The most beautiful beaches in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is best known for its superb wadis, desert mountains and rich cultural heritage. But Oman also has 1,700 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea! As you'll have gathered, your trip will also be filled with beautiful stretches of sand.

Oman's beaches, whether rocky or sandy, are one of the wonders of the Sultanate of Oman. Preserved and rarely visited, you'll appreciate even more the feeling of being alone in the world in such an enchanting setting!

What's more, Oman is home to an exceptional seabed with a wide variety of fauna. Whether you're snorkelling or diving, you'll be able to observe coral reefs, various species of fish, as well as numerous turtles and dolphins. So, which beaches should you choose? Here are our favourites!

Swimming in the Daymaniyat Islands

- © Marco Staller Granicher / Shutterstock

The Daymaniyat Islands

Daymaniyat Islands, a snorkeling paradise

- © Marco Staller Granicher / Shutterstock

The Daymaniyat Islands are uninhabited islands off the coast of Oman, north of Muscat. They can only be discovered in a day, during a boat trip, and it is not possible to stay overnight. The islands form an unspoilt nature reserve, ideal for snorkellers. You'll find plenty of coral and fish, as well as rays and turtles! Some travellers even compare the beaches of the Daymaniyat Islands to those of the Maldives, with stretches of immaculate white sand and crystal-clear water!

Fazayah Beach, Salalah

Fazayah beach

- © Patrik Dietrich / Shutterstock

Fazayah beach has to be earned! You have to follow a 6 km dirt road to discover this unique place... You can admire a multitude of small coves covered in white sand. These coves are ideal for swimming: the water is calm and transparent, and the temperature perfect. If you're equipped with a mask and snorkel, Al Fizayah beach is teeming with a variety of fish. Finally, we love the tranquillity of these coves, which are often deserted!

Mughsail Beach, Salalah

Mughsail Beach, Salalah coast

- © Marcin Szymczak / Shutterstock

Still in the Salalah region, here's another sublime stretch at Al Mughsail. Enjoy the miles of white sand and its sublime panorama, far from civilisation! The beach at Al Mughsail offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains, not to mention palm trees that blend into the scenery. Add to that the turquoise reflections in the water and you'll think you're in the Caribbean! Unlike other beaches, access is very easy, perfect for families with children.

Al Sifah Beach, Sifah

The golden sands of Al Sifah

- © ahmed alobidani / Shutterstock

An hour's drive from Muscat, this superb beach is a relatively wild place where you're likely to find only a handful of travellers. The golden sand stretches for dozens of metres, just waiting for you and your towel. What's more, you'll enjoy a unique environment, with a calm, clean sea full of fish!

Qurum Beach, Muscat

Landscape of Shatti Al Qurum beach

- © elesi / Shutterstock

Just a 15-minute drive from Muscat, this beach lies at the heart of an isthmus that stretches out into the Arabian Sea. Due to its location, Qurum Beach is slightly busier than the others, but it remains relatively wild and very pleasant. Bordered by a long stretch of green space and a few palm trees, it's a lovely place to take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. Omanis gather here to picnic or relax, especially at the end of the day. It's a peaceful place to watch the sunset. There are also a number of small restaurants just a stone's throw away, as well as a car park.

Bassa Public Beach, Khasab

Bassa Beach on the Musandam peninsula

- © Szymon Bartosz / Shutterstock

Khasab is located in a landlocked part of Oman, on the Musandam Peninsula, between the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the country. Situated in the far north of the country, this region offers an exceptional setting for enjoying the Arabian Sea, and Bassa beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Oman. This vast expanse consists mainly of gravel and sand. It offers a relatively wild setting, with mountains blending into the coastal landscape in the distance, adding to the charm of the place!

Hotels with the best beaches

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Oman
Booking.com

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Beautiful accommodation with an infinity pool!
9 Fabulous
From
£378 / night
Book
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Oman
Booking.com

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

you'll have an unbeatable view of the beach!
8.9 Superb
From
£262 / night
Book

A few tips for swimming

For women, bear in mind that bikinis should be avoided in Oman on busy public beaches. Although the Omani population is very welcoming and tolerant, it is preferable to follow the country's customs, out of respect for them.

We therefore recommend that you wear a one-piece swimming costume, shorts and a T-shirt when swimming in the wadis or on crowded beaches. For men, swimming shorts are accepted and bare chests are tolerated. Of course, these instructions do not apply to private hotel beaches.

Practical info

Stonefish, jellyfish and sea snakes can sometimes be found when diving in the Arabian Sea. To avoid any problems, we recommend that you wear suitable footwear when swimming.

by Faustine PEREZ
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