Sur - Trading port
Description
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. The springs and aflajs represent tourist attractions in Sur, where there are some small springs in the mountainous areas.
1. Wadi Shab
A trip to Wadi Shab is considered an exciting adventure, involving boat crossings in certain areas and allowing visitors to walk on foot through the mountainous terrain.
2. Wadi Tiwi
Stretching over a distance of 36 km near the mountain village known as Mibam, Wadi Taywi is a fertile valley that passes through several agricultural villages cultivating palm trees and bananas. These villages overlook the towering mountains, and from certain locations, one can also catch a glimpse of the sea coast with its blue waters from an elevated perspective.
3. Castles and Forts
Sur is considered one of the oldest ports and maritime cities in the world. It is located on the eastern coast, approximately 310 km from the capital, Muscat, making it the largest city in the Eastern Governorate. The Portuguese occupied Sur in the 16th century until it was reclaimed during the reign of the Ya'aruba dynasty, thanks to Imam Nasser bin Murshid, in the 17th century AD. The city of Sur played a vital role in trade exchanges between Oman, East Africa, and India through its port, which served as an import and export station for various goods. It was also an important center for boat and ocean-crossing ship manufacturing, such as the "baghla" and "ghunja".
4. Al Ayjah Lighthouse
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. 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.