Oman, the most beautiful and peaceful of the Gulf monarchies, is almost entirely made up of mountains, beaches, and deserts, and is the polar opposite of the luxury on display in neighboring Emirates. “Oman is a fertile land of streams, trees, orchards, and palm groves,” wrote the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta in the 14th century. The statement still holds to this day, and there is no better way to discover the country than through its incredible wadis. They provide freshness, shade, and fruit through irrigation. Here are our top five wadis in Oman.

1. Wadi Bani Khalid
2. Wadi Shab
3. Wadi Tiwi
4. Wadi Arbaeen
5. Wadi Damm

The most popular wadi in the country, nestled between the desert and the coast, is impeccably beautiful and lined with green plots planted with drooping date trees. Bathe in crystal clear waters under the shade of huge mango trees that offer an abundance of colorful fruits. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a sizable natural pool while looking out at a restaurant serving delectable food. At the weekend, escape the crowds by walking through the wadi to more impressive rock pools. Alternatively, walk between the two neighboring and almost deserted villages. These tiny settlements are made up of flat-roofed mud homes with golden-yellow siding, some of which have simple, vibrant frescoes. Going through this impressive landscape will awaken the senses: the purity of the air; the raw majesty of the gorges; the flow of water that flows along the “qanat” (water channels) to irrigate the orchards below; the geometric harmony of the fields; and the sweet scent of roses, pomegranates, figs, and apricots.

To reach another of our top five wadis in Oman, Wadi Shab, where the fresh waters that gush from the mountains merge with the salty waters of the sea, you must, after crossing a body of water by boat, walk through limestone ravines, following the course of the dry river. Then, swim to a cave with a beautiful waterfall where sunlight filters through. Worth it.

Wadi Tiwi can be reached via a road that follows the river, which is lined with date and fig trees, through farmhouses. Here, you can see the intricate network of terraces that have been irrigated and are supported by flat stone slopes, where the water flows. Orchards carved out of the mountainside by farmers who have no fear of heights and canals that run down the mountainside irrigate rose gardens, where butterflies flutter. Visitors can get a taste of rural life in the Sultanate by visiting Wadi Tiwi, also referred to as “the wadi of nine villages.” He arrives at the final town, Mybam, at the mouth of the canyon. Its modest, boxy homes reward residents with breathtaking views because they are perched on a rocky outcrop.

On the eastern side of Mount Hajar, a sizable ravine forms the wadi. Enjoy a lovely stroll to the fountain along the canals. Enjoy the ride in the coolness of the river while hiking and canyoning portions of it. Four villages located on the Wadi’s two banks are well known for growing date palms, bananas, lemons, and mangoes. The hike comes to a stunning Emerald Falls end.

In the Nizwa region, where the fortress proudly displays its Portuguese royalties and spectacular date shops, Wadi Damm is, like many others, a seasonal wadi, where the flow of water depends on rainfall. The landscape is extraordinary, with the magnificent canyon and the rocks sculpted by erosion.