I have returned from Nizwa, taking the same bus journey but in reverse. Having moved Airbnb locations, I now find myself in a part of the city that has accessible and great beaches. Always looking for opportunities to get my toes in the sand, this is what I have discovered. Three of the best beaches in Muscat Oman and each quite different from the next.
Athaiba Beach
My location now is between the Grand Mosque and the seaside; in fact, it only takes me about 10 minutes to walk to Athaiba Beach from my house. Not knowing what to expect, I decide to turn right when I hit the sand. Here I find a beautiful stretch of clean tan coloured sand with patches of shells! What a lovely surprise. Within one minute of bending down, I can select a handful of treasures. There is hardly a soul in sight in the mornings, making it the perfect spot to have a peaceful walk each day.
Continuing this direction, I will pass the Chedi Hotel and shortly after that find a park with green space, campers and more activity including jet skiing. This area named Ghubrah Beach Park looks like it would be a lively place in the evenings, once the temperatures have cooled. Weekends too might be busy.
As I walk, I notice the fishermen’s huts along this stretch. They will have come and gone long before sunrise and now their boats and the lowly cats are what remain for the rest of the day. Walk up and behind the boats and see a beautiful old wooden fishing vessel. A man approached me here and told me that his grandfather would have used such a boat as this.
Qurum Beach
If you google beaches in Muscat this one will most likely pop up. It’s a wider stretch of sand and a gentle slope into the sea. Qurum can get quite busy on weekends and is definitely a hang out spot at sunset. In fact the boulevard that runs parallel is called ‘Love Street’ because at sunset it’s the place for couples to dine at any one of the restaurants on that street.
The sand here is a lovely golden colour with clean clear water. Again, I regularly come across pockets of shells and can quickly gather a handful of great ones within a minute or two.
Walk to the end and the beach turns into a natural mangrove. A protected area, it is interesting to see the change in the sand which becomes quite squishy. And the smell is definitely full of sulfurous odors. Walk up behind the mangroves and see the Qurum fishermen’s huts too.
Not far from here is Qurum Nature Park, an oasis of green in the city. If you are looking for some quiet, fresh green grass and a beautiful long walk, this park is the place to find that.
Muscat Beach
Leaving my favourite for last, walk down to Athaiba or Azaiba and turn left this time. This long stretch of sand can theoretically take you to the airport. Here you will see all sorts of amazing sights.
Much more active with fishermen first of all. One day I came down and a boat was just departing full of traps. Another had just pulled onto shore with a load of barracuda! The gents even offered me one ‘for free’. What a friendly lot.
Walk past the fishing boats and you will reach an area that vehicles are driving on the sand. I see a few walkers each time but not many. It really is a lovely beach to explore all sorts of sights. The most intriguing? This fishermen’s huts!
Fisher Hangouts
Every so often, there is a small camp sort of set up. Old furniture, carpets, a picture of the sultan, some small tables and cushions. Each one is a little different and some more humble than others. I was really fascinated by these. Most were vacant by mid morning, but I imagine earlier, closer to sunrise, they might be populated.
One in particular stands out however, and I still think of it almost every day for it is just that unique. The door is what caught my eye first, that shade of blue a favourite of mine. As I approached the seating area, I was quite taken aback by how organized and groovy the whole place is. There is even a resident cat!
Now around the corner is where things get interesting. That door is surrounded by wooden shelving and that is absolutely loaded with treasures from the sea. All sorts of shells, bones, carcasses, skins, and a whole lot of oddities and curiosities. Right up my alley.
Suspended from the ceiling is a whale vertebra and on a pole is a huge head of a ray, drying in the breeze and sunshine. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Above the blue door is a built-in cage of birds! Extraordinary.
I had no idea what to expect when I began exploring the beaches here in Muscat. Most of the year, it would be too hot to be outside like this, but now in the cooler months, this is a perfect way to begin my days. And oh the sights I have seen and the people I have met! Wonderful, just wonderful.
