Oman Attractions

Batinah Coast

Oman's northern coast easily deserves a good two or three days. Most of the towns feature stunning forts, each different enough to warrant seeing. Some 175km (108mi) west of Muscat, Rustaq is best known for its imposing fort, though for a time in the Middle Ages it was Oman's capital.

Barka, just west of Muscat, has a fort and a restored house showing how wealthier Omanis lived many years ago. Inland, the town of Nakhal, with its dramatic fort, leads to the lush spring known as A'Thorwarah, which emerges into a wadi here to form a stream and small oasis - perfect for a picnic.

Muscat

Oman's capital enchants visitors in a way that no other city in the Gulf can even begin to match. Maybe it's because Muscat doesn't have that slightly artificial feel which typifies so much of the rest of the region. Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi are the capital's core districts.

Muscat, the old port area, is the site of the sultan's main palace and a fascinating place to wander around, but has few shops and sights except for the old city walls. Mutrah, just northwest of Muscat, is the main trading and residential port area. Ruwi is the capital's modern commercial district.