Sur

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Sur Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: October to April Read More

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"Reset by the Turquoise Beaches"

Sur Tourism

Sur is a city that is best known for the craftsmanship associated with boats or traditional 'Dhows'. Shipbuilding, particularly building wooden ships is a trade that is a part of Sur’s rich heritage. Sur is the second wealthiest city in Oman, with a population of around 120,000 residents. Sur is the perfect place to sunbathe on the exotic beaches and indulge in some local delicacies. It has a lot of attractions where one can go to experience the rich Omani culture. Sur is the base for many day trip destinations like Ras-Al-Hadd, Wadi Shab, Wahiba Sands and many more.

The Lighthouse, the Old town, Bila Sur Castle Ayjah watchtowers are a few that must not be missed. It is best suited for those who have a keen interest in culture and heritage. Explore the ancient city of Qalhat,  appreciate the ancient architecture of 'Bibi Maryam Tomb', watch turtles at Ras al Jinz Reserve, learn about the maritime history of Oman at the Marine museum, trek through the mountains to reach Wadi Shab, and so much more. Sur is a great place to immerse oneself in the unique atmosphere along the Corniche, and to enjoy the picturesque view of the Arabian Sea.

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History of Sur

Sur was one of the most important trading ports in Oman. A historically important trading port, Sur’s place as a commercial hub was even noted by Ibn Batuta. Sur's Dhow yards are world-famous and is also considered as the home of the great 'Sinbad' the Sailor. The city has a reputation for being one of the great shipbuilding communities of the ancient world and has had trading relations with China and India from the 6th century.

Culture in Sur

Ship-building (Dhow-building) is a tradition and way of culture and life in Sur. It is a city where craft thrives and also serves as the pride of the people who live there. Sur has rich cultural values and hospitality is clearly one of them. People in Sur are very welcoming and consider hospitality as a mark of high esteem. Traditional Sur attire includes the 'Dishdasha' - a long white collarless gown for men and the Sirwal, a long dress with trousers, worn along with a Lihaf, a head-scarf for women.

Shopping in Sur

Must buy items in Sur, Oman:
  • Omani perfumes are world-renowned and have been for centuries, and perfumeries have long-since been a part of Omani heritage.
  • The Khanjar, an Omani dagger, is an artefact that epitomises Oman's rich traditions and their link to the past and can be bought as souvenirs from many traditional souvenir stores.
Ibra Souq: This is a local spice-market and is a must-visit attraction that allows visitors to take in all the bold scents, sounds, flavours, and colours of this ancient city.

Nightlife in Sur

There aren't any nightclubs or dance bars that party-goers can revel into the early hours of the morning, but Sur has a vibrant nightlife in its own right. The Al-Ayjah Harbour lights up after the sun sets and watching the city lights dance on the brooding waters is truly a sight to behold.

Food in Sur

Being an old town that holds rich it's Omani roots, Sur has strongly retained its Arabian charm. With many local restaurants keeping the locals and tourists happy, one must try the local delicacies here.

Top eateries in Sur are:
1. Sahari Restaurant:
2. Zaki
3. Sur Sea Restaurant
4. Al Bustan Restaurant

Currency in Sur

Currency in Oman can be exchanged at banks and other exchange houses of the Sultanate. Al Jadeed Exchange corporate office, Oman UAE Exchange, Modern Exchange, HSBC Bank are a few exchange houses of Sur that give the most competitive rates. Although ATMs are available almost everywhere it is advised that visitors use the ATMs that are attached to banks to avoid instances of bank fraud.

The rial is the currency of Oman. The currency code for rial is OMR. At the time of writing, the exchange rate stands at 1 OMR = 2.60 USD.

How to Reach Sur

One has to take a flight to Muscat; the capital city of Oman and then drive or take a bus or a taxi to Sur. It is approximately 200 kilometres away from Muscat and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by road.

Suggested Itinerary for Sur

One-Day Itinerary:
Visit the Bilad Sur Castle after which you can drop a visit to the iconic Dhow factory. After a nice traditional Arabian lunch at one of the many local restaurants, you can visit the Sur Lighthouse for fantastic views of the city and the sea. In the evening during sunset, visit the Sur Corniche. Then drive back to Muscat. 

Two-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: After a two-hour drive from Muscat, start the day by visiting the Bilad Sur Castle and the Sunaysila Castle.  After a nice traditional Arabian lunch at one of the many local restaurants, you can visit the Sur Lighthouse for fantastic views of the city and the sea. In the evening during sunset, visit the Sur Corniche. 

Day 2: Visit the Ras-Al-Jinz Turtle Reserve in the morning, post-lunch, you can visit the Maritime Museum and the Dhow factory. Then drive back to Muscat.

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Sur, Oman
 Sur - Port City of Oman
Magnificent Night View of Sur Corniche
Maritime Museum - Open Air Museum in Sur

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FAQs on Sur

What is the best time to visit Sur?

The best time to visit Sur is between October and April as these months are comparatively cooler. And more specifically, November and February are the months when there are fewer tourists around and also the hotels are cheaper. 'Muscat festival', held annually in February, is a month-long celebration of Omani culture and art, making February one of the most suitable and beautiful time to visit.
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What are the things to do in Sur?

The top things to do in Sur are Bilad Sur Castle, Dhow Factory, Al Ayjah Fort , Sur Maritime Museum, Al Ayjah Lighthouse , Sur Corniche. You can see all the places to visit in Sur here

What are the places near Sur?

The top places near to Sur are Muscat which is 159 km from Sur, Sur wadi shab which is located 43 km from Sur, Wahiba sands which is located 159 km from Sur, Barka which is located 205 km from Sur, Bahla which is located 228 km from Sur

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