Roland Lefevre
The legendary city of Sohar has been renowned through history as the location of Sinbad the Sailor. Situated in the Northern side of the country, Sohar happens to be the largest city in the Oman. It is not only the picture perfect coastlines of Sohar that makes it a popular tourist destination, for the city has so much more; more of history, culture and a plethora of archeological sites all waiting to be explored.
Built in the 13th century the Sohar Castle is the landmark of the city and the most famous attraction found in the area. It was the Portuguese who first dwelled in the castled but since their expulsion by Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi, the castle was utilized as an administrative for the rulers of the dynasty. Today a very informative museum is found within the premise which gives you a wholesome insight into the history of Oman.
Sohar is considered as one the most picturesque cities in all of Oman and this reputation is primarily owed to the many unspoiled beaches that make up the coastline of the city. In addition to its scenic appeal, the beaches of Sohar are very safe making it inviting spots to relax and unwind.
It is perhaps the popularity of Sohar that has given rise to some of the most breathtaking parks in the country. In Sallan you can find the Silver Jubilee Park and the Sohar Park is located in Al Humbar in the vicinity of the famous beach therein. The tranquil ambience of the park is among its many features that draw in the plethora of visitors.
The history of Sohar and its age old significance has left a permanent mark on the country. In Sohar you find traditional Omani artifacts giving you a glimpse of the typical handcrafts of the region. These beautiful crafts work well as souvenirs to take back home and the best places to find them is in the traditional Souk located in the heart of the city and the antique market found in Al Hujra.
Sohar is home to one modern looking fish market that is shaped attractively resembling a traditional dhow. Packed with plenty of fresh fish caught from the adjoining ocean; this market is one location where you would find plenty of locals doing their weekly seafood shopping
The Sohar cityscape is truly one that deserves to be explored. With beautiful buildings old and new it creates the perfect ornaments for a picturesque cityscape. A popular mode of exploring Sohar is via bicycle. If you are keen on cycling your way through the city opt for a Sohar accommodation that provides such a facility. In Al Wadi Hotel Sohar, you get plenty of city excursion packages giving you a variety of options to choose from.
Right next to the Sohar forte stands a large magnificent eye catching gold dome. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is an excellent attraction to appreciate the uniqueness of Islamic Art and architecture.
