Surprise Oman

As Voyage Advisor I spend much of my time studying destinations to recommend. Sometimes some get into your head in a special way and fascinate you more than others. This was the case with Oman, a country that timidly entered tourism and still remains very authentic.

His beauty is that even in a few days you can go from desert to sea, to cities that express all the charm of an ancient culture. But the most interesting and perhaps least known discovery is the mountains.

We depart from Muscat, the capital, which can be reached by a direct flight of about 6 hours from Milan with Oman Air, the national airline that is no match for the best-known airlines in the Middle East.

One quickly realizes that the flashy glitz typical of the Emirates has not taken over in the city. There are none of the skyscrapers of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Instead, by order of Sultan Qaboos, the houses are low, white and traditional in style.

But tradition does not mean backwardness here. Qaboos has modernized the country in moderation, for example, building a brand new highway network that reaches the most remote villages. Thanks to the new road links, one also reaches the majestic mountains of Jabal Akhdar, a place of extraordinary beauty and adventure off the classic routes. 
 

The ascent to Jabal Akhdar is a journey in itself. The winding roads lead to high elevations, with spectacular views that change with every turn. Along the way, you cross agricultural terraces clinging to the rocks, evidence of the ingenuity and heroism of local farmers, who have managed to cultivate patches of land in an impervious landscape.

They have also built wonderful resorts on the mountains, such asthe Alila Kabal Akhdar, set in the lunar scenery that surrounds it, almost becoming an integral part of it. Here there is trekking on scenic trails overlooking deep gorges and green valleys, as well as climbing on barren rocks.

In an hour or so you will reach Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. It is a must-see for the fortress, which is still intact, and the souk with its artisans' stores and cattle auctions.

Omanis are reserved but warm and hospitable people at the same time. They love their land and respect their traditions and seem to want to preserve them even if growing tourism puts them at risk. Oman is a country of very kind people,of wide smiles, of art and culture, of transparent sea, endless desert and splendid oases. Its authenticity makes it all very special and unique. We hope it will never change.