I’m a sucker for villages. I find that the people are so open, hospitable, friendly, generous and very happy when they see someone who isn’t from there. I also find the feeling of feeling like a tourist in your own country quite funny too.

You would think, by the way I’ve introduced this village, that the village is located 9 hours away from the city, but it’s actually a 2 minute drive from Muttrah. This village is a little bit more special though. It’s tucked away and very easy to miss unless you’re actually looking for it. As you’re driving to the Al Bustan palace hotel from the Sultans Palace, you drive past Sidab until you come across an Oman Oil petrol station. A few steps ahead of the station is a left turning. This is the entrance to Haramel village.

As you drive up the hill, past the makeshift football pitch, and back down the hill, you begin to see houses fill up your view, and a gorgeous beach which comes alive either first thing in the morning with all the fishermen, or late afternoon by all the kids playing football.

Haramel village, similar to many other villages on the coast, is a fishing village. I really do recommend visiting this haven in the early hours of the morning and in the evening for different vibes.

You can meander the little pathways, visit the local store, say hi to the residents and maybe take part in a football match at around 4ishpm. Apart from that, there’s not too much else to see here, but the vibes and unspoiled beauty is remarkable.