Many people might not think of Oman as a destination for couples. But the sultanate, bathed by the waters of the Persian Gulf and dotted with scenic deserts and a wide variety of natural areas, does indeed offer a handful of romantic things to do.
From the experience of sleeping under an incredible starry sky in the middle of nowhere to dinners on the beach lit by lanterns and candles, visits to villages that offer plenty of flavour and history or excursions in dhows through the Strait of Hormuz, here is our selection of romantic things to do in Oman.
- A night in the desert
- Excursion to Masirah Island
- Visit the very authentic village of Sur
- Swimming in Wadi Shab
- Dinner on the beach
- Boat route through Oman’s fjords
- Turtle watching at Ras Al-Hadd
- Getting lost in Nizwa, the ancient capital
- Where to stay in Oman
A night in the desert
Anyone who has ever slept in the desert, amidst dunes and under a breathtaking star-studded sky, knows it’s an experience like no other. It’s certainly something that deserves to be experienced as a couple. Oman offers several ways to do this, even in tents in the style of those used by the merchant caravans that travelled the Arabian region until not so long ago.
Among the most recommended places to enjoy this romantic experience in Oman are Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands.
Excursion to Masirah Island
Regarded as Oman’s “desert island”, Masirah, despite its relative proximity to the mainland, is a virtually untouched place where you can enjoy the charm of solitude. While it’s not entirely uninhabited, it’s ideal for a day trip or camping out here to enjoy the deserted beaches, nature watching and a variety of water sports.
Visit the very authentic village of Sur
A visit to the beautiful town of Sur is undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do in Oman. Strolling through the town centre, parallel to the horseshoe shape of its natural harbour, is a real delight, lined all the way by the whitewashed houses that are a feature of this historic place. It’s well worth watching the sunset (or sunrise) from near the lighthouse, which is undoubtedly the most famous landmark of this charming fishing village.
Swimming in Wadi Shab
This river canyon, apart from being one of the best natural attractions, can also be one of the most romantic experiences in Oman. Especially when it comes to swimming in the natural pool hidden in one of its caves, which visitors can access underwater through a narrow passageway.
Wadi Shab is also a good option for couples who love hiking and potholing.
Dinner on the beach
Many of the coastal hotels, especially those that cater to foreign visitors, often offer this opportunity. Sometimes there are tables lit with just candles and lanterns, to make the experience more intimate and romantic. As this is a special dinner, we recommend booking in advance, even before you arrive at your hotel.
Boat route through Oman’s fjords
Travelling by boat through the narrowest part of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran, can be exciting, enlightening and romantic. The companies that offer this possibility in Musandam, the Omani part of the strait, do so in small, typical wooden boats, known as dhows.
Some of these companies even offer private trips. On these tours, in addition to the strait as a whole, you’ll visit the Musandam Fjords, an impressive complex of stretches of land, gulfs and islets.
Turtle watching at Ras Al-Hadd
This beach, located at the easternmost point of the country, is one of the most romantic experiences in Oman. Not only because of its natural beauty and the chance to enjoy the sea and the sun, but also because hundreds of green turtles come here in season (July to September) to lay their eggs. This spectacle usually takes place at night and can be observed with the help of specialised companies and guides, while always respecting the life cycle of these impressive animals.
Getting lost in Nizwa, the ancient capital
This small city is of great importance, as it was the capital of the Imamate of Oman and one of the first in the region to adopt Islam as its religion. A visit to the souk is a must, to buy perfumes and essences, spices and Arab sweets, for example. But the most popular purchases in Nizwa are undoubtedly jewellery and silver filigree objects.
Also worth a visit is the historic fortress, built in the 17th century and considered the most visited monument in the sultanate.
Where to stay in Oman
The Barceló Mussanah Resort, a 234-room, 74-apartment luxury resort on the Gulf of Oman, is one of the country’s many accommodation options. Located around 45 minutes from both Muscat, the Sultanate’s capital, and its international airport, it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and has direct access to its own private beach.
Facilities include three restaurants, catering to the tastes of all kinds of diners, four outdoor swimming pools and the Zayna Spa, with ten treatment rooms and personalised services, including a thermal pool, sauna, steam bath and hydromassage. To keep fit you can always visit the well-equipped Health Fitness Club.
