Fodor's Expert Review Tanuf

Tanuf, about 20 minutes outside of Nizwa, was a simple but functional village up until the 1950s when the ancient town was destroyed by British bombs on the orders of the former sultan during the Jabal Akhdar wars. The ruins that remain are eerily beautiful, and the wadi that feeds the Al Falaj system is a wonderful place for a quick hike. About 15 minutes down the wadi, you can find another small but inhabited village that is quite picturesque. Other than a small signboard with a brief history, there are no facilities at this sight.