BH
Amwaj Islands
Reclaimed islands off Muharraq with a lagoon, marinas, beach hotels and waterfront restaurants
Reclaimed islands off Muharraq with a lagoon, marinas, beach hotels and waterfront restaurants
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
In September 2026 the US raised its advice to “reconsider travel” for this region because of tensions involving Iran. Flights and tourism are operating normally, but airspace closures and cancellations can happen at short notice, so keep plans flexible and travel insurance in place.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
A square fort with round corner towers, built in the 15th century and later used by Omani forces. It is lit up at night.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
From Arad and the Muharraq shore there are views across the bay to the towers of Manama.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 15 minutes by car, Muharraq’s old town has the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path, with restored merchants’ houses such as Siyadi House.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Across the causeways in Manama, the Bahrain Bay waterfront has hotels, a promenade and views of the skyline.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Restaurants and cafés around the Amwaj lagoon serve international food, seafood and Arabic grills.
For Bahraini dishes and sweets, go to Muharraq or Manama.
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is about 15 minutes away by taxi, and central Manama about 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
A car or taxi is needed to get around. Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU and Australian citizens, can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance for an eVisa through Bahrain’s official eVisa portal. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Check current rules before you travel.
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BD), pegged to the US dollar at about BD 0.376 per US$1. Hotels and restaurants are moderately expensive, but taxis and local food are good value. Most beaches on Amwaj belong to hotels or beach clubs, which charge day-use fees to non-guests.
Prices are approximate.
Beach time and heritage nearby.
Spend the day at your hotel beach, then have dinner by the lagoon.
Visit Arad Fort and the Pearling Path in Muharraq, then go to Manama for the souq.
Beaches are mostly private; check hotel or beach club access.
Swimwear is fine at hotel beaches but not in shops and streets.
The sea is very warm in summer; winter is the best time to visit.
Arrange taxis in advance from quieter parts of the islands.
Quick answers for planning time in Amwaj Islands.
Off the north-east coast of Muharraq island, about 15 minutes from Bahrain International Airport.
Yes, mainly at hotel and beach club beaches; non-guests usually pay a day-use fee.
No. They were built on reclaimed land from the early 2000s.
Arad Fort and the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path in Muharraq, both within about 15 minutes.
From November to April, when it is warm but not too hot.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bahrain travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.