Here's Why You Need To Visit Oman Right Now

Blessed with one of the region’s most advantageous locations, the Sultanate of Oman’s extensive territory stretches over much of the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula – its variety, which includes verdant mountains and desert, is almost unmatched. From the Straights of Hormuz in the north to evergreen Dhofar in the south, Oman has no shortage of adventure, history, and diverse landscapes. Here’s why you should visit.

Oman is known for its spectacular wadis, or valleys

Its diverse scenery is next to none

Home to mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and over 2,000 km (1,243 miles) of coastline, the Sultanate offers spectacular natural environments, each packed with their own unique ecosystems and brimming with life. While the deserts of the Sharqiyah region are home to camels, you can catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales off the coast of Muscat and even witness the seasonal nesting of green turtles on the beaches of Ras Al Jinz. Further south, in the Governorate of Dhofar, waterfalls and ancient streams are waiting to be explored.

Oman is home to some of the Gulf’s most historic cities

Nizwa, in Northern Oman, is one of the oldest cities in the Sultanate

There are UNESCO-listed archaeological sites

Alongside historic cities, dozens of breathtaking archaeological sites dot the country. Their origins showcase Oman’s wide range of influences and layers of history, with some dating as far back as the pre-Islamic Sassanid era. No less than three of these archaeological sites have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

You can discover Oman’s fascinating cultural roots

Oman has maintained strong roots to its traditional arts and crafts: a long list of customs – ranging from musical styles and dances that vary from region to region – continue to be strongly practised today. Oman’s diversity extends to its people: while bullfighting has been practiced for centuries along the Batinah coast, the people of Sur further south possess a strong musical heritage that pays homage to their maritime past. It’s this sort of variety that gives each part of the Sultanate its own unique flavour.

The monsoon season in the desert is stunning

Oman’s southernmost Governorate of Dhofar undergoes a stunning transformation during its monsoon – or khareef – season, which begins every summer and ends in October. When the rest of the country is experiencing temperatures as high as 49ºC (125ºF), Dhofar’s capital Salalah never rises above 27ºC (81ºF). The majority of the governorate experiences light rains, cool air and lush green vegetation, which alongside its own ecosystem and culture, make it one of the most unique places you will ever visit in the Middle East.

Wadi Darbat, Oman comes alive during the khareef (monsoon) season

It has a down-to-earth feel

The noticeable absence of skyscrapers and hyper-industrialisation helps distinguish Oman from the mega cities found in its neighbouring countries. This, coupled with the strong traditions of hospitality common in the region, makes the Sultanate a highly tranquil place to visit. Whether travellers come alone or bring their families along, Oman’s serene and down-to-earth vibe will appeal to all.

It’s surprisingly uncrowded

While tourism certainly is growing, Oman has yet to draw the same number of visitors common in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. That means that, with the exception of a few places, you won’t have to battle crowds of people when visiting forts, museums, or most of its natural wonders. It’s a welcome break from the breakneck urban chaos many of us enjoy but need to get away from every now and then.

That sense of freedom to travel without being suffocated by crowds can help make you the architect of your own secluded adventure. However, be aware though that as tourism grows and more of Oman‘s economic projects near completion, that precarious lack of crowding may well change in the near future.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.