Everyone’s always moaning that Bahrain has no beaches but, here at Time Out, we know that’s not strictly true. Bondi it’s not but there are certainly a quite few places where you can dip your toes in the sea without paying the earth.

Freebies

Amwaj
Not strictly a public beach but the reclaimed islands certainly seem to attract lots of people at the weekends, who surely can’t all live there. There are various areas where it’s possible to reach the sea to swim or just sit on the shore and watch the kite surfers.

One of the most popular spots for Bahrainis and expats alike is at the front of Floating City but there are lots and lots of Jet Skis so if you’re not a fan of the manic mosquito buzz, maybe not the place for you.
The surfer dudes take to the water at the front of Tala and there are various other small open beach areas around the islands.

Arad Fort
Opened to mark National Day in 2008, this small stretch of beach to the side of the old fort is a great place for a picnic and a paddle but it’s more of a beach park, with a paved area for walking and games, rather than an actual swimming beach. However, you’re in fab surroundings for a sunset stroll with the fort, said to be one of the oldest sites in the Middle East, making a stunning backdrop.

Hidd
Another one that’s more popular for picnicking than swimming, this small area of sand opposite Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park attracts barbecue fans in the winter months and is a good spot for beach games. To get there take the Hidd Bridge towards the refinery and turn back on yourself at the end.

Jazayir
One of the island’s few truly public beaches, just a shame it’s such a long way out. Right down past the BIC. Just get on Gulf Of Bahrain Avenue and keep on going…

Once you reach the sailing club, turn left and you’ll find yourself at the beach that time forgot. From the wall and gates, it’s reasonable to assume this was once a private facility. But the wall only stretches so far and the gates have long since been knocked open to give access to more than a kilometre of sandyish beach.

There are several areas of kids’ play equipment and large shades, so it’s hard to see, apart from the distance, why Jazayir is not more popular.

At weekends it’s sometimes the haunt of large groups of ‘bachelors’ but a mid-week afternoon visit found just a handful of families enjoying picnics and a dip. True there are still a few Soviet-era toilet blocks and several damaged Portaloos but, in truth, this could be a really nice spot. There are signs of barbecuing on the sand and paved walkways so if you don’t fancy any of the more commercial options, this could be the place for you.

But do bear in mind, this is very much a facility for everyone and particularly popular with Bahraini locals so revealing swimwear and public drinking are really not OK.
On the other side of the sailing club is a wide open seascape which is popular with jetskiers and quad and trials bike riders but don’t get stuck in the sand like the two guys we towed on our recce’ visit.

Karbabad
Head for Bahrain Fort, past the Bapco petrol station at Seef and you will find yourself on another stretch of public open beach. Karbabad’s a great place for an evening walk or a picnic but again, please appreciate local customs and avoid revealing swimwear.