Bahrain Holidays

Translating as ‘Two Seas’ in Arabic, Bahrain is an island nation – which means you’ll have miles upon miles of coastline to enjoy. Tourism to the country is often focused around days spent near, on or in the water, whether it’s jet-skiing, diving or soaking up the rays on the sand.

But holidays to Bahrain aren’t all about the beach. The country’s interior is made up of sweeping desert landscapes, offering a range of unique activities, from visiting camel farms, exploring historical wells and embarking on tours around a 16^th-century colonial fort. The mysterious Tree of Life is also worth a visit, having been an object of intense curiosity for many centuries. A number of legends – including the belief that it’s protected by ancient gods – have seen the tree become a popular tourist attraction.

And no trip to Bahrain would be complete without a visit to the country’s most impressive mosque, Al-Fatih. On a guided tour, you can admire the architecture and see some of Bahrain’s finest examples of interior design.

Coffee plays an important part in social life in Bahrain and, in recent years, there’s been a rise in coffee culture throughout the country. Coffee shops have become increasingly popular meeting places, where the drink – often flavoured with cardamom and saffron – is offered as a sign of hospitality. It’s become an important part of the day-to-day in Bahrain and gives you a great excuse to indulge in typical Bahraini food. Tuck into French-style pastries at Angelina Paris, and order fresh bagels and paninis at the Ministry of Coffee.

Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, is the thriving hub of coffee culture, with trendy modern cafes to traditional Arabian coffee lounges. Whether you’re a java-lover or not, these places are well worth a visit – even if you only soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a spot of people-watching.

Bahrain has lots of family-friendly activities. Wahoo! Waterpark in Manama is one of the most modern waterparks in the Middle East, packed full of games, rides, slides and pools. Centred around the theme of a subtropical paradise, the park includes both indoor and outdoor features, making it great for all children of all ages.

Thrill-seeking families can continue the fun over at Bahrain’s world-class Bahrain International Circuit, where you can enjoy a few laps around the specially-designed go-karting track. Children from the age of seven will have the chance to experience their first adventure on four-wheels, while parents can imagine what it would be like to take part in the Grand Prix by racing around the Formula One track.
For a great blend of Bahraini culture and shopping, visit to Bab Al-Bahrain Souq. Here, you’ll find a string of bustling stalls selling everything from colourful clothing to charming souvenirs.

Winter is the best time for your holiday to Bahrain. During the cooler months from November to April, conditions are perfect for beach days, activities and sightseeing. You can enjoy your time in the sun, without being too hot, as the temperatures range between 22°C and 30°C. April is also when the Formula One Grand Prix occurs – a vastly popular event, since it became the first edition to take place in the Middle East. In winter, you can also watch traditional dancing at the annual Heritage Festival, a celebration of the nation’s local history and culture. 

If you’re planning to travel in spring, it’s worth checking the dates of Ramadan before you book. This holy month moves slightly every year, and you’ll find that the opening hours of cafes and restaurants are more limited during this time, as a lot of Bahrain’s residents observe a fast during daylight hours.

Visa: Visas must be attained before travelling, either online or at the Embassy of Bahrain
Language: Arabic
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Time difference: GMT +3 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight take 7 hours
Capital city: Manama