Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman figures in Lonely Planet’s 50 Best in Travel 2027 list, which according to the publication is compiled from the experience of its writers and editors who have visited these places.
“With spectacular desert landscapes, soaring mountains and a long coastline, Oman is a joy for adventurous travelers. But the most memorable part of a trip here is meeting the hospitable Omani people, who make a virtue of cherishing their visitors,” the Lonely Planet the travel book said.
It may be noted that the Sultanate of Oman has improved rankings in the World Economic Forums’ Travel and Tourism Index for 2026. It is ranked 62 above other key Middle East and North Africa markets – Egypt (63) Morocco (70), Tunisia (82), Kuwait (88) and Algeria (89).
Oman is famed for its endless miles of coastline, high mountain ranges, rugged canyons, lush oases and vast deserts. It’s also noted for the warm welcome given to visitors, it added.
Main features of Oman according to Lonely Planet:
Beyond Oman’s natural beauty, you’ll find strong traditions, rich heritage and cities that blend history and tradition with a modern outlook.
Explore the stalls at the Mutrah Souq, pause for cups of the sweet cardamom tea known as karak chai.”
Just a short drive and boat trip away from Muscat, Damaniyat is a chain of nine uninhabited islands just off the Gulf coast. Dotted with calm, shallow coves and pristine beaches, the islands host a stunning array of wildlife both above and below the water. Sea turtles, sharks, migratory birds and ancient coral reefs all thrive at Damaniyat, making this protected archipelago a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The small fishing village of Qurayyat is a must-stop on the way to the eastern coastal city of Sur to experience the fishing culture of the Omani coast. Year-round, fishers land a vast array of fish from the Gulf and the Arabian Sea, including grouper, snapper, yellowfin tuna and mackerel.
The busy fish market in the village center is the place to look over the catch of the day, and any fish you buy can be grilled at a nearby roadside cafe. An ambitious development project is ongoing in Qurayyat, aiming to
Nizwa is Oman’s ancient capital and its most vibrant cultural center, and the Friday cattle market by the walls of Nizwa Fort is a local institution. The market operates much as it did centuries ago, when buyers and sellers from surrounding villages congregated under a circular tent to trade cattle, goats, sheep, camels and the latest gossip.
By mid-morning, the cattle market gives way to the bustling Nizwa Souq where you can find treats like Omani halwa, a staple dessert made with saffron, cardamom, rose water and nuts. It’s also a good place to shop for a khanjar, the curved ceremonial dagger worn by many Omani men.
The mountain village of Misfat Al Abreyeen on the western slopes of the Hajar Mountains is so tiny that no cars are allowed to enter its narrow alleyways. Mudbrick homes huddle together on giant boulders, and irrigation canals known as aflaj crisscross the multi-leveled streets, watering lush terraces of dates, pomegranates, bananas and other crops. Unlike many other villages in Oman, Misfat Al Abreyeen is still inhabited, offering a fascinating glimpse of Oman’s traditional system of desert agriculture.
A fragrant combination of rice and spiced lamb or goat meat, shuwa is as quintessentially Omani as dates and halwa. Slow-cooked over a fire pit for as long as 2 days, this communal meal is prepared for holidays, festivals and other celebrations, and it’s a must-try if you’re in Oman at the right time.
