Khasab Fort
Khasab, Oman
Khasab Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century in Khasab, the capital of Oman’s peninsula exclave of Musandam. Wedged between two creeks in this quiet city and cruise port, the fort blends seamlessly with the town’s sand-hued mountains and coast, and features a museum, towers, and cultural exhibits.
The basics
Visitors to Khasab Fort pay a modest entrance fee to enter and explore its courtyard, furnished rooms, museum artifacts, and displays of traditional Musandam boats.
The fort features on many Khasab city tours, which typically depart from the town or its cruise port, and can include other local sights such as the scenic Wadi Qada. Another option is to book a Musandam dhow day cruise, most of which originate in Dubai or other UAE cities, and pass the fort on route. Some multi-day Oman tours include a stop to visit Khasab and the fort.
Things to know before you go
Khasab Fort will interest anyone wanting to uncover Oman’s history, culture, and military heritage.
The numerous steps in the fort make exploring difficult for wheelchair users.
Plan to spend about 1–2 hours exploring the fort.
On-site amenities include restrooms and a free car park.
How to get there
Khasab Fort sits north of Khasab Airport near the city’s Lulu Hypermarket. The fort is roughly a 10-minute walk from Khasab cruise terminal, or you can travel in a cab or with a tour. If you’re driving from Oman or the UAE, take the 02 highway along the Musandam peninsula’s west coast and turn left at the second roundabout after Port of Khasab to see the fort. If traveling from Muscat, options include buses, regular flights, and twice-weekly ferries.
When to get there
Khasab Fort is typically open from morning to afternoon from Saturday to Thursday, and for mornings on Fridays. However, it’s advisable to check exact hours before visiting as timings can vary, especially on public holidays. Aim to arrive early to avoid Oman’s high afternoon temperatures. The best season to visit is between November and April, when the climate is cooler.
Must-sees at Khasab Fort
Khasab Fort is unusual for its detached central tower, which offered its defenders sanctuary if the outer walls were breached. Having viewed the tower and its exhibits, don’t miss the bait al quful (date house) and palm-thatched summer house on show in the courtyard. Also worth a look is a traditional local battil boat, distinctive for its shell decorations and coconut-thread stitching.
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