Vacation in Oman
Spectacular mountain ranges, winding souks, breathtaking desert landscapes, beautiful coastlines and incredibly friendly people – that’s Oman! A country that has so far remained untouched by mass tourism and is still almost an insider tip.
A vacation in Oman offers a unique combination of cultural, historical and natural attractions that make a vacation in Oman unforgettable. The country is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East and the hospitality is particularly warm.
Oman is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from spectacular mountain ranges to vast deserts and picturesque coastlines. The Wahiba Sands desert and the Hajar Mountains are just some of the impressive natural wonders that simply have to be seen. For the adventurous, the country offers a variety of activities such as desert safaris, hiking, climbing, diving and kayaking.
Oman has a long history and the Omanis are proud of their rich cultural tradition. Old forts, mosques, souks (markets) and many a small museum provide an insight into the past and the traditional way of life.
In addition to adventure and culture, Oman also offers luxurious resorts and spas that are perfect places to relax and unwind. The beautiful beaches along the Omani coastline also offer ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Omani cuisine is a delicious blend of Arabic, Indian, Persian and East African influences, known for its rich flavors and spices. The national dish is Omani Shuwa, a tender lamb or goat meat that is slow-cooked in an underground sand oven. Majboos, a spicy rice stew with meat or fish, and mashuai, grilled kingfish with lemon rice, are also popular. Omani cuisine is characterized by the use of spices such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves; the dishes are often very well spiced for the European palate, almost a little hot.
Dates are an essential part of Omani cuisine and are often served as a snack or dessert. They are also a popular ingredient in desserts and are often served with coffee. Halwa is a traditional Omani sweet made from sugar, rose water, nuts and saffron.
Sights and excursion destinations in Oman
Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Al-Hamra … these are just some of the places we saw during a two-day tour in Oman. Places that showed us a country that simply has to be discovered.
There's something magical about the desert for me, something unknown, something I want to experience. During our trip to Oman, the time had come: we went to the Wahiba Sands.
Not all wadis are the same. I learned this in Oman when we visited the rather remote Wadi Al Arbeieen.
This is exactly the question I asked myself when I heard that we were going to visit a dhow factory in Oman.
A hole opens up in the ground in front of us and we look down deep into the turquoise blue water. We are standing at one of the most interesting natural phenomena in Oman, the Bimmah Sinkhole.
Muscat is certainly the most famous city in Oman and offers its visitors a number of interesting places to visit. It is important to note that the sights in Muscat are spread throughout the city.
The huge building shimmers white in the sun and the dome glistens. One of the most impressive buildings in Oman is located in Muscat and we didn't want to miss out on visiting the Sultan Qabus Grand Mosque.
We head into the mountains… the off-road vehicle winds its way up steep roads and the landscape around us becomes increasingly barren. A half-day excursion lures us into one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman, the Wadi Bani Khalid.
Book an excursion
Hotel recommendations
The coast of Oman offers some beautiful stretches of beach, ideal for a beach vacation. The Barceló Mussanah Resort hotel is located on one of these wonderful stretches of beach and even has a private beach area.
The road is steep and slowly winds its way higher and higher into the Jebel Akhdar mountains. Our destination for the day is the Jebel Shams Resort, where we will spend the night.
The Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra is strategically located in the center of Muscat. For those arriving from the airport or by car, this is the ideal place to explore the city.
We drive for about 40 minutes through the Al Sharqiya Sands desert until the Arabian Nights Resort & Spa becomes visible on the horizon between meter-high sand dunes. A green spot between golden sand with small houses, a hotel like we have never seen before.
The InterContinental Muscat is nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman. This outstanding hotel invites travelers to immerse themselves in a world where traditional Omani hospitality meets the unsurpassed standards of an internationally renowned hotel.
Travel information for Oman
Travel to Oman
By plane
Muscat International Airport is regularly served by many airlines. Major international airlines fly daily from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
From Frankfurt, for example, Lufthansa offers flights with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, from Zurich Swiss flies via Dubai to Muscat and from Berlin you can fly with Qatar Air via Doha to Muscat. Oman Air offers non-stop connections from Frankfurt.
By train
There are currently no rail routes in Oman.
By bus
There are buses from the United Arab Emirates to Muscat. The bus station is located in Ruwi, opposite KFC.
It is also possible to travel from there to Salalah in around 12 hours.
By car
The car is the means of transportation in the country. There are highways between the northern border at Sohar via Muscat to Sur and from the border at Al Ain coming from the Emirates via Nizwa to the Capital Area.
By boat
Cruise ships dock in Muscat and Salalah.
Entry requirements for Oman
Entry into Oman is relatively easy for citizens of EU, EFTA and European dwarf states. A valid passport of at least 6 months is required, but it is important to note a few points:
1. entry for a stay of less than 14 days
If you are staying in Oman for less than 14 days, you do not need a visa. However, proof of the return flight and the booked hotel must be provided. We had to present this proof when we checked in at the airport.
2. entry for a stay of more than 14 days
A visa must be applied for electronically in advance. The processing time is about 7 days and it costs 20 OMR (about 47,-€).
3. entry from a cruise ship
The boarding pass and a shore leave card are required.
If you are traveling from another country, please contact the Omani Embassy in your country.
On the road in Oman
By bus
Bus transportation between major cities in Oman is available from one provider.
By car
Oman is a “car country”. If you want to explore the country, you need a rental car or can be driven by a tour operator.
Petrol is cheap compared to prices in Europe.
The road network has been greatly expanded in recent years. Many roads that were once dirt tracks are now paved and in very good condition.
Best time to travel to Oman
Oman has a predominantly subtropical climate, which is influenced by the monsoon. Summers are extremely hot, winters are short and mild. There is always a pleasant fresh breeze on the coast, while it is much warmer inland.
Around Muscat in the north of Oman, the months of November to April are recommended as the ideal time to travel. During this time, the climate is mild with pleasant temperatures between 16 and 26 °C. In Salalah, temperatures range between 25 and 32 °C all year round. June to September is the rainy season and there may be more rainfall.
Spring (March, April):
Temperatures begin to rise in spring. In Oman, vacationers can look forward to temperatures of almost 30 degrees. In the evenings, the average temperature is just over 20 degrees.
The probability of rain is very low with an average of one day per month.
Summer (May – August):
The summer months are very hot in Oman. Temperatures of over 40 degrees are normal and even at night temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees. With 11-12 hours of sunshine and no rain, the weather is almost exhausting. Even the water is a good 30 degrees at this time of year and hardly offers any cooling.
Autumn (September – November):
From September, the weather situation eases noticeably. Temperatures are only just over 30 degrees and it gets cooler in the evenings. From November it can also rain, but only about one day a month.
Winter (December – February):
Winter is the most pleasant time in Oman for vacationers from Europe. Temperatures are above 20 degrees, but rarely reach the 30 degree mark. A small disadvantage at this time of year is the likelihood of rain, which is around 3 days a month.
The language
The official language is Arabic.
English is widely spoken as a first foreign language and especially in the cities it is no problem to communicate. Many of the signs here are also in English.
Currency
The Omani Rial (OMR) is used for payment.
1OMR is equivalent to approximately € 2.45. 1,000 baisa is one rial.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of 100 and 200 baisa as well as 0.5, 5, 10, 20 and 50 rials.
Banks in Oman are generally open Saturday to Wednesday from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm, and on Thursday from 8.00 am to 11.00 am.
ATMs can be found in hotels and larger department stores.
The common Visa cards are usually accepted.
Power Plug
Type G power plugs are used.
It is important to take a travel adapter with you, we were unable to use any other plugs in any hotel.
Health
In emergencies, state health care in Oman is free of charge. However, this does not apply to visits to private clinics. In this case, the patient must bear the costs themselves and can later submit them to the health insurance company.
You can usually communicate very well in English.
Clothing
Oman is a Muslim country.
As a vacationer, you should adhere to the customs and traditions of the country when choosing your clothing. This includes dressing as modestly as possible. This is especially true for women. It is not appropriate to wear short, tight pants and skirts. Belly-baring clothing is also not welcome. Women should adhere to the following rule: Shoulders and knees should be covered. A headscarf is not absolutely necessary.
As always, there are places where special rules apply. If you want to visit the Grand Mosque in Muscat, you must be dressed appropriately. Men must wear long pants and should wear shirts with short sleeves. Women must have their arms and ankles covered. A headscarf must be worn that also covers the neckline. It is obligatory to use a scarf or shawl. Sweaters or jackets as a substitute are not permitted.
A special feature is the stay in a closed hotel complex. Here, women may also lie by the pool in a bikini or swimsuit or walk around in shorts. It is even possible to visit the seaside in a bikini or swimsuit.
Telephone and Internet
Omantel is the only landline provider. There are two mobile phone providers: Oman Mobil and Nawras. Network coverage is not particularly good, especially in remote areas. There are prepaid cards for both providers, which can also be purchased by foreigners and are available at the airport, but these require a SIM lock-free terminal device.
The area code for Oman is +968.
Tipping
Tipping a few hundred baizai in Oman is recommended in recognition of services rendered. In restaurants, a service charge of 15-20% is usually included in the bill.
