Oman

Al Hamra is one of Oman’s best-preserved traditional villages, dating back more than 400 years. Located at the base of the towering Jebel Shams mountains, it is famous for its mud-brick houses, some rising up to three stories high, built with palm trunks and earth in an architecture perfectly adapted to the harsh climate. Many of these homes are still standing today, their ochre tones blending seamlessly with the rocky landscape.

Strolling through the old quarter is like walking through a living time capsule. Narrow alleys, crumbling façades, and heavy wooden doors tell the story of a community that once thrived on agriculture and trade. The shade of date palms offers relief from the sun, while the gentle sound of falaj irrigation channels still trickles through the village, nurturing small gardens. At sunset, when the mud walls glow golden, the atmosphere becomes truly magical.

 Just a few minutes from Al Hamra lies Misfah al Abriyyin, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Oman. Unlike Al Hamra’s mud houses, Misfah’s dwellings are built of stone, clinging to steep slopes and overlooking a lush valley. Its terraces are watered by an ancient falaj system, sustaining date palms, pomegranate orchards, and banana groves that cascade down the mountainside.

The village is a labyrinth of narrow paths, shaded passages, and viewpoints that open onto breathtaking scenery. Exploring it slowly allows you to appreciate the harmony between human settlement and nature, a way of life that has changed little over centuries.

Sur is a charming coastal town on the eastern tip of Oman, famous for its seafaring history and dhow shipbuilding tradition. Sur offers a more tranquil atmosphere, where time seems to flow with the tide. Its location along the Arabian Sea has shaped its character for centuries, making it one of Oman’s most important ports.

One of the main attractions is the dhow shipyards, where you can still watch skilled craftsmen building traditional wooden boats using age-old techniques. Walking along the corniche at sunset, with dhows moored on the water and the sound of waves in the background, is one of the most evocative experiences in the city.

The old town of Al Ayjah is another highlight, with its whitewashed houses, carved wooden doors, and watchtowers that once guarded the harbor. The Bilad Sur Fort and the smaller Al Ayjah Fort offer panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. Wandering through these narrow alleys, you feel the essence of Omani heritage still alive today.

Just a short drive from Sur lies the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, one of Oman’s most magical experiences. This protected beach is world-renowned as a nesting site for the endangered green sea turtle. Every night, visitors can witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or watch the tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea, a truly unforgettable moment!