Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach

Bilaj Al Jazayer runs along Bahrain's southwestern coast and is the main public beach on the island, a long stretch of pale sand facing open water toward Saudi Arabia with shelters, huts and a few kiosks along it. The water is shallow a long way out. It fills with families at weekends and through public holidays and is largely empty during the week. Much of Bahrain's coastline has been reclaimed or built over, which is why this stretch matters more than its size alone suggests.

What you actually see

• The long sand - the main open public beach on the island.
• The shallow water - a gentle shelf running a long way out.
• The shelters - the shaded huts along the back of the beach.
• The western outlook - open water toward the Saudi coast.

When to go

November to April is the comfortable season. Weekends and holidays are crowded and weekdays quiet. Summer heat and humidity make it unusable.

Honest expectations

Litter after busy weekends is a real problem. Facilities are basic and the huts charge. The water is shallow and murky rather than clear.

Nearby

Al Areen is east, and Al Jasra is north.