One of the biggest difficulties travelers face in planning a trip to Oman? Expanding their itinerary beyond the capital—well, that’s not exactly accurate.
I mean, it’s not a secret that Oman is replete with amazing things to do, whether you ride a camel through the Empty Quarter, traipse through the old city of Nizwa or visit the lush valleys around Salalah during the country’s short-lived rainy season.
The issue, ultimately, is sequencing. And in my opinion, it’s best to head down the coast from Muscat before going anywhere else—my guide to things to do in Sur, Oman will help you do just this.
Where to Stay in Sur, Oman
I’ll be honest: Sur, Oman hotels leave something to be desired. Unlike in Muscat (which, as much on account of business travelers as high-end tourists has luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Place), there isn’t much in the way of opulence in Sur. Nor does Sur have the established tourism infrastructure of Nizwa, which results in there being few cute local guest houses like Nizwa’s Antique Inn.
The great news is that you’re sure to have a great internet connection, be it via your Oman SIM card or WiFi within your hotel. This means that you can easily play online casino games, from table classics such as Poker, Blackjack and Roulette, to more innovative creations from today’s top developers. This can be a great way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing in Sur, no matter which of the experiences I’ve about to preview you end up prioritizing.
What to Do in Sur, Oman
Enjoy the view from Al-Ayjah Fort
I first fell in love with Sur shortly after I arrived, when I walked up to Al-Ayjah Fort. I should note, however, that this wasn’t due to the fort itself—it didn’t seem especially authentic; if I’m honest, it almost seemed a bit unsafe in its poor maintenance. Still, the view of central Sur from the top of the hill was magnificent.
Visit the Dhow Factory
Likewise, my addition of the Dhow Factory to my Sur itinerary was more superficial than substantive–I didn’t know anything about boat making then, and I still don’t really now. Indeed, I felt fulfilled less by what I learned (which was basically nothing), and more about how the aesthetic seemed in line with what I expected.
Hit the beach (in or out of town)
Beaches in Sur-proper are photogenic in a sense, even if I did not successful see sea turtles there—and even if they are definitely not clean; I didn’t feel compelled to swim. On the other hand, many of the best beaches in Oman (including the famous White Beach) are within short driving distance along the road to Muscat, so there’s that.
Make an excursion to Wadi Ash Shab
Beyond Sur attractions within the city center, you aren’t terribly far from Wadi Ash Shab, which juts just inland from the coast, and is a great half-day excursion for both hiking and swimming. If you’re stopping on the way to or from Muscat, meanwhile, you can also stop at Bimmah Sinkhole.
Continue into the Empty Quarter
On the other side of Oman’s attraction continuum, Sur is actually not that far from the desert, not even the deepest-reaches of the aptly-named Empty Quarter. In fact, you can drive from Sur to most Oman desert camps within just a few hours, often in a similar amount of time (heading inland, this is) as you’d drive up the coast to reach Muscat.
How Long Do You Need in Sur?
Sur is a small town, and although it’s close to many of the top destinations on Oman’s coast, it’s possible that you will have visited these on day trips from Muscat, or possible en route between the two cities. To put it another way, it’s unlikely that you will need to stay more than a night or two in Sur, since you can explore the entire city center in 24 hours, or possibly even less than that.
Zooming out a bit further, it’s really less a question of how many days in Sur you spend, and how much time you devote to Oman’s east coast—namely, the Muscat-Sur corridor. I would say that you should plan on splitting 5-7 days between the two cities, with more perhaps devoted to Muscat, since you’ll likely be staying at a nicer hotel there. But a lot of this simply comes down to personal preference.
Other FAQ About Visiting Sur, Oman
Is Sur in Oman worth visiting?
Sur is definitely worth visiting on your trip to Oman, especially since it’s an interstitial destination—in other words, you’re likely to stop there on your way between Muscat and the “Empty Quarter,” rather than intentionally traveling there. On its own merits, by contrast, I’m not sure it’s such a unique place.
What is special about Sur, Oman?
Sur and its vicinity are home to some of the most unique and picturesque beaches in Oman, as well as architecture, shipbuilding and other vestiges of Omani heritage and culture. Moreover, since it’s located just a few hours down the coast from Muscat and just a few hours toward the sea from the Empty Quarter, it makes an ideal waypoint along your journey.
How long does it take to drive from Muscat to Sur?
If you don’t stop anywhere en route, you can expect the drive from Muscat to Sur to take about three hours. However, since there are many places worth visiting along the way—namely, Wadi Ash Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole, which can easily be combined into a full-day excursion—this driving time is perhaps irrelevant.
The Bottom Line
Once you’ve compiled your list things to do in Sur, Oman—I hope I’ve aided you in this—your trip will fall into place quickly. In particular, I think that Sur slots in nicely between Muscat and the Empty Quarter, which is itself a great preamble to Nizwa and Jebel Shams—and, if you’re visiting during the rainy season, a jaunt westward to Salalah. Of course, even if you only have a few days in Oman, Sur (which is a three-hour straight shot down the highway) can serve as a fantastic foil to the capital, with a much more traditional aesthetic, in spite of having other things in common. Need personalized help with your Oman itinerary? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!
