A small fishing village perched on the Arabian Sea, Al Ashkharah draws anglers and water-sport enthusiasts to its shores. Less crowded than other coastal towns in Oman, the beach resorts still offer a plethora of recreation and dining opportunities. Named for the abundance of al ashkhar "Acaciastrispinose" trees, the region hosts numerous colonies of birds.

Things to do

Watch the bustle of activity along Al Ashkharah’s shoreline, with quaint fishing boats bobbing offshore and fishermen unloading the daily catch at local markets. Anglers can join in the fun by dropping lines or nets from the shore. Alternatively, hire a private boat for deep-sea fishing excursions off the coastline.

The 15 kilometres of sandy beach is undoubtedly the star of the show in Al Ashkharah, with plenty of room for relaxation and watersports. You can rent gear for kite-surfing, windsurfing, diving, surfing or jet-skiing, before kicking back at one of the stone beach huts dotting the strip. Activities on the sand are just as lively, with beach volleyball, football, quad bikes and horseback riding.

Feeling hungry? Head to the northern end of the beach or into the village for freshly caught lobster and other Omani seafood specialties. As the sun sets, you’ll find gatherings of locals and music keeping things lively along the beach.

Getting around

Most travellers to Al Ashkharah arrive by car, with rentals available in Jalan, about 30 kilometres away, or in the larger regions of Sur and Muscat. You can also take a bus to Sur and hire a taxi for the 120-kilometre drive to Al Ashkharah.