Oman Holidays

From culturally enriching experiences to white-knuckle adventures, Oman is a country as colourful as its prayer rugs. This place is bursting with diverse activities, incredible wildlife and fascinating people. In a single day, you can explore cathedral-like caves, ancient forts, bustling souks and towering mosques. And, in the evening, you can collapse in your gloriously comfortable hotel room.

With a rapidly growing appetite for adventure activities, Oman has a multitude of exciting activities on offer, including dune-bashing and hot-air balloon rides. If you’re looking for something a little more sedate, why not explore one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Bahla Fort? Or go on a snorkelling tour and marvel at the marine life in the Gulf’s bath-warm waters.

Back on dry land, Wahiba Sands is another must-visit on your Oman holiday. In this desert space, you can get involved with a number of experiences, ranging from stargazing to camel riding.

Oman is a nature lover’s paradise, thanks to its diverse flora, intricate corals, fascinating geology and vast wadis. Its natural beauty spots include Wadi Shab. Less than a two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Muscat, this place holds all the ingredients for an adventurous day out – you can hike through caves and gorges, admire emerald pools, and gape at dramatic views across gorges. During the summer, the area can become unbearably hot, but if you visit between the cooler months of October to March, you’re in for a treat.

Slightly further out lies Jabal Al Akhdar – an impressive expanse of craggy cliffs and limestone rock formations. Here, more daring travellers can traverse Via Ferrata, an obstacle course-like structure that wraps around the mountainside. It offers an otherwise inaccessible view of the desert landscape, which will take your breath away.

Oman remains somewhat of an anomaly in the Middle East, having managed to keep a firm grip on its culture despite the pressures of modernity.
The souk – the traditional Arab marketplace – is perhaps one of the most public examples of where Omani culture prevails unblemished. The somewhat chaotic atmosphere makes for a fascinating insight into the lives of the local people, and getting lost in the tangle of alleyways is half the fun. You’ll stumble across stalls piled high with perfumes, spices and more.

Oman is also home to a host of museums, galleries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient water channels, forts, and the remains of a caravan oasis in the Land of Frankincense. Nizwa Fort is the sultanate’s most visited national monument and a remarkable window into the way of life for the Omani people of a bygone era. 

The best time to go on holiday to Oman is between October and March when the temperatures are comfortable enough for exploring. During the day, it’s usually between 26°C and 30°C – so you can enjoy the sunshine while still visiting all the major sights. There may be a scattering of showers, but this might be a refreshing relief after a day of trekking in the mountains. Exciting, family-friendly festivals abound during this period, too. If you want to join in with the festivities, check out the dates of the annual Muscat Festival – a month-long celebration of Omani culture.

From April onwards, temperatures begin to rise rapidly, and the summer months can soar above 40°C. In this heat, you may find it difficult to explore – but if you’re searching for smaller crowds and lower prices, it’s worth considering.

Visa: You’ll need to obtain an eVisas before travelling to Oman
Language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
Time difference: GMT +4 hours
Flight duration from London: 7 hours
Capital city: Muscat