Barka Fort
This vast and rambling fort is 800 years old and was originally built for Imam Ahmed bin Said. In 1984 it was fully restored. As you approach the fort you will see the remains of the walls of a much larger compound, the corners of which are marked by semi-ruined round towers. The small door in the huge carved gates leads into a cool dark stairwell. At the top of the stairs the fort opens out and you can then get an idea of the size of this building. Although there are no furnishings other than cannons and cannonballs, and no guide available, you can spend a fascinating few hours wandering around the fort’s towers, prisons and prayer rooms. The towers offer an excellent view of the surrounding area and out to sea. Entrance to the fort is free.

Halban Tombs
The large, beehive-shaped tombs in Halban are believed to date from the Umm an Nar period. They are situated on an elevated coastal terrace at the edge of the Batinah coastal plain and the ophiolite hills, just at the back of the small Halban oasis (an easy drive of about 80 km from Muscat). To get there, take the highway to Sohar and about seven kilometres before Barka, at the ‘Hut’ Roundabout, make a three-quarters turn. Then turn immediately right, and after about one kilometre turn left towards Halban.

Bull butting
Unlike the bullfights of Latin America, Oman's bulls remain living, even in defeat. The butting takes place until one of the bulls is cowed into submission, usually by bending their knees or something of the like. These buttings are pretty low-key, so don't expect a full-on circus like atmosphere, but it is definitely something to take pictures of and an out of the ordinary sight for your "seen it all" eyes.

Diving Centre
Oman dive sites are among the best in the Middle East, with the distinction that the Oman sites are almost untouched by the very few divers who know about the fantastic underwater fauna and flora. Hundreds of different fish species of varying colours and sizes inhabit the reefs at Daymaniyat Islands, a nature reserve paradise to be discovered. Bullfights are the main spectator event in Barka, these take place on Friday afternoons throughout the winter, and fairly large crowds come to the event, which is, by the way, free of charge. To find them, ask at either the Shell or BP station on the edge of town as you drive in.