If you’re like me and enjoy wandering around old villages, check out Oman’s ancient settlements of Ibra and Mudayrib.
Ibra is just under two hours from Sur, and Mudayrib is about 10 minutes from Ibra.
Below are a few suggestions for visiting both places.
Ibra
Ibra old city
I stumbled across this place while looking for a coffee shop. This ancient settlement has plenty of traditional mud homes and ruins to explore.
The area is quite large, and I spent about an hour roaming around.
I was impressed with this old city because of the architecture and the fact that it is easy to get lost and wander through the various lanes. This is one of many ancient settlements of Oman.
While walking around, visitors can also go to Bait Darwaza, which looks like a small museum and cafe. I went on a Friday morning, so it was closed, but they open after 4:30 pm.
Ibra souq
The souq sells clothing, fabrics, and more. A women’s souq is also open on Wednesday mornings starting at 6:30.
Women’s souq
The women’s souq sells fabric, clothing, and powders such as sandalwood.
To see another ancient settlement of Oman, drive about ten minutes to Mudayrib.
Mudayrib
The old town is another area to roam around and enjoy the ruins.
Old souq
When walking around, one will notice a sign showing an area that was once a souq with many shops.
There is a morning Friday market near this spot, but I haven’t been.
Fort
On the other side of where the souq was once, wander around the area that was an old fort.
Catch views of date trees and take pictures of old wooden doors.
Exploring and wandering around different alleys and looking at old houses and rooms inside an ancient settlement is an enjoyable experience.
Visiting
To see the Friday market, I suggest arriving around 7 am or visiting the city after 5:00 pm for those wanting coffee at a shop inside an old traditional house with decor, such as hanging clay water pitchers.
Ancient settlements of Ibra and Mudayrib
For those who enjoy exploring, take time to go to Ibra and Mudayrib and get lost inside the ancient cities. Oman has many ancient settlements, but these two should be added to your list.