Travel

Why Bahrain is the Ultimate Travel Destination

Marc Gordon
Jan 06, 2020

Even if you’re an avid traveler, chances are you haven’t yet experienced the magical land that is Bahrain. A country built upon an island, this Middle Eastern paradise is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. Due to its island location, the country’s capital Manama is not your average bustling metropolis. Instead, this relaxed city effortlessly blends desert chill with cosmopolitan chic. One small tip – don’t go during the summer, as Bahrain is prone to extreme heat and desert winds during these warmer months. It’s recommended to visit during the winter when temperatures hover around 60 to 70 degrees. Luckily, the water is warm all year round.

There are many activities to indulge in once you’re in Bahrain. Perhaps the most popular pastime among tourists is hitting up some of the beaches on the island’s dazzling shoreline. One such beach is Jazair Beach. A little over 30 minutes out of Manama, Jazair is less crowded than other beaches, making it the perfect place to relax and work on your tan line. It’s also a great place to try snorkeling and sailing. Jarada beach is another beloved spot. Known as the disappearing island, this beach is basically one giant sand dune, making it the ideal spot for a cool Instagram post. Due to the nature of this beach, one can only reach it by boat.

mosque at sunset

Getty Images/ac productions

Don’t leave Bahrain without stopping to admire the gorgeous Muslim architecture and buildings that are strewn across Manama. Al Fateh Grand Mosque should definitely be on your list. One of the biggest mosques in the world, Al Fateh has a capacity of 7,000 people. It is also famous for having the largest fiberglass dome in the world. Beit Al Quran, translating to “House of Quran” in Arabic, is a great place to go and learn about the religion of Islam. With over 50,000 scrolls and manuscripts in every possible language, you’ll definitely walk away feeling well-informed. For a fascinating history of the island and its people, look no further than Bahrain National Museum. Spend the afternoon browsing through 6,000 years of history, coming through ancient artifacts, and learning about ancient civilizations that once lived there, like the Dilmun.

While exploring the island, don’t forget to stop for a quick bite to eat. Or maybe a couple of bites. The city is teeming with classic Middle Eastern flavors. From kebabs to shwarma, to deep-fried falafel balls, there is something delicious sizzling around every corner. While some countries in the Middle East have a reputation of being unsafe for lone or female travelers, such is not the case in Bahrain. The country is known to have very low crime rates, especially when it comes to violent crime. All of these factors make Bahrain one of the top destinations to travel to. The island truly a gem waiting to be discovered.