14 Coastal Towns That Feel Like a Slice of the Mediterranean

10. Muscat, Oman – A Whitewashed Coastal Gem

Muscat, Oman’s enchanting coastal capital, combines Arabian grandeur with Mediterranean elegance, creating a cityscape that feels like a fusion of Santorini, Dubrovnik, and the French Riviera. Unlike the gleaming skyscrapers of other Gulf capitals, Muscat is characterized by low-rise, whitewashed buildings, winding alleyways, and majestic seaside forts that look as if they belong on a postcard from the Aegean or Adriatic. The city’s breathtaking setting—nestled between the turquoise sea and rugged Hajar Mountains—only adds to its allure, much like Dubrovnik’s dramatic cliffside perch or Santorini’s caldera views. The Mutrah Corniche, a lively waterfront promenade, offers stunning sunset views, bustling souks, and charming cafés serving cardamom-scented coffee and fresh seafood—evoking the feel of a Mediterranean port town with a Middle Eastern soul. Muscat’s rich maritime history, visible in its ancient harbors, traditional wooden dhow boats, and grand Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, reflects centuries of cross-cultural exchanges between Arabia, Persia, and the Mediterranean world.