A country full of surprises and contradictions...
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. It is imbued with Islamic tradition. Manama, the capital, is jam-packed with majestic mosques and minarets. Some females dress in western-style clothing but immodesty is still frowned upon. It is a symbolic bridge that connects the archipelago to Saudi Arabia's mainland. Nevertheless, Bahrain is a wealthy country that has been unafraid to distinguish itself from other Islamic Gulf countries.
Despite the Islamic presence, about one-third of Bahrain's population are foreign expatriates who seek that ideal blend of stability and prosperity. Perhaps this influence has shaped modern Bahrain, now rapidly modernising, full of shopping malls and restaurants.
It is exactly this blend of eastern and western cultures, this commingling of mosque and skyscraper, which draws so many to Bahrain. Perhaps its famous Tree of Life (a verdant tree blooming out of arid desert) says it all: Bahrain is full of surprises and contradictions...
Local time: GMT/UTC +3 Currency: Bahraini Dinar
Climate: The summer is very hot since the Persian Gulf waters provide low levels of moisture supply. There temperatures may reach about 35 °C. Rainfall in Bahrain is minimal, irregular and most of it comes down in the winter season
Language: Arabic and English are the official languages
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is November to March, avoiding Eid holidays or the Ramadan, there it can be hard to find an accommodation due to the influx of Saudi tourists. We also recommend to avoid a stay during the intensely hot summer months (June to mid-September), when the sea is flat and vaporous, the cold tap runs hot and even the grass is too peppery to walk on. Yet, in many ways, this is Bahrain's most characteristic time of the year: it's when you realise the importance of a wind tower, or a well in the desert, or a headscarf to keep out the hot, dry winds of a dust storm
Things to do: The high temperatures and sunny skies make the sea particularly attractive for water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing or yachting around Bahrain's islands. Also famous is a City Break including sightseeing, shopping and any kind of lifestyle activities. Our hotel partner also features Yoga, Meditation and Pilates treatments, tennis, squash and aerobics
Things to know: People of most nationalities need a visa, which can be conveniently obtained at Bahrain International Airport or at the border with Saudi Arabia
Insider tip: Visit the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Circuit and the Al Areen Wildlife sanctuary
