The Musandam Peninsula

Pleasantly isolated yet easy to access, the Musandam Peninsula offers some of Oman’s most breathtaking landscapes. Cliffs rise vertically from crystal-clear waters, dolphins can be spotted during traditional dhow cruises and mountains unfold as if begging to be explored.

Jutting into the Strait of Hormuz, the remote Musandam Peninsula is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, a legacy of Oman’s vast former empire. It can be reached from Muscat either by air or via a scenic five-hour drive, though many visitors choose to arrive via Dubai, a mere 90-minute drive away.

Musandam’s pristine coastline is set against a backdrop of 2,000-metre mountains and rocky sea cliffs hewn by wind and water. The most dramatic are called khors, deep and plunging fjords that have earned Musandam the moniker, the Norway of the Middle East. Inland, winding roads cut into the craggy mountains, leading to forts, villages and ancient forms of rock art.

The region offers wonderful opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, diving and snorkelling, with spots like Lima Rock renowned for their variety of fish, rays and exotic marine life. The mountains, meanwhile, are a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with adventurous paths providing breathtaking views and dramatic drops.