- Where to go to sunbathe?
- Weather features of a beach holiday in Oman
- Useful information
- Not a single beach
- Diver's note
The Sultanate of Oman, located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula, is still more of a curiosity than a usual holiday destination for Russian tourists. Its shores are washed by the Indian Ocean Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and the climate is quite suitable for organizing a beach holiday. Dozens of high-class hotels have been opened in Oman, and therefore it is quite capable of becoming a serious competitor to branded resorts in the UAE in the future.
Where to go to sunbathe?
The most popular Omani beach resorts are a haven for lovers of a relaxing holiday under the hot Arabian sun:
- Sohar is located just 2.5 hours from the capital of Oman, but there are never crowds of sunbathers on its beach. Hotels in the resort are represented by both global chains and local brands. The prices look quite solid, and therefore wealthy tourists prefer to buy tours here.
- The fishing town of Sur is a place of traditional shipbuilding and a resort where fans of uncomplicated service and inexpensive rest stay. There are hotels in Sura for any level of income, and the road from Muscat will take about 4 hours by public transport.
- In Nizwa, fans of jeep driving through the desert sunbathe. A ridge of huge sand dunes stretches near the resort. Hotel prices are in the category above average, but connoisseurs of ideal comfort do not pay attention to this, choosing where to spend their vacation.
- The capital itself also has beaches. They are covered with clean fine sand and are equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. Due to the way of life, local residents appear on them quite rarely.
- Salalah is called a tropical paradise thanks in large part to its perfectly beautiful beaches. The coastal strip in Salalah is usually framed by coconut trees and looks perfect on photos in travel albums.
Admission to municipal beaches in Oman is free. They are usually equipped with the essentials. All beaches in the Sultanate are sandy.
Weather features of a beach holiday in Oman
All resorts in Oman are located in a tropical climate zone. It provides consistently hot weather throughout the calendar year. The average daily temperature in the capital is up to + 32 ° С in the summer months and not lower than + 20 ° С in the winter.
The most favorable time for a beach holiday in the Sultanate of Oman is from the first days of autumn to mid-spring. In April, the intense heat begins, accompanied by high humidity. But precipitation in Oman is quite rare, and the sun shines here up to 350 days a year.
The "coolest" resort in the Sultanate is Salalah. The temperature difference with Muscat can reach ten degrees on its coast, and therefore, even in the summer months, a rather comfortable stay is possible here. The air temperature in June is "only" about + 33 ° С, and the water in the sea warms up to + 28 ° С. Summer in Salalah is the heyday of gardens and parks. At this time of the year, cumulus clouds pour out the smallest drizzle, giving life-giving moisture to the vegetation.
Useful information
- The sultanate has a well-developed bus service and it will not be difficult to get from the capital, where the international airport is located, to any resort. Tickets for ONTS buses are sold at city bus stations.
- Topless on Omani beaches do not sunbathe, but too strict dress code on the streets and in public institutions of Omani resorts is not required.
- The star rating of local hotels corresponds to the declared level, and the quality of service is not inferior to the neighboring Emirates. Most of the beach hotels are located in the capital.
Not a single beach
Omani resorts are also very ancient cities, the history of which can captivate any fan of antiquity. Going on a beach holiday in Oman, tourists provide themselves with an excellent selection of excursions and directions for walking to attractions.
The main architectural masterpieces of the Sultanate are fortified forts that have served as defensive structures for many centuries. Fans of watching animals will be pleased with excursions to the national parks of Oman, where many species of rare and endangered animals have been preserved. A trip to Mazira Island, for example, is a real chance to meet giant sea turtles.
Shopping in Oman is slightly inferior to the possibilities of the UAE, but products of local craftsmen are found in great abundance in local markets. As souvenirs or gifts for friends in Muscat and other cities, it is easy to find jewelry made of gold and silver in the traditional Arabian style, oils and incense, national khanjar knives and excellent coffee. Bargaining is accepted and even recommended here.
Diver's note
It is not only lazy beach holidays in Oman that attract numerous foreign tourists to its coast. At local resorts there is a chance to make exciting underwater walks. Novice divers are frequent guests of the Sultanate. They are attracted by clear water, picturesque underwater world and quite reasonable prices for equipment rental.
Experts recommend for divers the Barasti Bungalow Village in the capital, which boasts its own lagoon, or the Oman Dive Center near Muscat. Staying at Sawadi Beach Resort near the Diamond Islands National Park, you will be able to enjoy both the underwater splendor of the unique coral jungle and the paradise seascapes. A variety of birds nest on the islands, and sailing on yachts is a great adventure for bird watchers and photographers.
