Your travel guide to visiting Oman

Deserts, mountains and coastline – get your travel guide to visiting Oman.

Set your sights on Oman? With its impressive landscapes and history-packed towns, it’s not hard to see why it’s a top pick. Holidays here really do serve up everything you could ask for. Authentic experiences? Tick. Beaches and sunshine? Double tick. Read our handy guide to get clued up on everything you need to know about visiting Oman.

Then, check out our best Oman holiday deals.

First up, where is Oman?

Oman sits on the south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Here, ancient towns rub shoulders with sprawling deserts. Muscat is the capital city and is packed with public parks and sandy beaches. Or if you’re a nature lover, Saiq is a perfect pick. This mountain town is in the north east of Oman, in the region of Ad Dakhiliyah, and boasts everything from craggy summits to the gorge of Wadi al Ayn.

Find out more about our Muscat holidays. Find out more about our Saiq holidays.

When’s the best time to visit Oman?

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April, when the temps flutter between 20°C and 30°C. From May to July, expect it to get toasty with temps reaching the mid-30s. In the south of Oman – around the port city of Salalah – the region’s only monsoon season is known to last from June to September. During this time, expect bursts of rain showers and occasional misty spells.

If you’re visiting Oman during the holy month of Ramadan – when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset – it’s important to note that you’re not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music and dance in public places during the day, whether you’re fasting or not. After the prayers at sundown, Muslims break their fast with a meal known as iftar. Once the fast is broken, it’s fine to eat outside. During the month of Ramadan, it’s also even more important to remember to dress modestly.

What are the best things to do in Oman?

There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do in Oman. If you’re a history buff, you’re in for a treat. You can tick off medieval forts like Nakhl Fort and ancient cities, such as Nizwa – it’s one of Oman’s biggest and oldest. Spots like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are also worth a visit. Just remember to dress appropriately. Love being outdoors? You’ve got fishing towns, tidal lagoons and freshwater pools to see, as well as the famous desert landscapes and sandy beaches. Plus, wild camping is a top pick if you fancy pitching up in the great outdoors. You can also go scuba diving in the marine reserves, spy nesting turtles or take a dip in Wadi Shab’s natural pools.

Check out our experiences in Oman.

Where are the best places to stay in Oman?

We’ve got tonnes of places to stay in Oman, whether you’re after an All Inclusive getaway, family holiday or a luxury escape. Grand Hyatt Muscat, for example, is ideal for a city break with a hint of beach. This four-star pad is set by shore and is only a 10-minute cab ride from the Royal Opera House and the Grand Mosque in Muscat. Or, plump for Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar, in Saiq. This swanky retreat is in Oman’s Green Mountains, and flaunts six restaurants, villa upgrades with private infinity pools and a spa with a lengthy treatment menu.

Check out more of our hotels in Oman.