After traveling mostly in Asia, I was itching to explore somewhere new—somewhere off the typical backpacker trail. Oman, a destination that isn’t quite mainstream yet but has been whispered about in all the right travel circles.
While planning my trip, I imagined untouched landscapes, from lush oases to dramatic mountain cliffs plunging into crystal-clear water. Add to that warm hospitality, and I was sold. My only concern? Had mass tourism already beaten me to it?
Spoiler: it hadn’t. Oman delivered exactly what I had hoped for—breathtaking nature (still mostly unspoiled), rich culture, and incredibly welcoming locals. Oh, and amazing food. Never forget the food!
Why visit Oman?
- A Destination for Everyone – Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or even a retiree, Oman has something for you. It’s also a very female-friendly destination, making it a great choice for solo female travelers.
- Nature, Wildlife & Culture – Oman is all about breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic mountains to endless dunes and turquoise wadis. You’ll also meet friendly goats, spot camels roaming freely, and experience a touch of history through beautifully restored forts and souqs.
- Easy & Flexible Travel – I really liked how easy it was to travel around the country. The best way to explore is by renting a car (we chose a 4WD for extra freedom, but it’s not mandatory). Roads are well-maintained, and renting a car allows for a flexible, self-guided adventure. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, hiring a local driver is also an option.
- Food Worth Mentioning – Middle Eastern and Indian flavors come together here—think hummus, shawarma, butter chicken, and biryani. Whether you’re dining at a local restaurant or picking up affordable meals on the go, you’ll eat well without breaking the bank.
My 5 Best Places to Explore
Turtle Beach
A pristine and well-maintained beach, perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Whether you’re taking a dip in the crystal-clear water or strolling along the rock formations towards the fishing area, it’s a spot worth visiting. If you’re lucky, you might see turtles! We only found cracked eggs—our little friends had already made their way to the ocean. As a bonus, local families shared some of theirs homemade snacks with us, making the experience even more special. The beach is easily accessible by car, with an entry fee of 2 OMR/pax (~5€), and closes at 5 PM. You need to stop at the ticket booth first before driving in.
Tip: You can also pay for a guided turtle viewing tour, but it’s best in the evening or early morning between July and August.
Jebel Shams (Balcony Trail)
Possibly the most famous hike in Oman (especially among foreigners), Jebel Shams is often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’—and for good reason. The views are simply spectacular.
I had read countless warnings about the road being steep and treacherous, so I braced myself for a nerve-wracking drive. Turns out, it was totally fine—smooth and scenic. We reached the starting point (about 1h20 from Al Hamra) with no issues, though parking might be tricky on busy days.
The trail itself is well-marked and fairly easy, following the canyon’s edge with breathtaking views. We weren’t alone, but the crowd was never overwhelming. Expect a mostly flat path with a few loose rocks—nothing major (we even saw families with toddlers!). The abandoned village ruins are a natural stopping point, but if you continue another 15 minutes, you’ll reach a hidden water hole— worth the extra effort. The last stretch has some boulders and slippery spots, but take your time, and you’ll be fine. Total hike time: ~3 hours at a chill pace.
Wadi Al Shab
A classic Omani wadi experience with stunning turquoise pools and easy access from Muscat or Sur.
Our adventure started with a short boat ride (1 OMR per person ~2.5€) to cross the river. From there, a scenic 45-minutes walk leads us through a canyon filled with emerald-green waters. Some sections are slippery, so wear decent shoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue beyond the main pool, but we ran out of time. Yes, it’s touristy, but finding a quiet spot isn’t impossible. Bring a swimsuit—you will want to take a dip.
Food tip: We stopped for lunch in a nearby village and had the best butter chicken ever. Highly recommend to give it a try >> Anwaar Tiwi Restaurant !
You can also visit with a guided tour from Muscat.
Nizwa
A must-visit for culture lovers. Nizwa’s beautifully restored fort and souq make for a great stop.
The fort is more impressive than expected, with its massive round tower offering 360-degree views. Sunset is the best time to visit—the sunlight makes the walls turn gold. After the fort, wander through the souq’s charming alleys, lined with spice shops and traditional handicrafts. We spent the evening chatting with vendors and sampling local treats—definitely a highlight. The peaceful atmosphere was a plus.
Ticket= 4 OMR/pax (~10€)
Wahiba Sands
Oman’s iconic desert landscape, complete with golden dunes, Bedouin culture, and endless adventure opportunities.
Stay overnight in a desert camp for an unforgettable sunset and sunrise experience. If you have a 4WD, you can try dune bashing—but be prepared for very persistent local guides trying to sell their services. Unfortunately, they followed us a bit too aggressively, making it a slightly unpleasant experience. If you book a camp in advance, you’ll likely avoid this hassle.
Guided tour here !
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: October to April for cooler weather. Summers are brutally hot. We visited between Christmas and New year, weather was perfect with very few tourists.
- Accommodation: Options are somewhat limited but cater to all budgets. We had comfortable stay for 20 OMR/night ~50€. We booked some stays in advance and others spontaneously, depending on our route.
- Cultural norms: Modest clothing is recommended. We wore long pants and sleeves to respect local customs, plus a scarf and long-sleeve top for mosques. Swimwear seemed fine at touristic places, but we decided to wear short and t-shirt in water to avoid any questions.
- Food: Expect a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine—hummus, shawarma, biryani, butter chicken, and more. Budget-friendly tip: supermarkets (like Lulu) offer excellent pre-made meals at a fraction of restaurant prices. 2 to 4 OMR per meal for two people (~ 5 to 12€).
- Currency: OMR. Most places accept credit cards, and ATMs are available in most towns.
- Driving: A standard driving license (e.g., French) works fine. Double check with your rental car provider. We booked a 4WD for 28 OMR/day +tax (~70€). Dedicated post for driving tips coming soon!
- You can rent your car/4WD here: Car rental service
- Also don’t forget to get some internet connection to use google maps, I always use Airalo (you can use my code ELISE5428 to get 3$ gift).
- What to pack: Light clothing (long pant and t-shirt) and a warm jacket!. We were caught off guard by 7°C temperatures in Jebel Shams in December.
Reality Check
I had an amazing trip, but let’s keep it real—there were a few hiccups.
- Scam #1: Airport taxi in Muscat. We paid 8 OMR for a 6-minute ride at 3 AM. Too jet-lagged to argue, we took the overpriced ‘fancy’ taxi. Don’t make our mistake—insist on a local metered cab!
- Scam #2: Gas station scam. Our first fill-up cost 19 OMR instead of 9 OMR. The pump screen looked off, but the attendant convinced us otherwise. Lesson learned: always double-check!
- Pushy desert guides: At Wahiba Sands, local guides aggressively tried to sell us tours. It was a bit too much, so we cut our desert visit short. Booking a camp in advance might help avoid this.
That said, the warmth and kindness of the Omani people far outweighed these minor issues. I was genuinely surprised by how calm and soft-spoken locals were—such a refreshing contrast to my past Middle Eastern experiences. Overall, Oman was a fantastic, laid-back adventure that I’d do again in a heartbeat.
Planning a trip to Oman ? Check my top 12 must see places in details. Let me know your questions or share your experience below.
Looking for your next destination, check my top 2025 destinations blog post.
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