It’s a destination shrouded in mystery, with soaring skyscrapers and intimidating desert landscapes. But what is Bahrain like for a holiday? Should you experience it for yourself? We sent our travel expert, India, to find out and report back.  Have you ever wondered “What is Bahrain like for a holiday?” We definitely have. From a gorgeous city centre and glitzy Formula One track to miles of gorgeous golden sand beaches. There’s so much to discover in this intriguing country. All you need to do is touch down and go exploring.  This awesome island sounds so good that we sent one of our intrepid travel experts, India, to discover the magical spot where the shining city meets the sand. So, here’s what you can expect from a holiday in Bahrain.  A Little Bit About Bahrain Located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain is another Middle Eastern superpower sitting majestically in the Arabian Gulf. Packed with history and charm, its streets are buzzing with life around traditional souks and majestic mosques. Juxtaposed beautifully against the antiquated sites are dazzling high-rises glinting in the daily sunshine.  For centuries this hidden gem was a key trading post for spices, clothing, cloth and pearls. Fast forward to today, and it’s a cool mix of old and new. Wander through ancient forts or hit up trendy shops and restaurants in the capital, Manama. In the old capital of Muharraq you find the Amwaj Islands, these manmade isles feature luxurious all-inclusive resorts, as well as a clutch of shops, vibrant nightlife and chic restaurants. Plus, out on the Amwaj Islands, you find another resort centre, Diyyar Al Muharraq. Another bustling area full to the brim with adventures and fun things to do.  As it continues to grow, Bahrain is becoming even more of a hotspot for holidaymakers. Our travel expert, India, discovered the destination for herself and here’s why she thinks you’ll love it for your next escape.  What is Bahrain like for a holiday?  As one of the 10 richest countries in Asia, you might be thinking that a holiday in Bahrain looks similar to escapes in another country occupying a spot on that list – the United Arab Emirates – and in many ways you’d be right.  However, where the is its commitment to retaining traditional sights like the souks and mosques. The country is absolutely beautiful, so clean and spacious, and the potential is unbelievable. Not to mention the perpetual sunshine and holidays in Manama are more cost effective when compared to Dubai. As we mentioned, the weather in Bahrain is perpetually incredible, the locals are super friendly and the cuisine is mouthwatering. I recommend taking the chance to try some Bahrain dishes during your escape. If you don’t get the chance to do this in the city then most all-inclusive hotels in Bahrain feature a buffet restaurant with themed evenings when local fare sit highly on the menu.  Moreover, if it’s great cuisine you value most on holiday, then getting out into Manama is a great option. The streets here are teeming with incredible restaurants from traditional cafes to high-end restaurants showcasing gastronomic delights from around the world.  When is the Best time to Visit Bahrain? As with most escapes, you need to ensure that you time your holiday to Bahrain right. The best time to travel to Bahrain is from October – March. The temperature slowly starts to rise from January to March ranging between 20-25°C. But, as we move into spring, it tends to jump into the early 30s.  Because much of the island is covered by the Sakhir Desert, in the summer months (June, July and August) temperatures can hit anywhere up to 45 degrees. The resort pools might offer a nice cooling oasis. So, now you know why and when to go to Bahrain. How about we tell you more about how to get there! Travelling to Bahrain With Gulf Air I flew to Bahrain with Gulf Air. Gulf Air is one of the smaller airlines but, crucially, they offer a direct service from the UK to Bahrain. Most airlines flying into Manama operate with a break in the schedule. So flying with Gulf Air means you have the opportunity to cut down your travel time by around 3 hours.  Gulf Air flights offer economy, extra legroom and business class seating and every seat comes with luxurious touches like a TV, reclinable chair and food & drink served on board. I travelled in business class for my experience and couldn’t fault the service. I’d recommend upgrading to business class as you get lots of extra space, a fully flat bed and a gourmet menu.  One final bonus to the Bahrain journey is the minimal transfer time. Because all flights into the country touchdown in Muharraq, the journey from the airport to the north side (where most of the all-inclusive resorts are) only takes around 10-15 minutes. The south of the island does also offer some all-inclusive resorts, but you should expect longer transfer times of around 20-25 minutes.  Visit the Top Attractions in Bahrain Our Itinerary Suggestions One of the common misconceptions when visiting this part of the world is that there will be limited things to do in Bahrain. But nothing could be further from the truth. Because Bahrain is an island, the stunning cities and beautiful beaches converge to create a multitude of opportunities to fill up your itinerary. Let’s take a look at our top recommendations for attractions in Bahrain now.  Formula 1 track  Bahrain fort Jarada Island Shopping Mosques  Pearling trail Awesome beaches Formula 1 Track One of the main tourist attractions in Bahrain is the Formula One Track and the Bahraini government recently signed the longest F1 extension contract in history – keeping an F1 race in the country every year until 2036. Plenty of time to get your trip booked then! Of course, the Grand Prix is a huge pull for sports fans across the world, attracting around as many as 100,000 race fans to the Middle East every year. But, you don’t have to touchdown at race time to experience the […]

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