Viewpoints

Al Dakhiliyah · Best time: Sunrise or golden hour · Free

The most dramatic viewpoint in all of Oman — the rim of Wadi Nakhr gorge drops 1,000m to the canyon floor. Abandoned cliff-face villages, the W6 rim walk, and extraordinary sunrise views.

Al Dakhiliyah · Best time: Early morning · March–April for roses · Free (road access)

The Green Mountain at 2,000m — ancient cliff-edge villages, terraced rose gardens in bloom, pomegranate orchards, and sweeping Al Hajar mountain views in every direction.

Muscat · Best time: 30 mins before sunset · Free

The finest free sunset view in Muscat — the old harbour, twin Portuguese forts, dhow moorings, and the Hajar Mountains all glowing golden. Walk the Corniche before and after.

Muscat · Best time: Evening for harbour lights · Free

Hilltop park above Muttrah harbour with sweeping views of the bay, twin forts, and coastline. Home to Muscat's giant ornamental incense burner landmark and the start of the C38 trail.

Al Dakhiliyah · Best time: Sunrise or early morning · Free

The Balcony Walk trail (W4) leads to Oman's most photographed view — the abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis perched impossibly on a cliff face above a 1,000m gorge.

Musandam · Best time: Morning for clearest views · Free (road access)

The viewpoints above Khasab reveal Oman's extraordinary fjords — 2,000m mountain peaks plunging directly into turquoise water. Genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world.

Al Sharqiyah · Best time: Morning light for best colour · Free

Looking down into the Bimmah Sinkhole's extraordinary turquoise water — a natural limestone collapse revealing a pool of mixed fresh and salt water in an impossible shade of blue-green.