Experience the best of Nizwa

Nizwa stands in an oasis of date palms in the interior of Oman, where the Hajar Mountains meet the desert plain, and was once the capital of the country and a centre of learning and religion. The massive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century, has a tall round tower, and from its roof there is a view across the palms and the mountains. Beside it lies the souk, where silver daggers, pottery, halwa and dates are sold.

On Fridays the souk hosts a livestock market, where goats and cattle are auctioned. Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, rises north of town to terraced villages that grow pomegranates and roses. Jabreen Castle and Bahla Fort, the latter listed by UNESCO, are within a short drive, and Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, has a deep canyon at its foot. Falaj channels, ancient irrigation systems, still carry water to the palm gardens.

Shuwa, lamb marinated in spices and cooked slowly in an underground oven, is the dish for festivals, and Omani halwa, a sticky sweet of sugar, rosewater and nuts, is served with kahwa, coffee flavoured with cardamom, and dates. Summers are fiercely hot, and the months from October to March are the most pleasant.