How to Explore the Beaches and the Coastline of Muscat - Top Beaches and Highlights to Discover on a Tour of the Muscat Coast

While most travellers head to the Omani capital of Muscat for its rich cultural heritage and local cuisine, the city's coastline is another key attribute worthy of exploration. Whether you are a beach buff looking to unwind and relax on a city beach or love driving around pristine coastlines, the seaside highlights in Muscat will hardly disappoint. Here are some of the best areas to discover and spend time in during a tour of the stunning coastal areas of the Omani capital.

1. Muttrah Corniche 

Muttrah Corniche is one of the city's busiest tourist hubs, making it easy to forget that it sits on the Muscat coastline. The retail opportunities alone make a visit to this area well worth the trip. Despite its constant buzz of activity with locals and travellers day and night, Muttrah Corniche paradoxically retains its status as one of the most serene seaside hotspots in Muscat. This peaceful ambience is enhanced by the presence of luxury yachts owned by HM Sultan Qaboos, vibrant dhows, and occasional cruise ships docking at the harbour. Surrounded by iconic landmarks and architectural marvels including the blue-domed Al Rasool Al Azam mosque or Mosque of the Great Prophet and the Muttrah Fort, the Corniche is a hubbub of activity all year long thanks to the Muttrah Fish Market, which occupies one of its borders. 

Francisco Anzola, The Mutrah Corniche (8727033568), CC BY 2.0 

2. Yiti Beach

Occupying pride of place on the eastern shorelines of Muscat lies this captivating beach bordering a fishing village of the same name. The long, golden sanded beach is divided into two sections including one that contains a half-completed marina and artificial water channels and an area that has remained untouched and lies on the other side of the creek. Those who wish to watch the sunset from a Muscat beach will find that this is a great location for a picnic in the late afternoon while off-road driving tours of the beach are also popular at Yiti Beach.

3. Bandar Al Khayran 

Bandar Al Khayran can best be described as a natural harbour as its name indicated but is mainly a fantastic lookout point in Muscat. Encircled by sandy mountains, the beach, which is brimming with bright blue water, creates a scene that is difficult to capture in words but has enchanted tourists since time immemorial. While one must trek along the shoreline to reach the beach, the area offers excellent swimming opportunities and spectacular views. 

4. Qantab Beach

Those based at the Avani Muscat Hotel or any one of the other hotels near Muscat Airport can't afford to miss Qantab Beach. Located in Qantab village, which lies on the east coast of the city, the area is best known for its beach cruises on fishing boats. Local fishermen are always on hand to offer tourists quick transfers to the beaches surrounding the village although none of those other beaches can compare to Qantab Beach. Although the beach is not as long as it used to be due to a city development project, this little piece of paradise is a lovely location to take a breather after a day of sightseeing or shopping in Muscat. 

5. Al Qurum Beach 

Al Qurum Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Omani capital, and a tour of Muscat would truly be incomplete without splashing around this beach. The convenient location is what makes the beach a big hit with local families and those who like to come by the beach after a day's work to soak up the magical atmosphere. Locals also love to swim at this beach, which is safe for children and those without swimming skills. Catching the sunset from Al Qurum Beach has also become something of a ritual among the residents in the area as the beach affords unparalleled views of this daily occurrence.