Oman is the perfect destination to escape those winter blues and get some sunshine and warmth!
The best time to visit this desert country is actually between now and March when the temperature is warm (between 17°C and 35°C) but not too hot so you would miss out on a lot of activities. These months see little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for enjoying outdoor activities too!
In Oman you will nor only desert landscapes but spectacular mountains and a pristine coastline like nothing you have ever witnessed or imagined!
From gorgeous wadis, mountains, and deserts to ancient fortresses, quiet beaches, and modern mosques, Oman offers an incredibly wide range of experiences for travellers and I highly recommend you check out Oman Holidays for more inspiration and to book.
Let’s start with the capital, Muscat!
Muscat
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Muscat is the bustling capital and the largest city in Oman travellers by beautiful white-washed houses lining a picturesque coastline. From majestic modern mosques to ancient souqs and delicious cuisine, this city has it all.
I’d recommend clicking here more information on Muscat Holidays
While here, these are the top things to do:
Admire the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman and a remarkable example of modern Islamic architecture. Its beautifully symmetrical architecture and smooth marble floors make it one of the biggest highlights of Muscat, especially as it is one of the only mosques in Muscat that’s open to non-Muslim visitors.
It took 6 years to complete, and the chandelier inside the mosque holds 600,000 Swarovski crystals with 24-karat gold plating.
Please note the dress code which states that you must be covered from head to toe — including wrists and ankles. Women must wear headscarves too.
Shop at Mutrah Souq
Located in the Mutrah Corniche, the Mutrah Souq is worth a visit. It is one of the oldest markets in the world. You can find all kinds of souvenirs here, from hand-made jewellery, stylish lanterns, rugs, and perfumes, as well as items made with pure Omani silver.
Dine at Rozna
Rozna is the only fine-dining Omani restaurant in Oman that is modelled like an ancient fort. From the exterior it looks like a fort and inside, with a spacious central courtyard, it is reminiscent of a castle. The bright and airy centre courtyard is the main open dining area that can accommodate more than 100 guests at a time. There is also a seating deck in the upper floor jutting into the main dining area, offering a balcony-view.
See the Al Alam Palace
Built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed, the Al Alam Palace is one of the six residences the Sultan. Surrounded by Mirani and jewellery Forts, the palace has a facade of gold and blue.
Though the palace is not open for visitors, it’s still an amazing site to take in, snap a photo or two, and walk along the only public space called the forecourt, where you can see the impeccable details of this palace through the iron fence.\
Where to go next?
Now that you’ve had a taster of Muscat, immersing yourself in this city’s blend of Arabian tradition and history, with cutting-edge modernity and luxury, why not head to beach rich Salalah!
Salalah
Salalah is known for its unique Khareef (monsoon) festival, in which the whole city turns green and attracts visitors from all around the world. Nevertheless, this hidden gem of a destination is wonderful to visit all year round to admire its natural beauty and architectural wonder.
Here are the best things to do, and the most splendid places to visit in Salalah.
Wadi Darbat
Salalah has stunning scenery and Wadi Darbat is an excellent example of this. During the peak season you will find an entire complex of waterfalls, pools and rivers within this unique landscape as monsoon waters flow from the mountains, creating jaw-dropping waterfalls (one reaches a height of 100 meters!).
We visited during the drier months but were still fortunate to see some falls and lush greenery.
Dine like a Dhofari
If you are vegetarian there are plenty of lovely dishes for you too, with smoked aubergine being my favourite!
Fazayah Beach
Fazayah Beach is a hidden gem in Oman’s remote Dhofar region that is well worth the journey. Here you will find crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning rock formations.
Boat Trip
Enjoy the crystal waters of the Sea of Oman, and the surrounding beautiful mountains and white sandy beaches of Salalah through a trip in a local wooden Omani boat. Whether a short or long trip, a boat journey will offer a unique experience, where you can relax and watch the pure natural beauty of Salalah and the Dhofar region.
If you are lucky you may even spot Humpback Dolphins!
Wadi Dawkah
Wadi Dawkah is a UNESCO Heritage Site and an important part of the Frankincense trail. Here you will find Boswellia sacra trees which have the best quality Frankincense resin.
The world famous Frankincense
The finest Frankincense in the world comes from Oman and it has been one of Oman’s most famous and highly prized natural products since antiquity.
Frankincense is actually a type of resin obtained from the Boswellia sacra tree which thrives in the semi-arid mountainous regions around Salalah.
Frankincense is collected by “tapping” small incisions into the bark, causing the tree to secrete a resin, which is then dried and hardened.
Trees start producing resin when they are around ten years old, after which they are tapped two or three times a year.
There are many varieties of frankincense, sorted by hand and graded according to colour, purity and aroma. The whiter and purer the colour, the better the grade!
The resin is then mixed with coals and burnt in a frankincense burner.
Learn more about Oman here.
Practical information
Currency
The Omani Rial is the currency used in Salalah and Oman in general. You can use credit cards in most places, but carrying some cash for souqs is a good idea. ATMs can be found in most tourist areas and malls.
Plugs and Adaptors
Salalah and Oman generally use a Type G plug. The standard voltage is 240V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you’re visiting from a country with a different plug and voltage, you’ll need an adaptor for your trip.
Dress code
In general you are advised to cover your shoulders and to wear knee length trousers or skirts.
As it is hot I would recommend loose light layers and light coloured clothing. It’s also a good idea to have a hat or something to cover your head under the intense sun.
If you plan to visit the Grand Mosque be aware that the rules are enforced quite strictly. Everyone must wear long trousers or skirts that cover the ankle. In addition women must wear long sleeves and cover their head with a scarf or similar.
Have I convinced you to book a winter sun holiday to Oman? Be sure to check out this itinerary for a Romantic Arabian Nights Adventure in Oman or alternatively Holiday to Oman for Insiders: Frankincense Trail and South Coast.
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