Bahrain

Bahrain is an Arabian Gulf nation made up of more than thirty islands in the Persian Gulf. A historic trading centre, it’s bursting with history and culture. Whilst its exterior may be rough, a little time will see the country revealing its many charms – there’s even a claim that the Garden of Eden was located here.

One of the major draws to Bahrain is its contemporary, wealthy capital, Manama. Here, you can get lost in the twisting streets of the Bab al-Bahrain bazaar, a vibrant marketplace which sells goods ranging from costly pearls to hand-woven textiles and cheap, fragrant spices. At the Bahrain National Museum, you can marvel at well-preserved artefacts hailing from the country’s ancient Dilmun culture. Great for foodies, Bahrain has a lively dining scene, and (unlike other Arab nations) good nightlife. Bahrain is much more socially liberal than its neighbours, and alcohol is legal here, as are bars and nightclubs. Manama, in particular, is a magnet for foreigners, and just under a third of the city’s population comes from overseas. Its cosmopolitan outlook makes it a paradise for shoppers. As well as Manama, visitors can head to the wildlife- and bird-rich Hawar Islands, marvel at the “Tree of Life”, an ancient tree which stands alone in the barren desert, or see the 16th-century, Unesco World Heritage-listed Bahrain Fort.