Oman’s Best Seaside Towns to Visit

Qalhat
Qalhat is an ancient city that was prosperous many, many years ago; however, nothing remains of the mysterious city today. It was an important stop for the Indian Ocean trade network and apparently the second city of the Kingdom of Ormus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site falling under the cultural category, as it’s home to the Mausoleum of Lady Maryam, aka Bibi Maryam, which is one of the only buildings that has stood the test of time, built in the 13th century by Bahauddin Ayez to honour his wife. There is also the port of Qalhat, once a popular trade area.

Ras Al Hadd
Love turtles? Ras Al Hadd is basically a land of turtles, and all a visitor can really do is go on a day or night turtle tour; however, it is a change from the usual routine of life. The area also has pristine beaches, turtles, and dhows, along with some water sports, plus the sunsets are gorgeous. There are some resorts and guesthouses in town for those who are into turtles, of course.

Sur
Sur is a historic port town and a developed focal point for trade with East Africa since the 6th century. By the 16th century, it was under Portuguese rule for a brief time. The town has a reputation for its incredible ship-building skills and was – and still is – an important city for sailors. And who does not love sailors? There are a couple of sites to see, both cultural and natural, such as the Sur Maritime Museum, the Ras Al Jinz Scientific and Visitor Centre and Wadi Shab.