The hook
A refreshingly low-rise, white-washed capital on the Gulf of Oman, gateway to jagged mountains hiding deep canyons, palm-shaded villages, and old forts, in one of Arabia's most welcoming and traditional countries.
01Why it's worth it
Oman has kept its character where its Gulf neighbours reached for skyscrapers: Muscat is a graceful, human-scaled capital of white low-rise buildings between the sea and bare mountains, with a magnificent Grand Mosque, a lively souq at Mutrah, and old watchtowers on the ridges. Inland rise the Hajar Mountains, a rugged range of deep gorges and terraced villages: Jebel Shams, the country's highest peak, overlooks a canyon often called Oman's Grand Canyon; Jebel Akhdar's cool heights grow roses and pomegranates; and hidden wadis like Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid hold turquoise pools you can swim in between the rocks. The old inland capital of Nizwa has a great round fort and a Friday livestock market. Omanis are famously hospitable, the country is safe and easy to drive, and the mix of coast, mountains, and desert in one manageable region makes it one of Arabia's finest destinations.
02How to experience it
Give Muscat a day for the Grand Mosque and Mutrah souq, then rent a car and head inland: Nizwa's fort and market, the mountain heights of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar, and a swim in a wadi like Wadi Shab. Come in the cooler months, and accept the Omani hospitality you'll meet along the way.