Let’s just get it out of the way: the pandemic has put a big fat damper on everything, including how we enjoy the return of cooler temperatures. Some of our favourite haunts have reopened, some of our favourite activities haven’t yet resumed. The bottom line? Better days are coming. In the meantime, we’ve put together an A-Z guide to being outdoors in Bahrain, covering everything from cultural sites and historic spots to extreme sports, familyfriendly destinations, and more. We even managed to rustle up something for the letter X.

A: Ancient Sites

If there’s one thing Bahrain boasts in spades, it’s ancient sites – one more intriguing than the last. The archaeological site of Ain Umm Al-Sujur in Diraz, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, remains fenced off for protection but there’s plenty others to discover. The UNESCO-recognised burial mounds from the Dilmun era are a must-visit. Unique and mysterious, they continue to dominate the A’ali landscape due to their sheer number – there are over 11,000 of them and therefore impossible to miss. Elsewhere, both Arad Fort and Riffa Fort are atmospheric places that welcome visitors, but we were always partial to the latter because of its charming in-house café – Saffron Café – that overlooked Al-Haniniya Valley. It has closed as a result of the pandemic, so let’s all say a little prayer for its return.

B: Beach Club

You’d think life on an island entails plenty of standalone beach clubs to choose from, but alas, that is not the case. Luckily, the bohochic Solymar Beach brings dining, partying, swimming, sunbathing, and lounging in luxury to one highly Instagrammable venue. Not looking to commit to a membership package? Opt for the day pass instead – Solymar Beach welcomes families with children daily from 10am to 6pm, and adults only after 6pm. Even better? Cinema on the Sand is back at the beach club and has already screened the likes of Mamma Mia and Forrest Gump, with 70s hit Grease expected to play on November 9.

C: Open-Air Cinema

And speaking of enjoying cinema under the sky, more and more places around town are offering al fresco film screenings as the weather improves. Solymar Beach aside, you can catch them at leading contemporary art centre La Fontaine, which recently treated its guests to foreign films Carmen and Le Voyage du Prince alongside dedicated menus for the night. Prefer something a little more mainstream? To the delight of film buffs across the island, stc Drive-In BH cinema has brought drive-in cinema to Bahrain Bay, playing the likes of Pinocchio, A Star Is Born, and Back to the Future. Bonus: stc customers get a 20 percent discount on all cinema tickets.

D: Dhow Building Yard

Located by Khalifa Al Kabeer Highway is the storied Dhow Building Yard, which is surprisingly easy to find, courtesy of Google Maps. This waterside spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the country’s pearling heritage. Here, you’ll see the traditional shipbuilders of Muharraq continuing work on partially built dhows by hand, their skills passed on from generation to generation. What results are majestic wooden (usually teak) vessels that, whether completed or not, offer endless photography opportunities. Taking the time to observe them in their element truly is a multisensory experience – even the rhythmic hammering of nails is strangely soothing.

E: Events & Entertainment

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more relaxed environment to take a stroll or sip your coffee than Zallaq Springs. Here await not just dining experiences aplenty, but also kidfriendly outdoor attractions like a maze and hopscotch. Pre-pandemic, cultural events and outdoor activations were commonly held at Zallaq Springs, and management is now awaiting the go-ahead from authorities to host these again. In the meantime, we suggest you visit for its impeccably maintained lakes that are home to a large variety of flora and fauna – flamingos included! Further north, The Lagoon, located at heart of the Amwaj Island, is another scenic venue as far as al fresco events are concerned. As the situation improves, this waterfront location will play host to walkaround musicians, familyfriendly movie nights, and charity walks.

F: Farms

While we love weekly visits to a farmers’ market, nothing tops the oldfashioned joy of taking a trip to an actual farm. Past visits to both Peninsula Farms and Jasra Organic Farm proved incredibly educational, but it’s the recently opened Roots & Shoots you may not know about. Owned by Chef Susy Massetti, this family-run farm is located in Hamala and open to the public by appointment. All the produce here is 100 percent organic and grown on regenerated soil from homemade compost without using pesticides, chemicals, or fertilisers. Roots & Shoots currently provides fresh vegetables to its members only, but will soon offer pick-your-own-greens sessions and free-range eggs to the general public. There are even open-air cooking classes hosted by Susy to look forward to!

G: Guided

Tours As we eagerly await the beloved walking food tours through Manama Souq by ThisFoodTour to resume, we’re turning our attention to photography. In the past, photographers Ishaq Madan and Rasha Yousif have led photo walks through the heart of Muharraq, and both are expected to continue over the coming months if the ongoing circumstances improve. As for the tentative details? Rasha will be leading the Muharraq Shore Photowalk in conjunction with Shaikh Ebrahim Center on December 5.

H: Horse Riding

Look around, and you’ll see that Bahrain is very well-equipped when it comes to equestrian facilities and horse-riding spots for both experts and beginners. After all, horses are revered in this part of the world. Horse riding, admittedly scary at first, is one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities you can try – especially at sunset. Both Ghazwan Equestrian Centre and Twin Palms Riding Centre cater to all ages and levels. And if you’re serious about taking your skills to the next level, the Muharraq Equestrian Academy is the place for you. Here, you can participate in Endurance Race Training under the guidance of a coach certified by governing body Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

I: Island Hopping

We couldn’t fathom assigning the letter ‘I’ to anything other than island hopping for obvious reasons – Bahrain is an archipelago up of 33 islands in addition to a couple of manmade ones. Our firm favourite, however, remains Jaradah Island. Its claim to fame? The fact that it is only visible during low tide. Another great option is Al Dar Island, despite its size. For starters, it’s just a 10-minute boat ride from Sitra Fishing Port. If facilities are what you’re after, this one’s for you. Everything from palm leaf huts and chalets to fishing trips, dolphin-watching excursions, and water sports are on offer. There’s even a burger joint on the island in case you get peckish. For something a little more serene, think Nurana Islands. Whether you head here for a run, a horse ride, a swim, or killer views, it’s utter bliss.

J: Jet Skiing

But if you don’t have the time for a day trip or weekend getaway, at least take a couple of hours to go jet skiing? This is a water sport we’ll return to time and time again – it never gets old. It’s also the perfect activity for bigger groups as even non-swimmers and total newbies tend to love it. Here in Bahrain, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to companies offering jet ski rentals. Scubalife has its Aqua Beach centres dotted around the island and, to ensure your safety, its crew remains on standby in the riding area during your time slot. Port Marine at Durrat Al Bahrain also offers rentals, even offering a 30 percent discount at the time of writing.

K: Go-Karting

By now, you’ve probably heard that Bahrain will host the two Grands Prix as the penultimate race venue for the 2020 Formula One World Championship. The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place from November 27 to 29, while the Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix will be held from December 4 to 6. Naturally, there’s only one thing you can do in the lead-up to these exciting events: head to Bahrain International Karting Circuit for a first-hand taste of all that excitement. The track resumed gokarting activities for the general public back in September, and has taken several measures to protect both its staff and guests. Slots are now available from 4pm to midnight on Sunday and Monday, and from 10am to midnight from Tuesday through Saturday.

L: Lounges

Come nighttime, a swanky outdoor lounge is still our preferred choice when it comes to catching up with friends. Now, in the absence of absurd levels of humidity, you should make a beeline for the beautiful Bushido terrace if delicious Japanese fare is what you’re seeking. On a slightly higher altitude is rooftop lounge Alto, located on the 25th floor of Downtown Rotana and offering sweeping views of the Manama skyline alongside live music and an elevated snack menu. Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s, meanwhile, boasts a tropical twist. Here, well-heeled city types gather over tiki vibes, FrenchPolynesian dishes, performances by hula dancers, and – you guessed it – mai tai cocktails.

M: Bahrain Mangroves Tour

A tour of the lush green mangroves in Tubli Bay is one that every resident should do at least once – it’s a must on the Bahrain bucket list. This one-of-a-kind eco tour feels like a true escape, taking you away from the commotion of the city and introducing you to the aquatic plants and diverse wildlife of this protected ecosystem. Birdwatchers are also bound to enjoy the boat ride due to the sheer variety of resident and migratory birds spotted throughout. The tours were temporarily halted as a result of the pandemic at the time of writing, but the officials at Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority tell us that operation plans to safely resume are currently being studied.

N: Nature at Its Finest

But Mother Nature has blessed Bahrain with so much more than the aforementioned mangroves. The historic Ain Adhari, once a natural spring, has countless tales to tell. Not only did people of all ages take a plunge to cool off during the scorching summers, but it was also a site of romance, reciting poetry, and even women tackling their bundles of laundry. It was recently given a facelift and reopened to the general public as Adhari Park, becoming a major tourist attraction in no time. Another spot if you’re craving a connection with nature? Karzakan Forest. The height and density of the trees here is unexpected, to say the least, making it a popular place for impromptu photoshoots and early morning cycle rides. But if you’re going to make the time to visit only one natural wonder, it has to be the Tree of Life. For over 400 years now, this 32- foot mesquite tree has stood all by its lonesome in the barren desert with no water source in sight, making it an enigma to many – and a source of pride for Bahrain.

O: Outdoor Dining

There’s no shortage of restaurants with outdoor terraces to choose from, but we’ll always have a preference for nosh that comes out of the window of a food truck. And luckily for us, the vast offering of food trucks in Bahrain is now more organised than ever before. We often had to drive over to Estiqlal Avenue to get our fix, but now, there’s only one destination that matters: The Food Trucks District. Running until November 22 at Bahrain National Stadium, this recently launched initiative by Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is kind of genius – you can now access a whole host of food trucks alongside facilities such as restrooms and plenty of parking spaces with ease. We spotted the likes of Golden Shrimp, On The Fry, Doctor Food, Say Cheese, The Chemist, and countless others. Translation: head there hungry.

P: Parks

Green spaces are dotted across the island, so parents with young children are always set when it comes to plans for Saturday afternoons, but some are better than others. Dohat Arad Park is popular amongst runners owing to its sizable paved paths, but all visitors are bound to appreciate its extras – read: fountains, restrooms, cafés, a play area, and that amazing lake. Budaiya Botanical Garden, meanwhile, earns a spot for its beautiful flowers, countless palm trees and cacti, and pergolas aplenty – all of which make it ideal for picnics. It also used to be the site of the annual farmers’ market that runs from December to April. Only time will tell how the pandemic will impact this, but we’ve got our fingers crossed. If you’re more inclined towards activities, think Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park. Spread across its 79,000 square metres are options like fishing, jet skiing, paddle boating, cycle renting, and arcade games. But what Vertical Garden lacks in size, it makes up for in innovation. This “living laboratory” at the entrance of Muharraq features more than 200 plant species, mostly from subtropical and desertic areas around the world and is the first of its kind in the region.

Q: Culture Quest

Bahrain’s culture scene is constantly evolving, so there’s always lots to explore. However, in the interest of sticking to our outdoor theme, we’re thinking outside the box for this one – starting with Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House in Muharraq. It is known to be one of the most impressive examples of Gulf Islamic architecture in Bahrain, so you can appreciate its beauty without even stepping inside. Stroll around its multiple courtyards and walk up and down the various staircases to take in the carved wooden doors, ingenious wind towers, and perforated gypsum panels for insights into royal life circa 19th century. The west coast of Bahrain is where our next recommendation – Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre – resides. It is a haven of traditional arts and crafts, so you can pop in and out of the various rooms showcasing woodworking, basketry, boat building, pottery making, and more. Have a chat with the artisans here, they’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

R: Religious Sites

Bahrain’s tolerance of all faiths is well-documented – and the proof is in the pudding. You’ll cross paths with mosques, temples, and a synagogue in Manama alone. While you’re there, visit the Shri Krishna Temple once it reopens, even if it’s tricky to find at first. Not only was it built in 1817 – making it a whopping 203 years old – but it has also recently been renovated and decorated in the traditional Mewar style of art that originates in Rajasthan. Take a couple of moments to appreciate the colourful detailing before heading west to Al Khamis Mosque, which is even older! Its foundation dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries, during which the twin minarets were added. Both are climbable, so pick one and brave the narrow circular staircase for views from the balcony.

S: Manama Souq

Malls can wait now that cooler temperatures are here – a stroll through Manama Souq is part retail therapy, part cultural experience. For starters, the main entrance is the historic Bab Al Bahrain, taking you back in time as you browse shops specialising in everything from jewellery and antiques to calligraphy, traditional clothing, handpainted room dividers, embroidered poufs, perfumes, and more. It’s not just kitschy souvenirs, we promise. We always take a few minutes to photograph the art installation inspired by the traditional Bahraini necklace martasha while we’re in the area. Strategically located at the entrance of Manama Souq, it is composed of 20,000 gold-plated coins that are attached to sevenmetre strings suspended from the ceiling. Oh, and no trip to Manama Souq is complete with walking a couple of minutes over to the beloved Haji’s Cafe, of course. Sitting on those bright-blue benches surrounded by vintage photos in a narrow alley, platters of delicious food in all directions, is still such an unadulterated joy.

T: Urban Trail

You don’t have to go looking for Muharraq’s charm – it’s there in spades, especially if you’re guilty of Golden Age thinking. As for the best way to explore the neighbourhood? A walk down the Pearling Path. Scheduled for completion in 2021, this 3.5km trail snakes through the storied alleyways of Muharraq, rehabilitating this urban center of yesteryear while introducing contemporary infrastructure to match modern-day lifestyles. You can while away hours on this trail, especially if you’re into street photography and coffee pitstops. Most people don’t realise that Pearling Path includes 17 public squares that are dotted along the different neighbourhoods that the path crosses, with strategically placed lamp posts guiding visitors through the streets. For an optimum introduction and insights into Bahrain’s pearling era, start at the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre, which sits at the entrance of Qayssareyah Suq and hosts rotating exhibits on pearling history alongside a café and an auditorium. Alternatively, you can begin at the trail’s southern starting point, Bu Mahir Fort (from where boats used to set off for oyster beds) and its glass-walled visitor centre.

U: Underwater Adventures

While you (eagerly) await updates on Dive Bahrain, there’s plenty of companies that can help you explore new diving sites – think: Dive Vision, Scubalife, ScubaMaster, and more. Not only are excursions to Abu Thama reef incredibly popular, but night dives take this experience to the next level. Admittedly, it’s intense at first, but many marine animals are nocturnal, so it’s extra rewarding if you’re hoping to spot the likes of zebra moray and yellow boxfish. We’ve even heard of a whale shark that swims annually through the area around the April mark. Another recommendation? Boom Wreck. Also located north of Bahrain, this site is 20 metres deep and more suited to experienced open-water divers as a sizable population of fish has adopted this 18-metre wooden wreck as home, making it a feeding ground for bigger, predatory fish such as barracuda.

V: Vantage Point

Most residents turn to trendy rooftop bars for great views – we turn to Qal’at alBahrain, or Bahrain Fort as it is commonly known. Walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll encounter plenty of vantage points while breathing in the wonderful salty air. On your left, you’ll see the adjoining Karbabad Beach, which explains that aforementioned breeze. Straight ahead? An excavated coastal fortress dating back to the 3rd century AD, with the glistening city skyline rising above the horizon. The site is surrounded by groves of palm trees, which you’ll notice on your right. There’s no better place to get your daily steps in without stepping foot inside a gym.

W: Waterparks

The indoor-outdoor Wahooo! Waterpark may have bid us farewell, but luckily, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun – Bahrain’s biggest waterpark – is up and running. Not only does it have a whole host of safety measures in place, but the last few weeks have also entailed various bundle offers for families, guaranteeing both savings and peace of mind. Win-win. The waterpark is currently operating at a capacity of 30 percent and is open until 8pm, which means now’s the time to invest in a membership package. After all, you can never tire of stepping into the capsule of the seven-storey Aqua Loop, knowing of the thrill that’s imminent. Can’t commit to a whole day out with the kids? Head to Waha Splashclub, a popular splash pad located in Amwaj. A word to the wise: between all that colourful lighting, it’s even more appealing at night.

X: X-Jetpacking

We didn’t think we’d find anything outdoors in Bahrain starting with the letter X, but then Extreme Sportz happened, introducing us to the adrenaline-packed X-Jetpack. This cutting-edge contraption features the latest hydro-flight technology, allowing the wearer to soar high above the surface of the water – up to 10 metres to be specific – with a maximum forward speed of 40kph. It’s arguably the closest you’ll ever come to taking flight, so relish the experience and practice those twists and turns before your 30-minute session is up. And when you’re ready to dismount, all you have to do is dive into the water. Another claim to fame for Extreme Sportz? It’s the only water sports company in Bahrain to offer parasailing. One, two, or three flyers at a time are welcome.

Y: Yoga with a Twist

You’ve done the natarajasana, virabhadrasana, and trikonasana countless times on a mat in a yoga studio – now it’s time for an upgrade. Beach Culture, which offers activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, and surfing, lands a spot in our cover story for its SUP yoga sessions. Not only will this version of yoga challenge your stability as you’ll perform hatha and vinyasa poses while stand up paddleboarding, but it’s also incredibly fun. And if it helps, the classes take place in calm bodies of water, such as Bahrain Bay. The scenic surroundings and encouraging instructors are just the proverbial cherry on top.

Z: Zoos

Ask just about any parent in Bahrain, and they’ll tell you they’ve never felt the need to track down a zoo in the conventional sense of the word – the island is home to several conservation projects, with Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve promising great value for money. Spread across seven square kilometers, it’s home to endangered species like Arabian leopard, reem gazelle, ostrich, oryx, and many more. We’re also told that 82 different bird species and 25 plant species coexist in harmony on these grounds. For something a little more niche in nature, the Royal Camel Farm in Janabiyah is beloved by residents and tourists alike. Literally hundreds of camels reside at this working farm that is free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset. They’re awkward, they’re relentlessly photogenic, and they deserve a visit at least once – do it for the gram? ✤