Oman, a destination so beautiful and diverse, is the oldest civilization in the Arabian Peninsula. It's an ancient country that boasts jagged mountains and fjords met by sapphire, glistening waters and stunning architecture that encapsulates a culture and traditions reaching as far back as the late Stone Age. Laying claim to over 600 miles of coastline, dramatic desert landscapes, verdant greenery and the awe-inspiring Hajar Mountains, Oman is (unsurprisingly) a Black Tomato favourite.
Awe Inspiring Oman
The Arabian Coastline(01 of04)
The expansive coral reefs that surround Musandam provide alluring bursts of colour that are home to over 900 species of fish, making this a world class spot for diving. There’s even the chance to come face to face with a Whale Shark, an experience that, as you can imagine, you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.For more wildlife delights, the regions of Musandam and Muscat are famous for visiting dolphin pods. Choose from an array of tours where it’s unusual for dolphins not to be frolicking amongst the waves beside the boat. From the rustic Wadi Bani Khalid you can watch green back turtles in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky you may even see thousands of young turtles hatching in the morning and making the all-important first dash for the water.Finally, head to Mughsayl Beach at high tide to catch the spectacular sight of water swelling into and jetting out of the beach’s famous ‘blow holes’. Even if you don’t make it for high tide, the beautiful expanse of white sands and azure waters make a trip to this beach at any time of day worth it.
Vibrant Souks(02 of04)
The souks of Oman inspire dreams of Arabian night’s tales and magic carpets and truly are a must see on any trip to this incredible country. Watch as merchants set up their eclectic array of wares; gold and silver jewellery, frankincense crystals, spices, ornaments, Arabic cloths…the list is endless. Souk Al Dhalam – ‘the market of darkness’ – is one of the oldest souk markets on the Arabian Peninsula, dating back to the sixteenth century. A somewhat intoxicating and hypnotising experience, you’ll never forget the smell of spices and smoking incense that mix and fill the dimly lit, enchanting alleyways.For a slightly different shopping experience, make your way over to Nizwa for the Friday goat market. It’s an energetic example of Omani traditions and watching as the locals barter fiercely over the noisy and slightly apprehensive livestock proves to be a lot of fun.
Desert Plains(03 of04)
Wadi Ghul is Oman's very own Grand Canyon, the sheer scale of which is breathtaking. When you get to the top and look down upon the uninterrupted landscape at such an astounding height, it’s clear just how vast and beautiful Oman really is. No trip to Oman would be complete without experiencing these dizzying heights and wonderful views.There’s also the Empty Quarter of Dhofar, one of the largest deserts in the world. The huge sand dunes are worth a climb, and when you get to the top, you’ll have incredible panoramic views over the desert expanse. If you get up early enough, watching the sun rise over these golden mounds is a breath-taking experience. There’s nowhere else like it for a sense of true isolation and inner peace.
Incredible Architecture(04 of04)
Religion has hugely influenced some of the most spectacular architecture that can be found in Oman. For example, the sheer scale and magnificence of Sultan Quaboos Grand Mosque in the Muscat region is enough to take your breath away. Home to one of the largest hand woven prayer carpets in the world and an incredibly beautiful (and huge) chandelier, it’s hard to leave the building not feeling humbled.As a city that has fought off invaders in pursuit of its wealth of natural resources for centuries, it’s unsurprising that Nizwa's landscape is dominated by the astounding Nizwa Fort. Constructed in 1668 AD, this incredible structure is a must see on any trip to Nizwa (well – it’s pretty hard to miss). Climb atop the fortresses for a panoramic view over the city and wander the beautifully restored rooms for a brief history lesson on this enchanting culture.Musandam's main town, Khasab, is a great spot for a slice of history and a look at some historic constructions. Khasab Castle, built in the 17th Century, is an architectural highlight if you’re interested in the background of this enthralling district. Now an informative museum overlooking the harbour, it’s the perfect place to go for an insight into the history and culture of Musandam .