Muscat – is aesthetically what I imaged a Middle East coastal city to be; white low rise buildings, sandy beaches, date palms, local taxi drivers and shop keepers. Hotel accommodation is not cheap but the beach front five star hotels will not disappoint! There are loads of activities including diving, glass bottom boat and dolphin watching. The Grand Mosque, Old Muscat and the Mutrah Souq are worth a visit. I love the sunset view from the Crown Plaza.
Mutrah souq – although it is commercialised and a little pushy (owing to constant cruise ship trade) it is a vibrant souq. Souvenirs are very different in Oman. Alongside the pasminas expect to find frankanscience, silver, khanjars (Omani decorative knife), kuma (embroided casual Omani hat), studded chests, clay lamps and Omani Halwa.
Raz Al Jinz – Turtle Beach Reserve. Turtles lay and therefore hatch all year. Book in advance for a night and/or dawn viewing or stay at the Turtle Centre where the viewing is included. Cameras are no longer allowed at night but take a small torch. During the peak season of June-Aug, 40 or more turtles come up the beach to lay their eggs overnight and at other times up to 5 or so.
Jabel Aktah – Green Mountain, roses and fruit grown in terraces, mountain walks and breathtaking scenery make for a cool getaway during the summer months.
Jabel Shams– 3000m mountain range with its own grand canyon.
Explore Wadi bani Khalid and Wadi Tiwi to name just two of thousands to explore! Beware of flash flooding when it rains.
Walk through a village like Al Hamra or Al Ayn. Witness the authentic Omani lifestyle first hand.
Wahiba Sands – sand dune system where Bedouins still live! Loads of great desert camps to stay, ride camels, quad bikes and carve up the dunes.
Musandam – northern tip of Oman, more easily accessed from Dubai. Take a dhow from Khasab or Dibba to float alongside the mountains, swim, fish, dive, snorkel and search for dolphins.
Salalah – home of frankincense, tropical feel and popular for birders.
Masirah Island – catch a ferry from the mainland for more turtles, birds and rare shells. Tourism is minimal.