According to data from the National Center for Statistics and Information, more than 3 million tourists visited Oman in 2019, with a significant number arriving during the Eid holiday season.
In the last two years, the number of tourists has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. But now that the country has been more open and the pandemic has been kept at bay, it is expected that incoming foreign travel will also spike. As seen in previous seasons, popular tourist destinations in Oman, such as Muscat, Salalah, and Nizwa, are likely to be crowded during the Eid holiday season.
If you’re headed for the wadis, the popular ones will most likely also be frequented by families and big groups, so prepare and go early to get a good spot.
Here’s a three-day itinerary that will allow you to experience some of the best of Oman.
Day 1:Explore the Capital
Start your day in Muscat, Oman’s capital city. While Muscat is a popular destination, there are still plenty of off-the-beaten-path places to explore. Begin with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture that can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Next, head to the Muttrah Souq, a traditional Arab market where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and other souvenirs.
After the market, take a walk along the Sea Road, a seaside promenade that offers beautiful views of the city and the Gulf of Oman. For lunch, head to Bait Al Luban, a restaurant that serves traditional Omani cuisine such as machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and shuwa (slow-cooked lamb).
In the afternoon, venture out of the city to visit the Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural wonder located about an hour’s drive from Muscat. This sinkhole, which is 20 metres deep and filled with clear turquoise water, is a popular swimming spot for locals but is still relatively unknown to tourists.
Day 2: Explore historic places
around Nizwa
On your second day in Oman, head to the city of Nizwa, located about two hours’ drive from Muscat. Nizwa is known for its historic fort, which dates back to the 17th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After exploring the fort, head to the Nizwa Souq, a bustling market that sells everything from dates and spices to silver jewellery and pottery. Don’t miss the chance to see the goat market, held every Friday morning, where locals come to buy and sell livestock.
For lunch, stop at Al Areesha Restaurant, which serves traditional Omani dishes such as shuwa and madhbi (grilled meat).
In the afternoon, head to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, a mountain range located about an hour’s drive from Nizwa. Al Jabal Al Akhdhar is known for its stunning scenery, including terraced farms and orchards that produce pomegranates, apricots, and peaches. Take a leisurely walk through the mountains before heading back to Muscat.
You might want to make a quick stop over at Birkat al Mouz and grab coffee from a coffee shop on top of a renovated ancient house with a good view of the whole traditional neighbourhood.
Day 3: Enjoy the beauty of Wadis
Start your day early and head to Wadi Shab, which is located about 2 hours from Muscat. Once you arrive, you can park your car and take a small boat to cross to the other side. Hike through the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of Wadi Shab, and take a dip in the clear, cool pools. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
After exploring Wadi Shab, you can also visit the nearby Wadi Mibam, which is located about 45 minutes away. This wadi is known for its crystal-clear pools, lush greenery, and beautiful gardens. Take a swim in the pools, relax on the beach, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the stunning natural surroundings.
Please be advised that each of these wadis requires hiking, and one wadi in a day would already be very exhausting for you. If you’re in an adventurous mood and hope to cover two amazing spots at once, then this is definitely doable.
Also consider other wadis. Since it’s definitely peak season for tourists and visitors, you can head out to Wadi Hawir, which is not frequented by visitors because of the challenging and longer hike, but the beauty of this place makes it worth it.
Alternative Option
Dhofar is always neglected as an alternative destination during Eid holidays, but the place is a giant playground for those who love nature, rugged terrain, beaches, and historic cities. When in Salalah, start your day by visiting the Al Baleed Archaeological Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich history of the region. Then head to the nearby Al Mughsail Beach, where you can relax on the white sand beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. In the evening, visit the Frankincense Land Museum, which showcases the history and importance of frankincense in Oman’s culture and economy. It is important to collect the timing hours for these different locations, as some of them may change their hours due to the holiday season.
While Oman is a popular destination for tourists during the Eid holiday season, there are still plenty of places to visit that are off the beaten path. By exploring some of the lesser-known destinations in the country, you can experience the beauty and culture of Oman without being overwhelmed by crowds of other tourists.
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