Discover the Enchanting Weekend Escapes Near Muscat
As the sun rises over Muscat, the capital city of Oman, the sky is tinted with a golden colour. Oblivious to its beauty, Muscat straddles both the deep blue waters and the rugged mountains. The city is filled with palaces, mosques, and museums. Within the old walled city, the golden light softly touches the white fronts of the houses that are spread out. Beautiful nature surrounds the city, and every street and alley has a story to tell.
Despite this, the diversity of Oman's tourist attractions and the area surrounding Muscat never ceases to amaze me. You can journey further out from Muscat by doing a Salamair booking where each day brings a new experience. Here, mythology and history collide because of the enigmatic forts, wadis and aflaj. There are sandy deserts, blue seas, and green and dark mountains. Each weekend trip from Muscat reveals a new facet of Oman—its history, romance, and adventure—through visits to souks and ancient forts, picnics in wadis, and dune bashing.
Nature Reserve - Al Dimaniyat Islands
Nestled in turquoise seas, the islands at Ad Dimaniyat are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering seclusion and an abundance of species. These islands, which are about 70 km (43 mi) west of Muscat, are a favourite nesting spot for ospreys, tropical birds, and two kinds of turtles. As many as 15 different kinds of wildflowers may be found on some islands, and coral reefs around the majority of them.
The Sleepy City - Barka
Barka, a relatively quiet city on the Batinah Coast, is just 62 kilometres (38 miles) away from Muscat and has more than enough to keep weekend tourists occupied. The world-renowned Barka Fort should be your first stop because of the fascinating historical lessons it provides via its displays. On top of that, its 4 towers provide breathtaking views of the seashore and the date palms in the area. Seafood caught that day is traded in the souk, which is located next to the fort, by the locals. There is no better way to experience the character of Oman's smaller towns than to peruse its souks, and Barka's are among the liveliest and most entertaining.
The Historical Town - Quriyat
Quriyat, a little-known jewel beyond Muscat's rugged Wadi Adai roads, offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty and ancient charm of this coastal settlement. Visit Quriyat if you want to taste Omani mangoes, embark on an Arabian Sea cruise, or see the Sultanate's most beautiful fortifications. Additionally, many of the Sultanate's most picturesque natural areas, such as Wadi Shab and Hawiyat Najma are conveniently located nearby. The neighbouring Wadi Dayqah Dam, Oman's largest, is a human-made wonder.
The Town of Hospitality & Culture - Ibra
The historic qualities of Oman—thaqafah (culture) and karamah (hospitality)—are embodied by the name Ibra, which is known to all Omani citizens. Poets, Bedouins, and tourists all regard this little hamlet in high esteem for one simple reason: the locals here fiercely guard the customs that have been handed down through generations.
A new national highway, mountain villages, and the Sharqiyah region's deserts are all within easy reach of Ibra, making it an ideal starting point for excursions into one of the most culturally varied and wealthy regions of Oman.
The Ancient City - Sohar
Because of its storied past, thriving port, and purported link to Sinbad the Sailor, the historic Omani city of Sohar continues to take centre stage among all of Oman's coastal attractions. Before Muscat became the capital, Sohar had a stellar reputation as a major Islamic trading post in the Middle Ages, drawing products from all over the Islamic world, including Basra and China. That would draw a lot of unwanted attention, as invaders would surely target the city because of its wealth and its strong position in regional commerce. As a result of the many influences from the Seljuks, Persians, Hormuz Kids, and Portuguese, Sohar is an excellent site from which to see the historical and cultural variety of the Sultanate
The Dolphin Town - Musandam
Everyone should visit Musandam, with its craggy coasts, beaches, and fjords, one of our favourite spots. Khasab, the regional capital, is a great weekend retreat from Muscat for adventure and culture. A huge wooden dhow boat may take you around fjords or islands to find dolphins.
Cruise at sunset to observe the rocks change colour as the light kisses them. Trek the slopes or wander the wadis, Musandam is essential to visiting Oman.
