Oman Holidays

Wahiba Sands is one of Oman's best-known desert landscapes, with rolling dunes stretching for nearly 200 kilometres across the country's eastern interior. As your 4WD climbs and descends the shifting sands, you'll experience dramatic desert scenery before stopping at Bedouin camps or viewpoints where the landscape changes colour as the sun begins to set.

Wadi Shab is one of Oman's most popular natural attractions, where turquoise pools, rocky cliffs and lush palm groves create a striking contrast against the surrounding mountains. The trail leads through the wadi before a short swim takes you to a hidden cave, where a small waterfall flows through a narrow opening in the rock.

Hidden within Wadi Bani Awf, Snake Gorge is one of Oman's most challenging canyoning destinations, known for its narrow rock passages, deep pools and towering canyon walls. Reaching the end involves climbing over boulders, swimming through clear water and squeezing between sections of rock that have been shaped by centuries of flowing water.

Jebel Shams is Oman's highest mountain and overlooks Wadi Ghul, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia'. The Balcony Walk follows the canyon's edge, rewarding hikers with dramatic views of sheer cliffs, remote villages and one of the country's most remarkable mountain landscapes.

The Daymaniyat Islands are a protected marine reserve off Oman's northern coast, renowned for their coral reefs and abundant marine life. Beneath the surface, you'll have the chance to spot sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and colourful tropical fish, making it one of the country's best underwater experiences.

Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural limestone crater filled with clear turquoise water, formed by the collapse of underground rock rather than a meteorite, as local folklore sometimes suggests. A series of steps leads down to the water, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by rugged cliffs and palm trees.

Built during the 17th century, Nizwa Fort is one of Oman's most recognisable landmarks and was designed to protect the country's former capital. As you explore its towering circular fort, defensive passages and watchtowers, you'll come to appreciate the military ingenuity and everyday life that shaped the fort's role in Oman's history.

Completed in the late 17th century, Jabreen Castle was built as both a royal residence and a centre of learning during the Ya'aruba dynasty. As you wander through its beautifully preserved rooms, painted wooden ceilings and hidden staircases, you'll discover the craftsmanship and scholarly heritage that set it apart from Oman's military forts.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort has stood at the foot of Hajar Mountains for centuries and remains one of Oman’s oldest surviving fortresses. Exploring its maze of courtyards, towers and winding passageways reflects the scale of its defensive design and important role Bahla once played in regional trade and governance.

Dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, the UNESCO-listed sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn preserve one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most remarkable Bronze Age landscapes. Walking among their distinctive beehive tombs and ancient stone settlements offers a fascinating glimpse into the communities that lived here over 4,000 years ago.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the land of Frankincense preserves the ancient trade routes that made Oman one of the world’s leading sources of the prized aromatic resin. Visiting sites such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Wadi Dawkah and Sumhuram reveals how the frankincense trade connected southern Oman with Egypt, Rome and beyond.

For centuries, Mutrah Souq has been a centre of trade, welcoming merchants arriving through Muscat’s historic harbour with frankincense, spices, textiles and silverware. Today, its narrow alleyways and traditional shops still reflect the atmosphere of one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arabian Peninsula, where Oman’s trading heritage continues to thrive.

Traditional souqs remain an important part of daily life across Oman, where traders continue to sell everything from frankincense and spices to silver jewellery and handcrafted pottery. Browsing the stalls offers a chance to meet local artisans, practise the art of friendly bargaining and discover products that reflect Oman’s cultural heritage.

Offering Kahwa, a lightly spiced Arabic coffee, alongside fresh dates is a long-standing gesture of welcome in Omani homes and traditional gatherings. Sharing the simple refreshment provides a glimpse into the country’s emphasis on generosity, respect and the importance of making guests feel at home.

Sur has long been associated with Oman’s seafaring heritage, and its boatyards continue to build traditional wooden dhows using techniques passed down through generations. Watching skilled craftsmen shape timber by hand offers a rare insight into a trade that once connected Oman with ports across the Indian Ocean.

Camel racing remains an important part of Omani heritage, particularly during the colder months when races take place across dedicated tracks around the country. Watching the event offers a chance to experience a tradition that continues to bring together local communities, owners and spectators in celebration of this enduring sport.

Traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive across Oman, with artisans producing intricate silver jewellery, khanjars, woven textiles and hand-painted pottery using time-honoured techniques. Visiting workshops and local markets offers an opportunity to appreciate the skill behind these creations and the role they continue to play in Omani culture.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oman’s ancient aflaj irrigation system has supplied water to villages, farms and date plantations for centuries. Walking alongside these carefully engineered channels offers an insight into the ingenuity and community cooperation that continue to sustain life across many parts of the country.

Held throughout January, Muscat Nights transforms the capital with a month-long programme of cultural performances, family entertainment, sporting events and heritage experiences across multiple venues. Whether you’re watching live performances, exploring traditional villages or enjoying evening light displays, it’s one of the best times to experience Muscat’s vibrant community atmosphere.

Held during Oman’s annual monsoon season, planned from 21st June to 21st September. Khareef Dhofar transforms Salalah and the surrounding region with cultural performances, local markets, festival grounds, mist-covered mountains, seasonal waterfalls and lush green landscapes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the Arabian Peninsula.

Celebrated on 20 and 21 November, Oman’s National Day brings communities together with fireworks, military displays, cultural performances and traditional camel and horse shows across the Sultanate. It’s an excellent time to experience the country’s national pride, with cities and towns decorated in the colours of the Omani flag and a festive atmosphere extending well beyond the official celebrations.

Held each February, the Tour of Oman brings some of the world’s leading professional cyclists to race across the Sultanate’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re watching riders tackle mountain climbs, pass historic forts or sprint along the coastline, the event offers a unique way to experience the atmosphere of an international sporting competition.

Held annually in Muscat, the Muscat International Book Fair brings together publishers, authors and readers from around the world through book launches, cultural discussions and family activities. Alongside thousands of Arabic and international titles, the event offers an opportunity to experience Oman’s growing literary and cultural scene.

Celebrated across Oman, Eid Al Adha brings towns and villages to life with communal prayers, family gatherings and traditional festivities. During the holiday, visitors may witness cultural performances, heritage activities and local markets, offering a memorable insight into Omani customs and community traditions.

Opened in 2011, the Royal Opera House Muscat is Oman’s leading performing arts venue, hosting everything from opera and ballet to concerts and cultural productions throughout the year. Stepping inside, you’ll find elegant interiors, remarkable craftsmanship and a programme that brings together artists from around the world.

The waters off Muscat’s coastline are home to several resident dolphin species, making boat trips one of the city’s most popular wildlife experiences throughout the year. As you cruise along the coast, you may spot pods swimming alongside the boat, with opportunities to admire Oman’s rugged cliffs and secluded bays from the water.

For centuries, traditional wooden dhows have played an important role in Oman’s maritime history, sailing trade routes across the Arabian Sea and beyond. Today, these beautifully crafted vessels offer a relaxing way to admire Muscat’s coastline, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs while experiencing a tradition that continues to shape Omani culture.

Away from the city lights, Oman’s desert landscapes offer some of the country’s clearest night skies, particularly around Wahiba sands and other remote regions. As darkness falls, countless stars become visible overhead, creating a peaceful setting that’s best enjoyed from a desert camp or open stretch of sand.

Oman’s coastline is home to a collection of luxury beach resorts, many with direct access to quiet stretches of sand overlooking the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea. Whether you’re unwinding at a spa, enjoying waterfront dining or simply spending time by the beach, these resorts offer a slower pace that complements the country’s relaxed pace.

As the temperature begins to cool, Mutrah Corniche becomes a popular gathering place where locals and visitors come to enjoy the waterfront. Walking along the promenade, you’ll pass fishing boats, cafes and views of Muscat’s harbour, with the surrounding hills and illuminated buildings creating a memorable setting after dark.