Muscat – With a four-day break ahead, many residents are preparing to step outdoors, drawn by cool weather, open landscapes and the promise of unhurried exploration. The National Day holiday has set the stage for what travel enthusiasts describe as one of the best times of the year to discover Oman. Several travel and adventure experts […]
Muscat – With a four-day break ahead, many residents are preparing to step outdoors, drawn by cool weather, open landscapes and the promise of unhurried exploration. The National Day holiday has set the stage for what travel enthusiasts describe as one of the best times of the year to discover Oman.
Several travel and adventure experts told Muscat Daily the extended holiday offers families the chance to explore some of the country’s most accessible natural and cultural sites.
Mohammed Alawi, head of Muscat Hiking Team, said the timing is ideal for short getaways within Muscat governorate. He stressed the value of planning ahead to make the most of the four days, noting that many activities require little travel.
Alawi recommended starting in the capital with a visit to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, followed by the Royal Opera House, before heading to Muttrah Corniche and the traditional souk to experience local culture.
He suggested dedicating the second day to Muscat’s museums, beginning with the National Museum or Bait al Zubair, then continuing to the Old Town and Al Alam Palace. Afternoons, he said, are well-suited to Qurum Natural Park or Qurum Beach.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Alawi advised reserving the third day for Wadi Shab, known for its pools and popular hiking trails, and adding a stop at Hawiyat Najm Park (Bimmah Sinkhole). Early departures, he said, help avoid late returns.
He suggested ending the break at sea, recommending a trip to the Daymaniyat Islands for snorkelling or a boat tour from Marina Bandar al Rawdah to spot dolphins and swim in Bandar al Khairan.
Khalid al Anqudi, who has travelled to more than 70 countries promoting Omani tourism, said Muscat’s coastline alone offers varied options, but journeys beyond the capital “open a different world”. He pointed to Jabal Shams, Jabal Akhdar and Wadi Bani Awf as strong choices for camping and mountain trails.
In the east, Anqudi highlighted Wadi Bani Khalid, the beaches of Sur and the Sharqiyah Sands in Bidiyah, which offer camel rides and dune buggy activities popular with families and young travellers.
Ameer al Balushi, CEO of Peace Gate for Travel and Tourism, said the holiday offers options beyond nature. He encouraged visits to Oman’s forts in Muscat and the interior, and noted that Bidiyah will host youth and family events during the break. Nizwa, he added, remains a firm favourite for its traditional market and historic fort.
He said four days are enough to create memorable experiences in a country where “the sea, mountains and desert meet in one landscape”.
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