The Wahiba Sands is a desert of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Although it lies around 230 kilometres from Muscat, it’s easily reachable, either by driving or, preferably, through a guided tour. Joining a tour is the best option if you want to make the most of your visit and experience the desert safely. The journey takes about two and a half to three hours by car. If you decide to drive yourself, make sure to carry plenty of food and water, and follow all safety recommendations, especially avoiding venturing off-road without proper experience. Keep in mind that April to October are the hottest months in Oman, which can make exploring the desert more challenging. Most travel companies organise overnight stays in desert camps, though day trips are also possible. For a truly memorable experience, it’s worth spending at least one night under the desert sky. Watching the sunset, stargazing, and waking up to a desert sunrise are moments you won’t forget. You can also enjoy activities such as climbing the dunes, camel rides, or dune bashing.

This Spanish fortress, with cannons trained on the sea to deter pirates and invaders, is more than striking medieval architecture. It is also the “Shrine of Freedom,” to Filipinos tortured and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. It is now a park with a resident theatre company for traditional and modern plays.

Built on the mouth of the Colligan river in the 12th century, the Anglo-Norman Castle of King John is an important landmark in Irish history: it served as a barracks in the 18th century, and was at the forefront of battles during the Irish Civil War, when it was almost completely destroyed.