10 of the best things to do in Oman

Please note: this article is sponsored by our partners at Experience Oman and some links on this page will take you directly to the Experience Oman website.

A treasure trove of desert landscapes, water-filled wadis, ancient towns and untouched beaches, an Oman holiday is the definition of adventure.

With so many activities and attractions to discover, chances are you’ll need more than one holiday to really scratch the surface of this Arabian gem – but don't let that stop you from having a good go.

From zipping down sand dunes to wild camping among mountains, we round up ten of the best things to do in Oman for an unforgettable holiday.

1. Admire the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

You won’t see any skyscrapers in capital Muscat, but you will spot the minarets of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque soaring up to 91m (300ft) above the city.

One of the world’s most extravagant modern mosques, every inch was designed to draw the eye. Elaborate gardens and marble courtyards tease at the splendour that lies within, where spotlight-stealers include a 8.5 ton crystal chandelier, the world's second-largest hand-woven carpet, and infinite mosaics.

The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors every day except Fridays between 8.30am and 11am.

2. Kickback on Al Mughsail Beach

Sandcastle fanatic or kite-boarding pro, Oman’s 3,165km (1,966 miles) coastline has a beach to fulfil every type of seaside fancy.

With miles of undeveloped white sand bookended by craggy sea cliffs, Al Mughsail Beach – 40 minutes from Salalah – isn’t short on space or scenery. Its clear, cobalt sea and laidback nature lures the family crowds, as does the free entertainment: three natural blowholes sit above the beach. Visit during high tide to see the natural spectacle at its most dramatic.

3. Go swimming in Wadi Shab

Vivid oases of freshwater pools sat between rocky ravines, Oman’s wadis (meaning ‘valley’), have to be seen to be believed.

Take Wadi Shab.This limestone canyon stands gatekeeper to topaz blue pools, hidden caves and tumbling waterfalls – so lush amongst the arid desert you’d be forgiven for thinking it a mirage.

The hike through Wadi Shab comes with its challenges – expect some boulder-hopping, water-wading and cave-squeezing – but one dip in the shimmering water will make the effort worth it.

4. Souvenir shop at Mutrah Souq

Shopping in Oman is a tradition as old as time, so loosening the purse strings is whole-heateredly encouraged. Once a trading hub for merchants from across the Arabian Peninsula, Mutrah Souq in Muscat is just as much the bustling marketplace today as it was 200 years ago.

Alleyways carpeted with stalls selling textiles, jewellery, handmade crafts and rainbow-coloured knick-knacks are a feast for the eyes, while the heady mix of perfumes and frankincense give the souk its own personalised scent.

Come prepared with spare luggage space and your best haggling skills.

5. Visit the ancient city of Nizwa

Former capital Nizwa is an open-air history book. Its giant fort, complete with a 40m-high (160ft) circular tower, is the ancient city’s signpost. Climb to the top for panoramic views over the surrounding palm plains.

Also known as the ‘Pearl of Islam’, Nizwa has several historic mosques. Visit Al Shawadhna to see incredible Omani inscriptions dating back to 1529.

Stop at Nizwa’s lively souk before you go to pick up ceramics and sweet treats.

6. Watch turtles hatching at Ras Al Jinz

Venture to Ras Al Jinz’s stunning coast and you might just find a few marine friends waiting for you. The beaches here form one of the largest turtles nesting sites in the Indian Ocean, with 20,000 green, loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.

The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve runs viewing tours where you can responsibly watch turtles digging their nests and, between the months of May to September, see hatchlings emerge.

7. Get your hike on in the Hajar Mountains

Keen hikers will love Oman’s Hajar Mountains. Soaring more than 3,000m (9,843ft), Jebal Shams is its highest peak. Reaching the summit is a challenging and rewarding multi-day trek, with panoramic views of Wadi Ghul (the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’) the cherry on top.

Further west, Jebel Akhdar has dramatic plateaus and rugged rock formations aplenty. Lace up your boots to discover its ancient villages, terraced orchards and labyrinth of wadis.

8. Go sand boarding in the desert

Oman’s deserts provide endless opportunities to play. AL Sharqiyah Sands’ silky-soft dunes are the playground of choice, with windswept ridges climbing over 100m (328ft) into the sky.

Sandboarding is the adrenaline-pumping, hands-on way to explore them. You’ll find heaps of tour operators offering experiences for all levels, so you can join in the thrill whatever your ability.

9. Take a diving trip to Daymaniyat Islands

Go scuba diving in the Daymaniyat Islands to add whale sharks to your line-up of marine life spots.

The protected archipelago, formed of nine uninhabited islands off the coast of Muscat, welcomes the gentle giants every year during their migration (June to September). Vast coral gardens mean you can also bank on the company of parrotfish, sting rays and moray eels.

Most diving tours run from Muscat’s two marinas. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles and ospreys on the boat ride there.