Showing 16 attractions · Sorted by importance
Al Mintarib Castle
📍 Bidiyah
🏰 CastleA restored 13th-century fort standing at the edge of the desert, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient defensive history.
Muscat to Sur Coastal Road (Highway 17)
📍 Muscat
🚗 Road Trip200km paved highway (3-4 hours) providing the most scenic access to the Sharqiya region. Features dramatic views of the Hajar Mountains meeting the sea, with essential stops at Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, and Tiwi.
Sharqiya Sands (Wahiba Sands)
📍 Bidiyah
🏔 Scenic ViewA vast expanse of longitudinal sand dunes with colors ranging from copper to deep orange, perfect for experiencing the traditional Bedouin landscape.
Wadi Bani Khalid
📍 Bani Khalid
🏔 Scenic ViewA stunning desert oasis featuring deep turquoise pools of clear water surrounded by white limestone cliffs and lush date palm trees.
Wahiba Sands Dune Bashing and Activity Area
📍 Bidiyah
🧗 AdventureA vast desert expanse offering family-friendly adventure activities including sandboarding, camel trekking, and guided 4x4 dune bashing tours.
Al-Minzifah
📍 Ibra
🏘 Town / VillageExplore the atmospheric mud-brick ruins of 18th-century merchant mansions and intricate arched doorways in this former commercial hub.
Oman Interior & Desert Loop (Muscat–Nizwa–Wahiba–Sur)
📍 Circular
🚗 Road Trip850km paved and 4WD loop (5-7 days) starting in Muscat. The route connects Nizwa's historic forts, the high peaks of Jebel Akhdar, the dunes of Wahiba Sands, and the coastal scenery of Sur back to the capital.
Ras Ar Ruways
📍 Jalan Bani Bu Ali
⛱ BeachA breathtaking natural wonder where the massive sand dunes of the Sharqiya Sands dramatically meet the turquoise Arabian Sea and pale aeolianite cliffs.
Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi Trek
📍 Wadi Bani Khalid
🥾 Hiking & Cycling28km expert 2-day mountain trek with approximately 1,500m elevation gain. This legendary route crosses the Eastern Hajar Mountains, connecting the lush pools of Wadi Bani Khalid to the coast at Wadi Tiwi. Requires navigation skills, wild camping, and significant endurance.
Wahiba Sands North-South Crossing
📍 Bidiyah
🚗 Road Trip180km 4WD-only desert track (1-2 days) traversing the longitudinal dunes of the Sharqiya Sands from Bidiyah to the Arabian Sea coast at Qihayd. Highlights include high orange dunes, Bedouin camps, and remote desert wilderness.
Al Ashkhara Beach
📍 Al Ashkhara
⛱ BeachA breezy coastal recreation area known for its refreshing Indian Ocean climate, wide sandy shores, and traditional fishing culture, offering a cool contrast to the desert heat.
Al Kamil Castle
📍 Al Kamil Wal Wafi
🏰 CastleAn exceptionally well-preserved castle and private museum housing a vast collection of traditional Omani crafts, furniture, and artifacts.
Al Saleel Wildlife National Park
📍 Al Kamil Wal Wafi
🌲 NatureA 220-square-kilometer protected area of acacia forests and gravel plains, offering families a unique opportunity to spot the endangered Arabian gazelle and native bird species.
Jalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort
📍 Jalan Bani Bu Hassan
🏰 CastleA massive, impressively restored circular fort with multi-layered defenses and expansive views over the surrounding palm groves and desert.
Al-Mudayrib Village
📍 Al-Mudayrib
🏘 Town / VillageA traditional village famous for its numerous historic watchtowers, old mud-brick architecture, and a functional falaj irrigation system.