The fertile strip of the Batinah Coast to the east of Muscat is wedged between the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman and the towering Hajar mountains. The region is noted for its fine fortresses, lush semi-tropical oases, hot-springs, scenic mountain villages, and magnificent off-road driving experiences. Early morning at the coastal town of Barka presents a colourful scene as the daily catch is brought up the beach by hand to be sold at a lively fish auction. Nearby, at Bait Na’aman examples of traditional irrigation techniques can be seen along with a small fort. The impressive town of Nakhl is the first of three fortress and oasis towns (Nakhl, Rustaq, Al Hazm) that collectively comprise the “Rustaq Loop”. Nakhl’s hot-springs are surrounded by palm trees and are a place of great natural beauty. The town is also the perfect spot for an idyllic picnic lunch! At Rustaq, a onetime capital of Oman, the mighty fort has a pre-Islamic origin, and hot springs bubble to the surface in two great clear pools. Further on, Al Hazm’s fort is considered one of the most beautiful in Oman. If time in Oman is short a visit to Rustaq's tall sand dunes will give you a taste of the desert wilderness. Another opportunity for the adventure seekers is an off-road journey through the extremely scenic Wadi Abyad. Behind Nakhl and Rustaq dramatic roads penetrate into the precipitous Hajar mountains. The route through Wadi Mistal up to the mountain eyrie oasis village of Wakan is spectacular, while the climb through Wadi Beni Awf to beautiful Bilad Sayt and over to Nizwa is considered to be one of the great off-road drives in the country. To the north, the Batinah’s capital of Sohar is claimed to have been the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor. Much of the Batinah Coast is accessible on day trips from Muscat.