With Eid Al Fitr holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pack your bags and take a short trip away to reboot after Ramadan. Here are our top six Eid escapes to inspire your wanderlust. And the best part – they’re all a hop, skip and a jump from Bahrain.

ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE

Framed by the Taurus Mountains and the bright blue Mediterranean, Antalya is known as the crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera and a favourite for a relaxed coastal break. Kaleiçi, the old town, gives the city oodles of character with its maze of cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels and jasmine-scented courtyards.

Mornings here start slowly, with small cafés offering Turkish coffee and pastries to ease you into the day. There’s no real need for a schedule. Enter through the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Gate and let yourself wander. Stop at Kesik Minare (the Broken Minaret) for a glimpse into Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. Browse small artisan shops selling ceramics, textiles and leather goods, or take a leisurely stroll down the colourful and cheerful Umbrella Street.

Follow the slope downhill towards Kaleiçi Marina, an old Roman harbour, where fishing vessels and wooden gulets bob along the water’s edge. You’ll also find boats for coastal tours, including trips to the Lower Düden Waterfall, which crashes straight into the sea, surprisingly close to the city centre. The area is lively day and night, with plenty of restaurants nearby serving grilled fish and mezze.

Of course, a trip to the beach is practically mandatory. Konyaaltı Beach is popular with its magnificent mountain backdrop, while Lara Beach is lined with resorts. If you’re up for a short drive, the ancient theatre of Aspendos still hosts performances, and families often make a day of The Land of Legends theme park.

Pegasus Airlines: 7h 10m to Antalya | Multiple one-stop flights throughout the week.

DIRIYAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Diriyah offers a perfect short escape that feels close to home but unlike anything you left behind. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, it’s known as the City of Earth and the birthplace of the first Saudi state – instantly recognisable for its traditional mudbrick architecture.

The historic UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district is the centrepiece. Meticulously restored to showcase the Najdi structures that served as the original home of the Al Saud Royal Family, its narrow winding lanes and courtyard houses glow beautifully at sunset. Small museums along the route tell the story of Saudi history, while guided tours are available for more insight.

Nearby, Bujairi Terrace overlooks Wadi Hanifah (once a historic waterway and now one of the largest national parks in the Kingdom) and has become one of Riyadh’s premier dining destinations, featuring refined regional and international cuisine, alongside charming retail shops in an elegant, pedestrianfriendly setting.

Diriyah feels particularly alive this time of year thanks to the ongoing Layali Al-Diriyah, part of the popular Diriyah Season held through winter into early spring. This open-air festival in Al-Murayih runs until March 23, offering gourmet pop-up restaurants, boutique stalls, live performances and art and light installations.

Gulf Air, Saudia, Flynas: 1h 15m | Direct flights throughout the week to Riyadh, then a short 20-minute drive to Diriyah.

KOCHI, INDIA

A historic port city on India’s southwest coast, Kochi is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, offering a tropical retreat with centuries of maritime trade history, evident in its colonial architecture, old spice warehouses and waterfront promenades. Begin exploring at the charming seaside town of Fort Kochi, which showcases a fascinating blend of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, and wander its narrow streets lined with restored homes, art cafés, old churches and wooden shutters. Don’t miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets – watching them dip into the harbour at sunset under swaying coconut palms is the quintessential Kochi moment!

Take a tuk-tuk to Mattancherry to browse its antique shops and spice markets before visiting Paradesi Synagogue, known for its Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles. For a touch of history, visit the neighbouring Mattancherry Palace, home to Ramayana murals and royal artefacts within its Kerala-style interiors. A short walk away is St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, and the more gothic Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, known for its painted ceilings and stained glass.

For a change of scene, take a slow boat ride through the tranquil backwaters of nearby Alleppey to experience traditional village life and lush greenery, or ride a ferry from Fort Kochi jetty to Vypin or Ernakulam for scenic coastal views. In the evenings, catch a Kathakali performance, a 17th-century classical dance-drama with vibrant costumes and elaborate makeup.

Gulf Air: 4h 25m | Multiple direct flights throughout the week.

MUNICH, GERMANY

Described as Die Weltstadt mit Herz (The World City with a Heart), Munich immediately puts you at ease. Lacking the frantic pace of Berlin, it offers a leisurely, high-end charm, and its efficient transport, compact centre and reassuring sense of order mean you can maximise your time from the moment you arrive.

Begin in Marienplatz, the heart of the city, where the historic Glockenspiel still marks the hour above the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall. Viktualienmarkt market provides a lively introduction to Bavarian flavours, from artisanal cheeses and sausages to seasonal fruit. From there, you can stroll through the old town’s arcades and bakeries, where a soft pretzel and coffee can easily stretch into an hour of people-watching. Then explore the luxury boutiques on Maximilianstraße – window-shopping at its finest.

The Englischer Garten, one of the world’s largest urban parks in the centre of the city, offers cycling and jogging trails along shaded paths. Join the locals in a hops garden under chestnut trees or watch surfers riding the Eisbach river wave.

If you prefer palaces to parks, the Residenz München is the largest city palace in Germany, while the Baroque Nymphenburg’s long canals and manicured gardens make for a lovely afternoon stroll. Art lovers can explore the galleries of Kunstareal’s museum quarter, including the centuries-old Alte Pinakothek, while culture enthusiasts can visit the modern BMW Welt or browse the independent boutiques and trendy bars of the Glockenbachviertel district. And a day trip to the Bavarian Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle is definitely worth it if you have time.

Gulf Air: 6h 15m | Multiple direct flights throughout the week.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA

Often called the Pink City due to its rose-coloured volcanic tuff (rock), Yerevan is a destination where Soviet-era grandeur meets ancient Armenian heritage. With a compact centre, it’s quick and easy to explore this capital city on foot – ideal for a short but rewarding escape.

Republic Square is a lively gathering place, especially at night when its dancing fountains light up to synchronised music. Yerevan’s most recognisable landmark is the Cascade Complex, a vast limestone stairway that rises above the city and features sculpture gardens and contemporary art spaces, including the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Climb slowly and enjoy the gorgeous views of the snow-capped Mount Ararat on the horizon.

Yerevan’s café culture is among the most sophisticated in the region; it’s easy to lose track of time on the pedestrianised Northern Avenue, watching the fashionable locals go by, while enjoying Armenian coffee and pastries. Indulge in a spot of shopping at Vernissage open-air market, with stalls displaying intricate jewellery, carpets and handmade crafts, and try local food at nearby hidden basement tavernas serving dishes like Khorovats (Armenian barbecue), Lavash (traditional bread) and Tolma (stuffed leaves).

If you fancy a quick day trip, take a drive to the cliff-carved mediaeval Geghard Monastery or the classical columns of the Greco-Roman Garni Temple. Lake Sevan, meanwhile, offers fresh mountain air and fabulous views.

Qatar Airways: 5h 25m | Multiple one-stop flights throughout the week.