Bahrain – Always warmer

You probably already know about Bahrain’s sun-kissed climate, but how about the warmth of its culture, hospitality and people? This is your guide to Bahrain’s best bits, from outdoors adventures under sunny skies, to the best ways to befriend the heart-warming locals.

Bahrain – an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf – offers dreamy beach holidays starring idyllic shores, watersports and incredible wildlife. Beach-lovers have plenty of choice here, including public stretches of sand and private slices of paradise attached to the luxurious hotels and resorts. Try beach volleyball or just unfurl your towel and stretch out at Bahrain Jazair Beach (near the Zallaq area) or Marassi Beach, two of Bahrain Island’s most popular public beaches.

Prefer island-hopping to beach-lazing? Join a boat trip and sail from island to island. Couples can make a beeline for romantic Jarada Island, which appears in the ebb and vanishes in the tide. Al Dar Islands is Bahrain’s natural beach resort and the nearest getaway from the city, offering a variety of watersports and beach activities.

Stay in the water to meet some of Bahrain’s finned and feathered locals. Hawar Islands attract dolphins and flamingos to their calm waters.
Bahrain is famous for its ponderous dugongs (aka sea cows); at certain times of the year, herds of up to 100 of these gentle giants can be spotted swimming majestically in the Arabian Gulf.

Back on dry land, continue to enjoy the wonderfully warm weather by making the most of Bahrain’s al fresco dining scene. Head to Block 338, a fashionable quarter of Manama’s Adliya neighbourhood that’s packed with art galleries, cafés and restaurants. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink, but some firm favourites include: Attic for its roof terrace overlooking the city skyline; Coco’s for creative salads and iced tea, and the Orangery Tearoom & Patisserie, which has a beautiful outside seating area and serves a faultless saffron French toast (among other treats).