Joanna James
Not many people will consider Muscat to be a spectacular place to spend a week-long holiday. But what you don't know is that Oman's capital city is a plethora of forts, beaches, mosques and desert wilderness. All of it is yours for the exploring. Let's start with the most beautiful 5.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was named for the former Sultan who ruled the country for over 70 years and was the single force that brought the country to what it is today. The mosque is a stunning work if Islamic architecture that has enough room for 20,000. It also features spectacular interiors like a big chandelier, handmade Iranian rugs and extremely detailed blue mosaic tiles. The mosque is such a quiet and solitary place you can explore at your leisure. Be sure to be respectful as it is a place of worship and one of the rare ones that allow non-worshippers as visitors. Dress conservatively when you go.
The Mutrah Corniche is where you go to people watch and experience the glorious Muscat sunset. It is a highly recommended spot to visit by many an Oman resort. Locals come here to hang out and spend the evening taking a stroll while watching the sun reflect on the water. It offers breathtaking views of Muscat's white mosques and buildings with the sheer cliffs as a backdrop. You can also visit one of the oldest markets in the world where you can shop for amazing items like ceramic incense burners, frankincense and myrrh, turbans, genie lamps and anything else that looks like it walked right out of the pages of 1001 Nights.
The Jabrin Fort isn't something that is explored as regularly as the Nizwa Fort. The Jabreen Castle is one that goes all the way back to 1675. It has the distinct appearance of a sandcastle in the middle of an oasis. This gives it a distinct fantasy feel. You can explore the labyrinthian rooms and understand the defensive mechanisms they used in those days.
Nizwa Fort has long been the inspiration for architecture in modern-day resorts the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. It is a masterpiece that was a stronghold since the 17th century and remains in good condition even today. There is so much to see at the fort including a circular tower, the rocky mountains that surround it. It has been recently refurbished and now you can also check out items from the past on display. Make a day's excursion of it and take your time exploring.
Jebel Akhdar is known locally as Green Mountain. The reason for this is because the villages in the Saiq Plateau that are located 2000m above sea level are bright green thanks to ample rainfall. It is a great place to make a day's journey maybe during spring when all the rich flora is in bloom and makes for a beautiful escapade.
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