Khorfakkan is a small town located on a picturesque bay near the Gulf of Oman in UAE. If you are craving pristine nature and the outdoors, then you must go on a one-day trip to this paradise near Dubai. It is not just the scenery here that is beautiful, but there are quite a few tourist attractions near the Khorfakkan beach which are also stunning.
Quick details about Khorfakkan
- Dubai to Khorfakkan distance: 135 km or 1.5 hours drive
- Sharjah to Khorfakkan distance: 110 km or 1 hour drive.
- Abu Dhabi to Khorfakkan distance: 264 km or 3 hours drive.
- Best time to visit Khorfakkan: Visit in the winter months from Oct to Feb. It might still get hot during the day, so it’s better to visit in the early mornings or late evenings.
- Transport: There is no reliable public transport in this region, so it is best to drive your own car to all these places. You can also hire a shared cab from Dubai, where they will take you to all the places to visit in Khorfakkan.
- Food and Snacks: There are several food chain restaurants near Khorfakkan beach.
Places to visit in Khorfakkan
Khorfakkan beach
This is the most beautiful beach that I have ever seen in UAE. The sparkling turquoise water of the ocean here matches perfectly with the towering Hajar mountains in the background. And the crescent-shaped beach has the most perfect sand. I couldn’t resist dipping my toes in the waters and I definitely didn’t want to leave this place. This beach is quite closer to Oman, and it is a good spot for kayaking, fishing, and parasailing. Moreover, snorkelers and divers love it for its coral reef and diverse aquatic life.
To sum it up in a single word – paradise.
Khorfakkan Waterfalls
Khor fakkan waterfalls are located just on the side of the main road opposite Khorfakkan beach. They are beautiful and they do add a cool vibe to the environment. But they are 100% manmade. The waterfalls are built on the mountain rocks on the side of the road, where water falls from a height of 45 meters. Nevertheless, a small walk along the waterfalls is soothing.
Khorfakkan Amphitheatre
Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is located just next to the waterfalls. It is a large amphitheatre set in with a backdrop of the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other side. The place is massive and it reminded me of Roman amphitheatres and ruins. It is like a modern mix of Roman and Middle Eastern architecture. This spot is definitely Instagram-worthy, and you can get some really amazing clicks here.
Al Rafisah Dam
Al Rafisah dam is an old dam which was built to stop the water of a seasonal stream flowing through these mountains. It is very pretty with its dark green waters. It is surrounded by mountains and the main road runs just parallel to it. You can enjoy kayaking, boating and paddle boarding here. The dam is surrounded by pretty sidewalks and restaurants. This dam is smaller in comparison to the Hatta dam, but I feel that it is much better because it has more walking and seating space around it. The best time to visit this dam is at sunrise or sunset.
Al Rafisah dam hike
Just next to the dam waters you will notice a small hike going all the way up the hill that has a UAE national flag on the top. This is a simple hike, and it is the perfect place to get stunning views of the dam and the surrounding mountains. Keeping in mind the weather conditions here, this hike can be done only in winter – Oct to Jan. Moreover, you must plan and start this hike early in the morning, so that you can be finished before midday.
Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village
This is a 300-year-old abandoned fort settlement which is now converted into a historical village as a tourist attraction. It gives us an insight into how the older generations lived in this area. Here you can see the old houses that are made from stones and mud, which are more than 100 years old. The charming village is very Instagram-worthy, plus you can get a view of the surrounding landscape.
Shees Park
This place is on the way to Khorfakkan beach. It is really worth stopping here for a moment. As you drive from Dubai to Khorfakkan the scenery changes rapidly. The stark brown mountains appear on both sides of the roads. Shees Park is a beautiful garden created on one of these mountain hills. It is surrounded by towering brown mountains on all sides. There is a lack of greenery in the mountains in this area. And Shees Park really stands out as a magical place. It is best to visit here at sunset time. You must climb the hill to the highest point for a beautiful view.
