Experience Life at the Edge in the heady Oman with an Insider's Travel Guide

Among the winds of change in the Arabian Gulf, Oman is a stimulating memento of a departed age. Some amazing landscapes are shaded by the modern infrastructure. However, the present city is one of the top destinations to experience traditional Arabia. With peaceful coastal stretches, mudbrick settlements, palm and date trees, isolated valleys, jagged mountains and crammed souks, Oman is viciously staggering.

It's the complexity of infrastructure and the city's history that allures several visitors to the Sultanate of Oman. Passengers taking cheap flights to Oman will disembark at the coastal town of Muscat. If you are the adventurous one, you should plan to visit Wadi Shab - the enchanting valley fed by water from the stones. Let me remind you of the Qara Mountains and the tiny village of Salalah.

With its desert kind of climate, parched interiors and humid shorelines temperatures do vary according to seasons. To avoid the heat, advance towards the cooler Dhofar district.

When Should You Fly?

The peak season is from October to April when European and American sun-lovers fly towards the beaches of Oman. The mercury heat sizzles from July to September; it is usually the low season.

Places to Explore

Muscat is the entrance towards several iconic spots in the city. This sprawling capital engages a visitor in the historical past in the enlivening city of Muttrah and the ancient hub at old Muscat. The magical site around sultan's palace hosts a number of Portuguese forts and a large selection of booming markets. The city also prides in its Arabian establishments, stunning beaches, and some of countries finest bars and food courts.

In Muscat, the Hajar Mountains rise, throwing the Nizwa district into the limelight. This historic and notable town offers a conducive base towards several attractions surrounding the majestic Jebel Shams, the highest range of peaks in Oman.

Other prominent attractions include the conventional mudbrick town of Al Hamra, the picturesque villages of Misfat al Abryeen and Saiq Plateau. You can do an excellent off-road drive down the winding roads.

Let's go towards the coastal region of Al Batinah, dotted with palm-fringed beaches, laid-back towns such as Barka and Seeb. The key attraction is Al Batinah, which you can reach through the Rustaq Loop within a day's drive. Explore dignified forts and impressive wadis such as Wadi Abyad, Wadi Bani Kharous and Wadi Bani Auf.

Towards the far end of Oman, separated from rest of the country, lies the Musandam Peninsula where you will encounter Oman's dynamic landscapes and the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Make sure you enjoy a relaxed dhow cruise and relish traditional Arabian delicacies.

If you move towards south Muscat, you will be surrounded with forts, canyons, dunes, and beaches. Thanks to the immaculate sand and the turtle-bred beaches of Ras al Jinz.

Make the Most of Oman

Balancing between the glamorous Emirates and the rugged desert valley, Oman offers a jaw-dropping entrance into the Middle East. Packed with a wide range of landscapes, beaches, adventure and Lush Mountains, you will enjoy the Arabian hospitality and the royal remnants of the ancient world.

What you read up is just the surface. To explore and experience the dramatic side of Oman, head towards the Daymaniyar Islands, 55 miles west of Muscat and indulge in diving and snorkelling.

Your dream of the Arabian nights can come true. There are endless places to enjoy the desert. The 1000 Nights Camp and Dunes by Al Nahda are the popular ones. Just grab a Land Crusier or a quad bike; you will never forget the amount of fun behind the desert safari.

The restaurant scene is catching up with the growing tourists and young people. You can find a decent range of Pakistani, Lebanese, Arabian, and African food. Bait al Luan is the perfect place to relish biryani, a variety of breads and mouth-watering meaty dishes. All you burger lovers, head towards Slider Station and get your order on a conveyor belt.

Oman is heaven for winter sun-seekers. The Christmas holidays will be the peak season. If you are planning a getaway, benefit from budget flights to Oman.

Right from London Heathrow, Oman Air and British Airways operate direct flights. Reliable and cheapest Oman flights include Etihad or Emirates that land at Muscat International Airport.

From musical events to world heritage highlights, desert safaris to scuba diving, a holiday in Oman is one thrilling experience. Soak it all with a trip to the exquisite Oman.