Known for its magnificent villages and picturesque terrains, the wilayat of Khasab overlooking the Sea of Oman is located some 570km away from Muscat and can be reached by ferries and also by flights.
Khasab is known for some significant tourist landmarks including islands and khawrs along with many historical monuments. Khasab Fort dates back to the beginning of the era of the Al Said dynasty. The fort was later restored in 1990.
Khasab Fort was built in the seventeenth century and is located in the Kumzar area. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction for those who visit Oman’s northern outpost, access to which is provided both by land, sea and air. Ferry services connect Oman’s mainland to Musandam, while direct flights are available between Muscat and Khasab. There are many natural fjords known as ‘khawr’ in Arabic.
Khawr Sham is located in Khasab and the lagoon covers 20 kilometres. Many villages overlook Khawr Sham, which can be reached only by sea in traditional vessels. Khawr Sham is considered a tourist destination for hiking, camping and watching dolphins.
According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “In the middle of Khawr Sham is a small island called Al Telegraph Island, as in 1860 it was used as a base to connect to the telegraph cable.”
