Day Trips From Muscat

Mutrah Corniche is a promenade stretching for 3 kilometres along the waterfront and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and markets. Relax at the corniche and watch the sun go down the sea and watch the mountains meet the water or take in all the natural sights and sounds by walking along the promenade. You can see the views of the Oman Port and harbour and the beautiful rock formations of the Hajar Mountains and the Portuguese watchtowers on the other.

Distance from Muscat: 20 km

The Muttrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. This antiquity has perhaps increased its beauty, magic and allure. Mutrah Souk or Al Alam Souk has been named after darkness because the crowded stalls and lanes do not allow the sun rays to infiltrate through during the day and the shoppers need lamplights to see where they were going. The market used to be a source of supply for Omanis where they could buy their needs in the 1960s for simpler life requirements.

Distance from Muscat: 19 km

Al Mirani Fort is a fort in Muscat which was built by the Portugese in the sixteenth century. It, along with neighbouring Al Jalali Fort, looks out to the Gulf of Oman and would guard the port of Muscat in the past. Although closed to the public visitors can view this fort from outside. This fort was extremely instrumental in the downfall of the Portuguese.

Distance from Muscat: 22 km

Known as the Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar is a mountain range located in the most spectacular part of Oman! Comprising of mostly desert and limestone, the mountain range of Jebel Akhdar stands tall in Oman, and receives 300 mm of precipitation annually, resulting in the growth of shrubs and trees on the top of its mountains.

Distance from Muscat: 156 km

Known For : Dune Bashing Camel Safari Sand boarding

Whether its going on a camel safari, dune bashing, desert trekking or simply just sitting around a camp fire, they have it all! Spending a night under the starlit sky at the Sharqiya Sands is an experience you will never forget! Considered among the most beautiful camping areas in Oman, the Sharqiya Sands extends over an area of up to ten thousand square kilometres! Tourists get the chance to indulge in the true Arabian experience which is a rarity due to the amount of globalisation that has occured over the past years.

Best Time: November to March

4 Wahiba Sands Attractions

The Al Jalali Fort, also known as Ash Sharqiya Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century is a massive structure in Muscat, Oman. Interestingly it once used to be a prison which has been converted to a heritage private museum. Being located on the harbor, the Al Jalali Fort offers a beautiful to the entire city of Muscat. The only entrance to this place is through a steep flight of stairs in the front.

Distance from Muscat: 23 km

Bearing a slice of history, rich architecture, and seaside view; the Muttrah Fort is one of the top locations for all Muscat travellers to experience. Just a 20-minute cab ride from Muscat city, this fort is amongst one of the oldest and overlooks the town and coastline. Its intriguing history tells of the Portuguese domination in the 16th century, and today the fort has been converted into a watchtower which a stunning panoramic skyline. After being reopened for public use in June 2018, it has become a prime attraction for visitors, and a must-see for history buffs!

The rich marine diversity of Oman’s seas is a blessing for the region. Tourists make it a point to travel to the Muttrah Fish Market and treat themselves to the irresistible seafood. The local culture is reflected in the busy market area, and travellers can gaze at the boats and ships surrounding the coastline. Sale of fish is done only in certain areas, whereas visitors can also explore the vegetable market. A 20-minute cab ride from Muscat city, and you’ll find yourself amidst a cultural haven.

Popularly known as the Wahiba Sands, the Golden Sand Dunes are celebrated for their deep golden hues. Give yourself a desert adventure and explore the sand dunes with several oases. Interestingly enough, you may find flora and fauna in this region, along with the perfect spot of camping out. What’s more? The epic sunset and sunrise which will leave you in awe. Travellers love to stargaze during the night, take a swim in the oasis, and even hop on for a camel ride. It’s a 3hour drive from Muscat, and many camping options are available.

Nizwa Fort is Oman’s most visited and most famous monument and fort. Unlike its counterpart the Bahla Fort, this 17th century fort has not yet been included under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. What it lacks in prominence, it makes up for in exhibits and study conducted intended to reveal the glorious past of the city.

Nizwa Fort is Oman’s most visited and most famous monument and fort. Unlike its counterpart the Bahla Fort, this 17th century fort has not yet been included under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. What it lacks in prominence, it makes up for in exhibits and study conducted intended to reveal the glorious past of the city.

Distance from Muscat: 160 km

Jabreen Castle is famous for its battlements which is one of the most well-preserved monuments. The castle was built in the year 1675 by Imam Bil Arab Bin Sultan. In the ancient days, the castle was a centre of learning for various branches like astrology, medicine and Islamic law. The majestic castle has three storeys, two towers and enormous halls and rooms inside, showing the grandeur of the Imams of the time. Standing at the base of the flagpole at the castle will give visitors a bird's eye view of the interiors of the castle.

Distance from Muscat: 145 km

Tanuf is a small village located halfway between the two largest cities of Oman, near Nizwa and Bahla. The ruins of Tanuf are the result of Oman’s Imamate Rebellion of the 1950s. It is famous for its historical ruins and also for the Tanuf drinking water brand. ‘Tanuf’ branded water is sourced and bottled in a factory from the freshwater at Wadi Tanuf.

Distance from Muscat: 145 km

Wadi Ghul is referred to as Oman’s version of the Grand Canyon. The canyon is located in the Al Hajar mountains and is renowned for its remote, scenic hiking trails. Hire a 4x4 which would be the ideal vehicle or proceed on foot for a more intensive explorative experience of the Ghul. Enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains and the deep plunging gorges as you look below. For a surge of the adrenaline attempt the ‘Balcony Walk’ on foot, a thrilling hiking experience as you take on the cliffs fromWad

Distance from Muscat: 145 km

Known For : Dune Bashing Camel Safari Sand boarding

Found when taking a diversion on the road between Sur and Muscat, the mighty Wahiba Sands also known as The Sharqiya Sands is home to the bedouins, exciting sand sports and night camping in Oman. Considered among the most beautiful camping areas in Oman, the Sharqiya Sands extends over an area of up to ten thousand square kilometres! Tourists get the chance to indulge in the true Arabian experience which is a rarity due to the amount of globalisation that has occurred over the past years.

Best Time: November to March

4 Wahiba Sands Attractions

Situated on the Omani coast, Barka is a vibrant beachside city in the Al-Batinah region, renowned for their age-old tradition of bull-fighting, and their famous halwa. A 50-km drive away from Muscat International Airport, Barka provides the perfect weekend getaways and is a favourite resort destination amongst Omanis. The Barka Fort, standing imperiously over the Omani coastline, and the Barka Souq, the traditional marketplace of the city, are major tourist attractions in the region.

Distance from Muscat: 60 km

Best Time: December to February

The Oasis town of Ibri is situated in the northern Al Dhahirah region of Oman. Usually, the town is treated as a friendly stopover between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But the treasure of Ibri lies in its heritage as it is the base for visiting many UNESCO Heritage sites. These sites consist of preserved tombs of Al-Ayn, Al-Khutm and Bat which are famous for being the most well preserved and completed ancient ensemble in the world. It is also an archaeological site with landmarks such as towers, forts, castles and tombs.

Distance from Muscat: 281 km

Best Time: September to May

Al Suwaiq means 'market' in Arabic. The town is also recognized as one of the Wilayats (also the largest Wilayat) of Al Batinah North governorate. Here, people get to see the mountains, the valleys and the plains along with the coast all located at short distances from each other. Each year, a considerable number of tourists visit Al Batinah and spend a day or so in Al Suwaiq. Here, they can explore the scenic countryside, learn about its history and culture, go sightseeing, visit the shores of the Gulf of Oman and enjoy some delicious local food.

Distance from Muscat: 116 km

Best Time: November-March

Distance from Muscat: 207 km

Located at the foot of the grand Jebel Shams mountain, Al Hoota Cave is almost 2 million years old and the only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula that is 4.5 kilometers long. With a wonderful ecosystem consisting of bats, anthropoids, snails and mollusks, the cave is very well protected and preserved. On your tour around the cave, you'll come across four lakes. In these lakes, the rare blind fish, Garra Barreimiae exist. These fish are only found in Oman, UAE and Bahrain. The tour of the cave lasts 45 minutes and covers 500m of the huge cave.

Distance from Muscat: 188 km

Known For : Sohar Corniche Sohar Fort Sohar Handicraft Souq

Rumoured to be the home of the famous sailers Ahmed bin Majid and mythical character Sinbad, Sohar is the perfect blend of culture and contemporary societies. The city has huge malls and skyscrapers, some of the most gorgeous beaches in Oman and souqs and monuments that are full of the country's history. A small drive into the outskirts of the city leads you to beautiful deserts. Sohar is full of things to do, whether it be watching a camel race, shopping for traditional handicrafts or simply exploring the splendid beaches.

Distance from Muscat: 209 km

Best Time: October to February

6 Sohar Attractions

The first-ever Omani town to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bahla is a small Oasis settlement situated in the Dakhliya region of Oman. Although the settlement is constituted of traditional vernacular houses, the fortification wall, a market, the Falaj system and a mosque, it is most popular for the Bahla fort. It is one of the oldest forts in Oman tracing back to the 13th century. The small town is also popular for its pottery and silver artefacts sold in the old souq.

Distance from Muscat: 188 km

Best Time: October to March