Holidays to Muscat

This charming capital city of Oman beautifully occupies the northern coastline. Muscat is a bustling port city that has been the centre-point for Arabian trade for centuries due to its fantastic position on the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the proximity to Straits of Hormuz. Blending traditional Arabic architecture with modern everyday comforts, Muscat is home to beautiful buildings, buzzing souks selling the finest silk and silverware, and cozy restaurants serving traditional Omani cuisine. Its coastline is home to the most prestigious hotels and resorts in Oman and the international airport welcomes daily flights from London. The relatively short seven hour flight has opened Muscat as a fascinating short break or family winter sun destination from the United Kingdom. The Old Muscat, Matrah and Ruwi form the city of Muscat which have been brought together over the years. The Old Muscat is home to the many historical mosques, palaces and forts, and is walled like many other historical cities. Matrah is a former fishing village and home to the buzzing Matrah Souk, whilst Ruwi is considered as the business and financial district of Muscat. The Corniche waterfront area is ideal for a refreshing afternoon cup of tea or sumptuous evening meal.

Built by Sultan Qaboos in the late 1990’s, the Grand Mosque is one of the most popular attractions in Muscat. Other interesting sites include the numerous forts, Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace and the Bait al-Baranda Museum showcasing the best of Muscat. The city is much loved by its friendly residents who happily welcome guests and share their fascinating stories.

The gigantic Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat, whilst the pristine coastline hosts a selection of elegant international hotels and resorts. The deserted sandy beach stretches over 200 km from Muscat to the border of the United Arab Emirates. It’s the diversity of Muscat that makes it special - its crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, the majestic mountains create a dramatic backdrop and a great setting for nature walks and hiking whilst the city’s beautiful architecture invite you to explore. All buildings are required to reflect Arabian traditions with a dome or another Arabic feature creating a harmonious city of elegant white, low-rise buildings and spotless streets.

The world’s largest natural harbour, Muscat Harbour, is located close to the Sultan’s Palace and surrounded by Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani forts which were built to protect the city and the harbour. Traditional wooden dhow-boats are anchored in the harbour taking guests on romantic sunset cruises along the Omani coastline. It is also highly recommended to visit one of Oman’s stunning wadis (valley) which boast plenty of natural attractions and beauty. One of the most well-known wadis is the Wadi Sireen Reserve which is located 45 min from Muscat in the eastern Hajar Mountains. The mountain cliffs and rocky slopes are ideal living environment for deer and the Arabian Tahr, which is considered as one of the rarest, most indigenous animals in the Arabian peninsula.