10. Misfat al Abryeen
While larger cities in Oman can appear very contemporary, smaller villages like Misfat al Abryeen help capture a more traditional atmosphere. This mountain village is made up of stone buildings in shades of orange and brown, and it can look more like an Italian mountain village than something you might expect to find on the Arabian Peninsula. Misfat al Abryeen, however, is a beautiful example of mountain life in Oman. A steep road leads up the mountain, and you can walk among the buildings to admire banana trees and lush greenery. There’s an ancient watchtower above the village that you can climb to see Misfat al Abryeen as well as the surrounding fields and dams filled with water.
9.Masirah Island
Just off the coast of Oman is Masirah Island, a unique destination for travelers in search of sun, beaches, wildlife and history. Masirah Island is home to an Omani air base, but the towns are relatively small. That means few crowds and lots of secluded spots to explore. Regular ferries are available to get you to and from the mainland. On Masirah Island, the top pastimes include swimming, checking out the abundance of shipwrecks just off the coast and watching the more than 30,000 turtles that appear annually in hatching season.
8. Bahla
Another incredible destination in Oman is the city of Bahla, located in Northern Oman. Bahla is a kind of oasis in the desert, and it has been a stopping point of travelers for centuries. Bahla is just 40 km (25 miles) from Nizwa, and it also boasts a spectacular and historic fort. The Bahla Fort dates back to the 13th century, when it was widely under the control of the Banu Nebhan tribe. In addition to exploring the fort of Bahla, you can see the walls of the city, which are made from adobe and stretch for nearly seven miles in length. If you’re in the market for souvenirs, Bahla is widely known for its impressive selection of local pottery.
7. Salalah
In Southern Oman is Salalah, a destination sometimes known as the second city to Muscat. Salalah is particularly important today because it is the ancestral home to the Sultan Qaboos, the reigning sultan in Oman since 1970. On a visit to Salalah, you can admire the incredible Qaboos Palace, and you can appreciate older architecture in the Old Town, known as the Haffa. Step even further back in time by visiting the Al Baleed Archaeological Site. Salalah is known for its frankincense trade, so be sure to pick some up as a souvenir from the souk in the Haffa. From June to August, monsoon clouds from India bring a constant rain to the area and, as a result, the coastal region around Salalah is transformed into a green oasis with seasonal waterfalls and streams.
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