Things to see and do in Oman
Al-Ansab Wetland
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This wetland, the eagle capital of the world, is the place to go birdwatching with more than 280 different species on view. To see flamingos, spoonbills and flocks of wading birds head to Barr Al-Hickman, one of Oman's 16 national nature reserves
Barka
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Don't miss the lively fish market here. Watch locals standing around the auction floor bid for fish of all colours, shapes and sizes, while fishermen young and old land the night's catches on the huge beach outside, running up the sand with filled crates and fish threaded on lines.
Bimmah Sinkhole
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This enormous sinkhole is mesmerising, its wonderful geological shape and still green-blue waters (a result of salt and fresh water mixing together) creating a picture of beauty. It's worth the long climb down (and back up again) to dip your toes in the water and to get a closer view of the 40m-wide (130ft) basin.
Empty Quarter
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The largest desert in the Arabian Peninsula, north of Salalah, is the place to enjoy an exhilarating 4-wheel drive off-road experience, exploring territory that had not been crossed until just 80 years ago.
Grand Mosque, Muscat
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Be wowed by gold, crystals, Italian white marble, a 10-tonne crystal chandelier lit by 1,122 bulbs and a 21-tonne carpet woven in one piece by 600 Iranian women. The women's room is much smaller than the men's. It took six years to build the mosque, whose huge gold dome and tall minarets dominate the skyline.
Ras Al Jinz
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Ras Al Jinz, near Sur, is the only place to spot protected turtles. More than 50,000 females make their way slowly up the beach every night to lay their eggs, before slipping back to the sea before dawn. July to October is the peak time for turtle watching.
Rustaq Fort
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The sheer beauty of this mighty fort comes into view as you approach. It has been beautifully restored and is a maze of corridors, stairways, prettily-carved archways and fascinating rooms including the sultan's guest room, winter room, prison and women's and girls' rooms adorned with pretty bracelets, teapots and delightfully painted ceramics.
Wadi Sahtan
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Explore the beautiful ravine of Wadi Sahtan in the Rustaq region on a 4-wheel drive guided jeep tour. Pass by small ancient villages, beautiful, still green pools, 14 million date palms, and craggy cliffs, stopping off for a picnic lunch beneath the towering peaks. Best of all, enjoy the thrill of splashing at speed through small rivers along the way.
Al Mughsayl blowholes
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These blowholes provide an amazing natural water display. During the monsoon, when sea levels rise and currents become more active, water surges though rock cavities, resulting in a superb display of gushing water.
Al-Hoota Cave
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You will encounter some of the country's limestone wonders at this cave, reached by Oman's only train It extends for 5km (3 miles) underground and the cave lake contains several species of blind fish.
Bahla Fort
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This is one of the most impressive fortified settlements of its kind in the world and one of Oman's many World Heritage sites. Like several of its listed sites, it is not yet open to visitors. Before you leave, buy a souvenir pot from local Bahla potters but don't rub it - Bahla is famous for genies!
Beach picnic
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Spend a day the Omani way with a picnic and the company of friends on the beautiful beaches of Yitti, Seifa or Quiryat or in the lush oleander-flowering wadis of Dayqah, Shab and Tiwi.
Forts and castles
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Scale the battlements of one of Oman's many forts and castles in the old capital cities of Nakhal or Rustaq, and examine why honey wasn't always sweet for unwanted guests at the imposing Al-Hazm, Nizwa or Jibreen Forts.
Muscat
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To get a true feel for Oman's whitewashed capital, follow the Muttrah Corniche from the lively fish market, past the balconied buildings of the Muttrah Souk and old Muscat to the Sultan's Palace, which shelters beneath the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani.
Nizwa
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Renowned for its early-morning livestock market, winding alleyways and silver handicrafts, Nizwa was the country's capital during the sixth and seventh centuries. Buy copper and handicrafts from artisans at the souk.
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