Island geography: how Bahrain fits together

Bahrain is an archipelago of more than thirty natural islands plus new reclaimed land. Here is the map in words.

The name Bahrain means "two seas" in Arabic, often explained by the freshwater springs that once rose through the salt water around the islands. The country is an archipelago in the Gulf, and understanding its shape makes the rest of a visit easier to plan.

The main island

Bahrain Island makes up most of the land area. Manama, the capital, sits on its north-eastern tip. The north and west coasts hold the palm groves, villages and archaeological sites, including Qal'at al-Bahrain and the Barbar temples. The centre and south are drier, rising gently to Jebel Dukhan, the highest point, in an area of desert that also contains the Sakhir circuit and the Tree of Life.

Muharraq and Sitra

Muharraq, linked to Manama by several bridges, holds the airport and the old town that was at the centre of the pearling world. Sitra, off the east coast, mixes industry with fishing harbours where dhows still tie up.

The Hawar Islands

The Hawar group lies off the south-east, much closer to the Qatari coast than to Manama. It is quiet, low and important for wildlife, especially seabirds, and is visited mainly by boat on organised trips.

Reclaimed land

A great deal of modern Bahrain stands on land reclaimed from the sea. The waterfront around the National Museum, Bahrain Bay with its towers and promenades, and island developments such as Amwaj off Muharraq are all built on new land. This is why Bab Al Bahrain, once by the shore, now sits well inland.

What it means for visitors

Because the islands are so close together, you can stay anywhere around Manama and reach almost every sight in these listings within an hour. Plan by direction: north coast heritage on one day, Muharraq on another, the south and Sakhir on a third.