Sur is a port city on Oman’s eastern tip. Its shipyards, which still produce traditional wooden vessels, played a pivotal role in Oman’s maritime past. In the city center, Sunaysilah Fort has 4 defensive towers around a courtyard. Exhibits at the Maritime Museum include ship models. Southeast of Sur, green turtles nest at Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. To the west, craggy cliffs surround verdant Wadi Bani Khalid Valley.
Winter (October to March): The best time to visit Sur, with cooler and pleasant temperatures (20–30°C), perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (April to September): The weather can be hot (above 35°C), making it less ideal for outdoor exploration, but it's a quieter time with fewer tourists.
By Air:
The closest airport is Muscat International Airport (MCT), located about a 3-hour drive from Sur.
By Car:
Sur is easily accessible from Muscat via a scenic coastal drive along the Oman coastline (about 200 km).
By Bus:
There are bus services from Muscat to Sur, although traveling by car or taxi offers more comfort and flexibility.
Sur Dhow Shipyard: Sur is famous for its traditional dhow (wooden boat) building, and visiting the shipyard is a must to see the craftsmanship and learn about the city’s maritime history.
Al Ayjah Watchtower: A beautiful, historical tower with stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding areas.
Sur Corniche: A picturesque waterfront area with a promenade, perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the views of the sea.
Sur Fort (Al Khamis Fort): A well-preserved fort that offers a glimpse into the region’s military history and an excellent vantage point of the city.
Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve: A protected area famous for its nesting sites for endangered sea turtles, with guided tours to witness turtles nesting.
Wadi Shab: A stunning wadi with turquoise pools, waterfalls, and hiking trails, ideal for a refreshing dip and an outdoor adventure.
Wadi Tiwi: A scenic wadi with palm groves, clear waters, and hidden pools, perfect for hiking and swimming.
Sur Beach: A peaceful and serene beach, great for a day of relaxation or a swim in the Arabian Sea.
Bibi Maryam’s Tomb: A historical site where you can see the tomb of a famous figure in Omani history.
Niswa Fort: A short drive from Sur, this fort offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape and is an excellent representation of Oman’s history.
Visit the Sur Dhow Shipyard: Watch the traditional dhow ships being constructed by skilled craftsmen, a centuries-old tradition.
Stroll along the Sur Corniche: Enjoy a relaxing walk along the coastline, with great views and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
Explore Al Ayjah Watchtower: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Sur and the sea beyond.
Hike and Swim at Wadi Shab: Take a hike through the wadi and swim in the natural pools surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Tour Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve: Witness the fascinating sight of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, especially from April to September.
Relax on Sur Beach: Spend a day at this quiet beach, swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a picnic.
Explore Wadi Tiwi: Hike through this beautiful wadi and enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear pools.
Visit Sur Fort (Al Khamis Fort): Explore this historical fort for insights into the military history of Oman.
Discover Bibi Maryam’s Tomb: Learn about the history and significance of this tomb located in the area.
Visit the Old Town of Sur: Wander through the old city to admire its traditional Omani architecture and local life.
Luxury:
Sur Plaza Hotel: A comfortable, mid-range hotel with good facilities and great service.
Al Faisal Hotel: A modern hotel offering spacious rooms and amenities for a comfortable stay.
Mid-Range:
Ibra Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel that offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities.
Beach Hotel: Located close to Sur Beach, this is a good mid-range option with beautiful sea views.
Budget:
Al Ahlam Hotel Apartments: A more affordable option offering good service and simple, clean rooms.
Sur Hotel: A low-cost hotel in a central location, close to the town center and beach.
Traditional Omani Cuisine:
Bait Al Fandi Restaurant: Known for serving authentic Omani dishes such as Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), Mashuai (fish with rice), and Harees (meat and wheat stew).
Al Marsa Restaurant: A great place for Omani and Arabic food with seafood options and local delicacies.
Casual Dining & Cafés:
Al Jazeera Restaurant: Offers a mix of traditional Middle Eastern and international dishes, including shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats.
Shatti Restaurant: Located near the beach, offering great seafood and a variety of local and international options.
Fine Dining & International Cuisine:
Sur Beach Resort Restaurant: A fine-dining experience offering fresh seafood and international cuisine, with stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Al-Aqsa Restaurant: Known for its high-quality dishes, both local and international, served in a beautiful environment.
Local Delicacies to Try:
Shuwa – Traditional slow-cooked lamb marinated in spices, served during special occasions.
Mashuai – A delicious rice and fish dish, typically served with dried shrimp.
Dates & Omani Coffee – A staple in Omani hospitality, dates are often served with traditional Omani coffee flavored with cardamom.
Halwa – A sweet, sticky dessert made from dates, sugar, and ghee.
Omani Hospitality: Omanis are famous for their warm hospitality, and visitors are often greeted with Arabic coffee and dates as a sign of respect.
Traditional Crafts: Sur is known for its dhow shipbuilding, a centuries-old tradition that visitors can learn about at the Sur Dhow Shipyard.
Dress Modestly: Oman is a conservative country, so it’s advisable to dress modestly, especially in public areas and religious sites.
Arabic Language: Arabic is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Islamic Culture: Oman is an Islamic country, so visitors should be respectful of Islamic practices, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Local Festivals: Sur hosts various traditional festivals, including maritime-related events celebrating Oman’s seafaring history.