up the gorgeously desolate coastline to Shana, from where you can access Oman’s ultimate desert island, ringed with secluded beaches and turtle-nesting sites.
