Cycling in Bahrain
Including Zallaq Highway and Desert Gravel. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling takes you along coastal promenades and through desert flats, offering a mix of sea breeze and sand. Cooler months are preferable, but the flat terrain makes it doable any time. Riders tend to be locals or tourists exploring the island on their own; organized tours are rare.
Zallaq Highway and Desert Gravel
Southern Governorate
Derek Morrison from Kuwait, Kuwait / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Explore the western coastline and inland desert tracks of Bahrain around Zallaq. Featuring smooth tarmac alongside wide-open desert hardpack and gravel service roads near the Bahrain International Circuit.
Access. Easily accessible via taxi or a short drive from Manama with a bike rack. Bicycle rentals and local group rides are coordinated from shops in the capital.
Notes. Temperatures rise extremely high in summer; morning or late afternoon rides are essential. Winds can be strong across open desert sections.