Qurum Beach, Muscat: guide

Qurum Beach is Muscat's best-known city beach: a wide stretch of sand between the Crowne Plaza headland and Shatti Al Qurum. It is busy with families, joggers and football games, especially in the late afternoon and at weekends.

What to do

• Walk or run along the beach at sunset.
• Have coffee or dinner at the cafés and restaurants facing the sea.
• Visit Qurum Natural Park across the road, with lakes, gardens and the protected mangroves of the Qurum nature reserve.

Swimming

The water is shallow and calm most of the year, but there are no lifeguards along most of the beach and the sea can be rough in summer. Swim near other people and follow warning flags.

Getting there

Qurum is in central Muscat, just off Sultan Qaboos Street. There is parking along the beach road.

Beach safety and etiquette

Swim only where it is safe: there are few lifeguards, and currents can be strong, especially during the summer monsoon (June to September) when red flags close many beaches. Dress modestly away from hotel beaches, take your rubbish home and never drive on turtle nesting beaches.

Living by the sea

Many of Oman's freehold communities sit on the coast. R2LUX sells beachfront and sea-view homes where foreigners can own; three current listings are below.