h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Oman has stacks of gorgeous beaches, most of which are unspoilt. Around the capital area, they are getting more developed with shelters and carparks and are popular destinations for family picnics on Fridays, but the further you travel away from Muscat, the emptier they get - mostly perfect white sand, with a dramatic backdrop of mountains and the odd palm tree here and there. The only things stopping you from having a dip in the shimmering, crystal-clear blue sea are the attention you'll attract if you even THINK about stripping down to your swimming cozzy, and the alarmingly large and abundant jelly fish close to shore.

One of the most interesting is in the North East tip - a protected beach where loggerhead turtles go and lay their eggs. You have to get a permit to go onto the beach and must be accompanied by a ranger at night but it's definitely worth seeing.