Bahrain Guide
A tiny oasis in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is distinctly Arabian in character, with its traditional souks and ancient mosques. The island state has a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, however, and a relatively liberal attitude, making travelling here a joy.
The capital, Manama, is a compact city of bustling markets and gleaming skyscrapers rising out of the sand on the north-eastern tip of Bahrain's main island. Browse the vibrant stalls of the souk, where you can expect to be offered coffee when engaged in a bartering session. Admire the minarets of the city's mosques peeking through the modern skyline.
Head south to the lush Riffa Golf Club, or see the Arabian oryx, gazelles, and native birds at the Al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary. Beaches are not a feature of Bahrain, but there's good diving around the coast, including pearl diving. Archaeological treasures include the Barbar Temple, built around 3000BC to honour Enki, the god of fresh water, and the Royal Tombs, from the same period and 15 metres tall in places.
Head to Manama's main souk to choose from thousands of bright textiles and have clothes made up: skilled tailors are everywhere. Buy dates, saffron and tobacco here too. Next door is the Gold Souk, where you can find jewellery of all kinds – modern, traditional, stylish or gaudy - for bargain prices. Just west of Manama, buy hand-woven textiles straight from the weaver in the village of Bani Jamra.
Snack on mezze platters of hummus, falafel (chick pea balls) and tabbouleh (cracked wheat salad). Go to a streetside shawarma stall for spit-roast lamb stuffed into soft pitta bread. Instead of drinking alcohol, Bahrainis relax in cafés to puff on shisha pipes filled with fruit-flavoured tobacco and to sip potent coffee served in tiny cups. Try arak, a grape soft drink flavoured with aniseed. For the fanciest restaurants, head to the sophisticated Adliya district.
Time your visit to coincide with the annual Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, which started in 2004. The world descends on the island for three days of racing and festivities, making it a lively time to visit. Securing the event was a big coup for Bahrain, making it the first Middle Eastern country to host a Formula One Grand Prix.
