Exploring Bahrain In Summer: Activities And Adventures

Bahrain is a small country in the Arabian Gulf, made up of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. It's a popular tourist destination, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. So, what can you do in Bahrain during the summer?

For starters, you can explore the country's rich history and culture. This includes visiting archaeological ruins like the Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bahrain National Museum, which showcases over 6000 years of history. You can also wander through the Manama Souk, a large open-air market that offers a cultural experience with its traditional goods and foods.

If you're looking for some fun in the sun, Bahrain has several beaches, like Al Jazayer, Budaiya, and Karbabad. You can also enjoy water sports and activities such as snorkelling, jet skiing, and kayaking. For a unique experience, try indoor skydiving at Gravity in Zallaq.

Bahrain also has a thriving food scene. Sample traditional Bahraini cuisine with a modern twist at restaurants like Saffron By Jena, or indulge in sweet treats like halwa Bahraini.

There are plenty of other attractions too, including the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain Fort, and the Tree of Life, a standalone tree in the desert. With its mix of ancient ruins, modern cities, and island retreats, Bahrain has something for everyone.

Explore the capital, Manama, and its markets, museums and galleries

Markets

• Manama Souq: A labyrinthine market with a tight knot of narrow streets and alleyways where traders sell a wealth of goods, from heady spices and perfumes to gold and sheesha bottles.
• Bab el-Bahrain Souk: A market where you can purchase gold jewellery, spices, clothing, bags and luggage.
• Gold City: A two-level shopping destination with over 100 shops offering a variety of jewellery designs, including Indian, antique, traditional, Arabic, Turkish and Singaporean styles.
• Central Fish Market: A bustling market where you can find fresh seafood, including local favourites like shashlik and kababs.
• Central Vegetable Market: A market offering local and imported produce at reasonable prices.

Museums

• Bahrain National Museum: A museum showcasing 6000 years of Bahrain's history, including the Hall of Dilmun Graves, Hall of Tylos and Islam, Hall of Documents and Manuscripts, Hall of Customs and Traditions, and Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts.
• Beit Al Quran: A museum with an excellent collection of ancient Qurans, showcasing Qurans from almost every century since the 7th century.

Galleries

La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art: A beautiful space showcasing regional and international contemporary artists, with regular exhibitions.

Take a boat trip to the Al Dar Islands

Al Dar Islands is a natural beach resort located a short boat ride from Sitra, Fisherman's Port. It is one of Bahrain's natural beaches nestled around a lagoon and artificial reef.

The island offers a range of activities, including jet skiing, pedal boats, kayaking, snorkelling, and more. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or bars on the island, such as Jack & Joe's Restaurant.

There are several accommodation options available, from basic beach huts to exclusive chalets with private beaches. The chalets are located at the far north end of the island, offering a quiet and secluded experience away from the vibrant southern end of the resort.

For an additional fee, you can arrange various trips, including dolphin watching and fishing excursions. The boat captains will take you to the best fishing spots and provide all the necessary equipment and refreshments.

Al Dar Islands is a great option for families, with a dedicated family area and a Kids Zone where adults are only allowed if accompanied by a responsible child.

To get to the islands, you can take a water taxi from Sitra, Fisherman's Port. The ride is approximately eight minutes long, and tickets can be purchased at the Al Dar office at the port.

Visit the Tree of Life in the desert

The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is an iconic symbol of Bahrain and a popular tourist attraction. This lone mesquite tree is hundreds of years old, standing at almost 10 metres high with a full canopy of vibrant green leaves. It is located in the heart of the Arabian Desert, approximately 40 kilometres outside of the capital city of Manama.

The Tree of Life is a natural wonder, as it stands alone on a sandy knoll in a dry and barren landscape, with no known freshwater sources nearby. Various theories exist about how the tree sustains itself, with some speculating that its roots reach deep underground to access water, while others believe it draws moisture from the morning dew, the sand, or even oil. Its resilience has puzzled locals and scientists alike, and it has become a symbol of endurance, strength, and the resilience of life.

To get to the Tree of Life, it is recommended to travel in a 4x4 or similar vehicle due to the desert conditions and potential soft sand traps. Head East on the Zallaq Highway, which will become the Al-Muaskar Highway. Turn right at the intersection signposted for the Tree of Life, and then right again before the steep hill. There should be more signs directing you to the tree, which you will be able to see in the distance. Take the dirt path at Well 371, and keep your vehicle on the path to avoid getting stuck in soft sand.

The Tree of Life is a fascinating and mysterious natural landmark, providing a sense of awe and inspiration to those who visit. It is a testament to the power of nature and a reminder of the ability of life to thrive even in the most challenging environments.

Discover ancient ruins, including Bahrain Fort

Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, is an ancient tell and former Portuguese military fortification in Manama, Bahrain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fort was built on an artificial mound, or tell, created by successive occupations dating back to 2300 BC. The first Bahrain Fort was constructed around three thousand years ago on the northeastern peak of Bahrain Island. The present fort dates from the 6th century AD.

Qal'at al-Bahrain was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, which was the ancestral place of Sumerians and a meeting point of gods, according to the Epic of Gilgamesh. The archaeological site has revealed much about the history of the country, with the area thought to have been occupied for around 5,000 years.

Excavations at the fort have uncovered streets, residential structures, and monuments from 2300 BC surrounded by a protective wall, a further fortification dated 1450 BC, a temple from the Iron Age, sanitation systems, lavish residences, and several sarcophagi. The site has been continuously occupied from 2300 BC to the 18th century.

The fort is named after the Portuguese fort found in the northern part of the site, which was constructed in the early 16th century. In 1561, under Portuguese rule, it became a significant military installation, protecting trade routes from Africa, India, and Europe.

Bahrain Fort is incredibly well-preserved, allowing visitors to appreciate its history and former structures. It is supported by a modern visitor centre and a museum, which opened in February 2008, showcasing artefacts discovered at the site across five different historical periods, each within its own separate gallery.

Enjoy the beach and water sports

Bahrain has plenty of beaches and water sports to offer, from public beaches to private resorts, and from water parks to snorkelling and scuba diving.

If you're looking for a public beach, try Al Jazayer beach in Zallaq, a favourite among locals, or the private Solymar Beach on Amwaj Island. For ultimate relaxation, you can rent beach huts at Al Dar Islands for the day. These islands are a great retreat from the city, with boat taxis running from Sitra Marina. The resort also organises activities such as fishing, dolphin-watching, and pearl-collecting.

Bahrain Bay is a good option if you're looking for entertainment near the centre of Manama, while the largest beach is Al Jazayer. Budaiya, Malkiya and Diraz offer natural beauty and more secluded locations. For parties, try Solymar, a beach club offering international cuisine, water sports, and afternoon parties. Marassi Beach and Budaiya Beach are also great alternatives, with floating water parks, restaurants, and water sports available for a small fee.

For water sports, Beach Culture in Bahrain offers non-motorised activities such as paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and SUP yoga. They also offer awesome 'chill' beach sessions, such as a sunset kayak exploration followed by a beach BBQ at Nurana Beach.

Bahrain is also home to two large water parks: Wahoo! and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun. Wahoo! is the Middle East's first indoor-outdoor water park, located within the Bahrain City Centre mall. The Lost Paradise of Dilmun is set over a whopping 77,000 square metres of desert oasis and features more than 20 extensive slides, pools, and fountains.

If you're looking for something more extreme, try indoor skydiving at Gravity in Zallaq, or kite surfing on 'Kite Beach' in Amwaj. Extreme Sportz Beaucraft, based at Lagoona Beach Hotel in Budaiya, offers activities such as flyboards, x-jet sidewinders, jetovators, and hoverboards.

For scuba diving, the sites and oyster beds near Muharraq are a Unesco Heritage Site. Diving was only recently opened up to tourists and requires a diving pass and a booking with a licensed diving centre. Dives last for two hours and you are allowed to collect up to 60 oysters, keeping any pearls that you find.

Bahrain also has plenty of islands to explore, with boat trips available from the Bahrain Yacht Club, Al Bander Resort, the Marina Club, and Amwaj Marina.

Frequently asked questions