A refreshing retreat from the heat in Oman

Visit these stunning places with your families to have one of the best summer holidays away from home

While many residents may have already sped off to colder regions as soon as the summer hits the Arabian Gulf, there are many hidden getaways closer to home that could give any visitor or resident a quiet respite from the scorching heat, an experience no less than some of the world's most popular tropical paradise. The Sultanate of Oman is an incredible destination often overlooked. We have chosen the below stunning places to include in your bucket list for this summer:

Salalah, Dhofar
One of the most popular destinations in Oman, Salalah is known for its cool monsoon weather especially during the 'Khareef' season as it is situated at the southernmost part of the country closer to India, where constant rain during July and August spreads across the region, transforming the Dhofar Governorate into a green oasis and flowing streams. Salalah also features several historical and archaeological sites and is known for its frankincense trade.

Jebel Akhdar
This place is also called as 'Green Mountain'. Part of the Al Hajar Mountains is primarily limestone, and is the second highest peak in the entire Sultanate, making for cooler temperatures. The area is a protected park, but tourists can hike through the terraces and enjoy the view of some fruit-bearing trees.

Jebel Shams
One of Oman's highest mountains, Jebel Shams offers a spectacular view of the Wadi Ghul, also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia' featuring vertical cliffs as deep as 1,000 metres. The peak serves the perfect spot for photography, hiking and picnics. A day trip from Nizwa or a long day trip from Oman makes it accessible. However, an overnight stay makes the experience more memorable on the plateau near the canyon rim.

Ras Madrakah Beach
This beach landscape in Duqm, a coastal town in Al Wusta Governorate in the central-eastern part of the country is a favourite camping spot for outdoor lovers as the beach provides a long and open coastline for anyone who seeks to enjoy the vastness of nature and the slapping sound of waves gently touching the shore. It also offers a scenic treat of wild crabs dotting the shorelines.  The temperature drops as low as 25 degrees Celsius here, owing it to the presence of monsoon clouds in July and August.

Offbeat tracks of Al Alashkarah and Masirah Islands
The Al Alashkarah Beach is in a town in Ash Sharqiyah region known for its long beaches, stretching 15 km to the Al Ashkarah village. It is 80 km from Ras Al Hadd and 90 km from Ras Al Jinz. However, those travelling from Sur take only the two hours' trip. The road offers an impressive view of Oman's landscape as the road runs between the sea and the desert.  The beach is also known for watersports such as kite-surfing, jet skiing and surfing, given that waves break fairly in this beach.

Meanwhile, the Masirah Islands in Oman, its largest island, is located 18 kilometres off the southeastern coast from the mainland, in the Indian Ocean. Its pristine and deserted beaches make it an ideal breeding ground for the sea turtles in route to the Indian Ocean. It is best for kite surfing, and those seeking the ultimate tranquility will perhaps enjoy the lure of bird-watching in this offbeat island.

Musandam and Khasab
Located in the northernmost part of Oman, Musandam is home to mountain villages and coastal communities. Offering spectacular views while on boat trips where tourists can opt for day visits to snorkel or watch dolphins glide along with traditional dhows or Omani boats. The main city of the Musandam Peninsula is Khasab, and it's a laidback community where one can enjoy the heritage of the city. The fortress is a stunning edifice that represents the historical importance of this enclave. Located near an Old Souk, the fortress is a cool hideaway for reminiscences.

Ras Al Jinz
Love turtles? This beach is located on the easternmost tip of Oman. It is known as the turtle reserve and nesting ground of sea turtles of the Indian Ocean which are much to see during the summer months or between May to October. A visit to this government-protected area can be done as part of a day trip from Muscat, but visitors are opting to spend the night at a resort as it offers a chance to visit other attractions such as the Turtle Visitor Centre and Museum.
- supplements@khaleejtimes.com

• Supplements
• Travel