Exploring Oman: A Look at Its Scenic Driving Routes – Where the Journey Steals the Spotlight

Changing landscapes make driving across Oman an attraction in itself. A single route can pass rugged mountains, coastal cliffs and timeless villages, offering something new with every stretch of road.

Cruise Along the Muscat–Sur Coastal Road

Linking the capital with the eastern coast, this drive combines dramatic sea views with worthwhile stopovers. Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab and quiet beaches near Fins are all close to the highway, allowing travellers to enjoy nature without making major detours.

Pass Through Al Hamra’s Historic Landscapes

The road through Al Hamra reveals one of Oman’s oldest settlements, backed by the Hajar Mountains and lined with extensive date plantations. Exploring routes like this ranks among the top things to do in Oman for those interested in scenery shaped by both nature and local heritage.

Climb Towards Jabal Akhdar

Beyond Birkat Al Mouz, a mandatory 4WD checkpoint marks the start of the ascent to Jabal Akhdar. The winding mountain road climbs to the Saiq Plateau, where Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is surrounded by sweeping canyon views and cool highland scenery that contrasts sharply with the lowlands below.

Continue to the Heights of Jebel Shams

As the elevation increases, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged before opening onto viewpoints overlooking Wadi Ghul. Often called Oman’s Grand Canyon, this route is especially rewarding in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.

Explore the Villages Along the Way

Some of Oman’s most memorable roadside stops are its mountain and oasis settlements. Villages such as Birkat Al Mouz, known for its ancient falaj irrigation system, and Misfat Al Abriyeen, with its stone pathways and terraced date plantations, offer rewarding breaks that add cultural depth to a scenic drive.