Oman Holidays

Best hotels in Oman

Spilling over with Arabian atmosphere, Oman holidays offer a mindblowing combination of luxury and tradition. It’s not all souks, mosques and fancy beach resorts in this part of the Middle East, though – holidays to Oman are a magnet for adventurous souls. Explore mountains and canyons, oasis and desert; camp under the stars; zoom down sand dunes; cruise across the waves; and watch dolphins and whales on the Arabian Sea. And if you’ve never tried a camel kebab, now’s your chance!

Top things to do in Oman

• Camp in the desert: Unmissable! Dune bashing, dune biking, camel rides, sunsets over the red desertscape… Get your glamp on at Desert Nights Camp, a luxury Bedouin-style resort in Wahiba Sands, around 2 hours from Muscat.

• See the sights of Muscat: Discover 16th-century forts, lose yourself in a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House, delve into Omani heritage at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and haggle for souvenirs at the 200-year-old Mutrah Souk. Make sure to give yourself some chill time on idyllic Qurum Beach, too, close to the city centre.

• Explore Nizwa Fort: One of Oman’s most visited attractions, there’s tons to see at Nizwa Fort. You’ll want plenty of time to wander around the many rooms and outstanding museum. Stay in history-filled Nizwa or make a day trip from Muscat.

• Escape to the Al Hajar mountains: If you’re into breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures, get the Al Hajar mountains on your Oman holiday radar. Base yourself at Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel for away-from-it-all luxury – it’s only accessible by 4x4!

• Visit Wadi Ghul and Al Hoota Cave: Jaw-dropping views are the order of the day at Wadi Ghul, ‘The Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Set off on a glorious hike, soak up the vista from Jebel Shams mountainside, and step into the cool of the dramatic Al Hoota Cave with its countless stalactites and stalagmites.

• Whale and dolphin watching: With around 20 species visiting Oman’s coastal waters (including blue whales!), the chances of spotting some of these incredible animals are high.

• Unwind at Wadi Darbat: Picturesque at any time of year but most spectacular in the Khareef (monsoon) season of June to September, when the waterfalls are in full flow. Go ziplining, spot camels, and paddle kayaks, all just 45 minutes from Salalah. A real highlight of holidays to Oman.

Where are the best areas to stay in Oman?

• Muscat: Jaw-droppingly beautiful and super old, the Omani capital is one of those unicorn cities where you can combine extraordinary sightseeing with exquisite toes-in-the-sand time. Stay in the heart of the action at W Hotel Muscat. Or escape to The Chedi Muscat for beachy R&R at one of the very best hotels in Oman.

• Salalah: Jumping-off point for dolphin spotting trips, wreck-dives and the Wadi Darbat waterfalls, Salalah’s a gem of a destination. A hit with families, thanks to its white sand beaches and welcoming Oman hotels, including the seafront Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

• Nizwa: Thirsty for some of that enticing Arabian allure? It has to be the oasis city of Nizwa! Check into the palatial IntercityHotel Nizwa and you’ll be close to top attractions, such as Nizwa Gate and the Sultan Qabus Mosque.

• Dibba Al-Baya: The perfect spot for adventurers and seclusion seekers, Dibba Al-Baya in the Musandam region is a nature lover’s dream. Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the skyscraping Hajar Mountains, it’s home to Six Senses Zighy Bay – your luxury base on the beach.

17°C - 45°C

Oman is a hot and sunny destination with highs of over 40°C in summer and 27°C in winter.
Oman weather forecast >>

7 hours approx for direct flightsMuscat International (MCT) is Oman’s main airport. You might also fly into Salalah Airport (SLL), Dubai International (DXB) or Sharjah International (SHJ).

Map of Oman

Oman is best for...

Culture: Traditional style reigns in Oman! A far cry from the hyper-modern gleam of its big-name neighbours over in the UAE, Oman stands out as an authentic Arabian destination. You’re going to love it!

Thrills: Paraglide onto the sands of Zighy Beach, give sandboarding a whirl, go offroading in the unspoilt landscape, or find the perfect hiking trail for your experience level. Plus, Oman is an up-and-coming hotspot for kitesurfing!

Luxury stays: From swish beach resorts and slick city hotels to Bedouin glamping with all mod cons, Oman offers a stunning line in luxury accommodation.

Getting around Oman

Taxi: The most popular way to get around the bigger towns. They’re not usually on a meter so agree a price first, or use the metered Mwasalat app.

Car hire: Whether you want to drive yourself or hire a driver-guide, you’re probably going to need to rent a car during your Oman holiday. Main routes are easy to follow and well-maintained so you’ll be fine!

Bus: Buses aren’t as commonly used as taxis and cars, but there is a bus network in Oman if you prefer to save the pennies. Most are urban routes but there are some options between towns too.

Muscat bus tours: City bus tours are a handy way to explore Muscat, making it easy to get to all the main sights.

4x4: Off-road adventures are huge in Oman! Either book a trip with a driver or, if you’re an experienced off-roader, hire a four-wheel-drive and get yourself out there.

Fast facts for Oman

Language: Arabic is the official language in Oman, and has a range of different dialects. English is widely known too.

Currency: Omani Rial (OMR).

Local time in Oman: GMT +4 (BST +3). Oman is on Gulf Standard Time with no clock change for daylight savings.

Fly to: Muscat International (MCT) is Oman’s main airport. Dubai International (DXB) or Sharjah (SHJ) are the best airports for Dibba holidays. Salalah Airport (SLL) is the best airport for Salalah holidays.

Flight time: Direct flights from the UK to Oman take around 7 and a quarter hours. Flights with a stop en route usually take approx 9 to 11 hours.

Hotel rooms: In Oman, it’s illegal for unmarried couples to share a room.

Tourist information: Get ready for your Oman holiday with more hints and tips from Experience Oman, the Omani tourist board.

Visas, passports and travel advice: You might need a visa for Oman holidays. For the latest entry requirements, safety and important travel tips, check the FCDO advice on travelling to Oman.

Events in Oman

Muscat Festival: Ready to soak up all the culture? Get to Muscat in mid-January to mid-February for this month-long spectacular. Expect everything from theatre shows and sports showcases to kids’ events and mouthwatering food stalls. And if you love a good firework display, you’re in for a treat!

Tour of Oman: February brings bikes to the Sultanate. Lots of bikes. The five-day Tour of Oman challenges the world’s top cyclists against a backdrop of classic Arabian architecture and irresistible scenery.

Salalah Khareef Festival: Salalah spends three months celebrating the monsoon season with traditional performing arts, parades and moreish platefuls of food. Held from late June to late September.

Ramadan: Check the dates for Ramadan before you book. Non-Muslims must still follow the restrictions on things like eating and drinking in public during daylight hours, so you might prefer to avoid the Ramadan period for your holiday. On the other hand, it’s very peaceful!

Oman safety and security

There are some big cultural and legal differences between Europe and the Middle East, so make sure you read the FCDO Oman safety and security advice to help avoid any sticky situations.

Oman weather

Temperatures in Oman: Averages range from 27°C in January to 45°C in June and July.

• A great shout for winter holidays, November to March are the best months to visit Oman for sightseeing. Expect temperatures to average 27°C - 34°C (March).

• Temperates hit the high 30s by May, and come June, July and August it’s too hot to enjoy most of Oman’s outdoor attractions. Though you should still be able to have fun in Salalah...

• … because that’s the start of the Khareef, Salalah’s monsoon season (June-November) – which turns the area’s scenery green and lush, feeds the famous waterfalls and helps keep the air cooler. It’s a hugely popular time to visit, despite the rain!

• If you want to make the most of the Sultanate’s world-class golf courses, you can’t beat September to May for Oman holidays.

More hotels in Oman

Places similar to Oman to visit

DubaiDubai Holidays: Discover the Ultimate All Inclusive Escape Experience Dubai holidays where futuristic wonders meet rich Middle Eastern heritage - all wrapped up in pure holiday ease. Whether you're seeking fully inclusive holidays to Dubai or scouting for Dubai All Inclusive resorts, this dazzling city is packed with activities for everyone.

Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi holidays combine old meets new with flashy skyscrapers and timeless fortresses. It’s the second biggest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai, so expect plenty of world-first experiences. From the roar of an F1 car at Yas Marina Circuit to the 82 white domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest across the globe.

QatarHolidays to Qatar are exotic, glamorous and rich in cultural attractions. From winding souqs to sweeping sand dunes, all set against the backdrop of Doha’s glittering skyline. And the weather is magnificent all year round. Perfect if you’re chasing some winter sunshine.

Oman FAQs

Where is Oman?

The Sultanate of Oman is stretched out alongside the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman – and yes, that means there’s lots of coast to enjoy! Some of the most popular Oman beaches are in the area around Salalah, in the south and Dibba Al-Baya in the northern Musandam Governorate of Oman (which is separated from the Sultanate by parts of the UAE).

Is Oman an expensive holiday destination?

Oman does have a rep for being tough on the budget. Quality accommodation and hotel restaurants can be more expensive on Oman holidays than in many other destinations, but here are a few pointers to help you keep your bank balance happy:

• Some of the sightseeing’s a complete bargain with low (or no) admission charges to lots of attractions, such as the forts.

• Check out the local cafes and stalls to slash your dining costs. Try machboos (a one-pot dish of rice and spicy meat, similar to biryani), stuffed mushaltat flatbreads, and mishkak – a popular street food snack of meat grilled on sticks. For days out, pick up picnic supplies in the souks.

• Plan ahead – you’ll need to think about car hire and guided tours as an essential if you want to explore, as public transport isn’t always an option. You can manage your budget more easily if you book day trips and excursions before you go.

• Alcohol is pricey so go easy on the booze! Drinking culture isn’t a thing in Oman anyway, as it’s a traditional Muslim country.

• Go shopping in the souks for authentic Arabian souvenirs – and barter hard.

Is Oman good for a holiday?

Oman’s a great place for luxury holidays with a difference – somewhere exotic that feels a little off the beaten path. Look forward to beach resorts, city sights, nature spots and exciting activities.

Just be prepared for some of the infrastructure to be less developed than you’re used to. So while your hotel will have you feeling totally VIP, don’t expect everything else to be top of the range. It’s a good idea to take loo roll with you when you’re out and about, for example. And be warned, not all public toilets are Western style.

Is Oman good for LGBTQ+ holidays?

Oman is not a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travellers but we do offer all sorts of fantastic destinations that are much more enlightened. Get started on our gay-friendly holidays page, and get in touch with our travel buddies if you’d like any help finding your perfect getaway.