6 Best Islands In Qatar You Must Absolutely Visit

6 Best Islands In Qatar You Must Absolutely Visit

Qatar is a small country in the Middle East and it is famous for its chic sophistication, perfectly blended with old world warm hospitality. Come, plan your vacation to this beautiful country and get a chance to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, a plethora of tourist attractions, and nail-biting adventures. But first things first! The country is known for its beautiful islands and many of them are man-made. Glistening gorgeous sand awaits you and there is no dearth of luxury, entertainment facilities, and food on these captivating islands. You will be surrounded by stunning turquoise waters once you arrive and can either take a relaxing bath on the shore or indulge yourself with some exciting water sports. Make sure to try out a snorkeling expedition or enjoy some scuba diving while you are here. Explore secret caves and little-publicized coves in some of these most remote hideaways on the planet. To make your vacation easy, here are our top recommendations of the best islands in Qatar.

1. Al Safliya Island

Located off the coast of the capital city of Doha, Al Safliya is a charming island, set about 4.8 km (3 mi) from Ras Abu Aboud. It happens to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country among tourists, as well as local residents. You can reach the island from Doha by a boat ride that takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Although tiny in size, it is more famous as a tourist resort. The island also enjoys close proximity to the Pearl, another famous island in the country.

Feel free to explore this pristine island at your leisure or enjoy a dip in the open ocean. Get an opportunity to marvel at the majestic skyline of this wonderful nation. Participate in some of the exciting watersports if you are an adventure freak, including donut rides, jet skiing, and Banana Boat rides, to beat the heat. The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is an excellent property in Doha for visiting the island.

2. Al Aaliya Island

Al Aaliya Island is another must-visit destination when you are vacationing in Qatar. Set near the shores of Qatar’s Al Daayen, a municipality, this low-lying, tiny island is brown in color. There is a small peak at the island’s east end and it is just about 5.6 km (3.5 mi) from Al Safliya, mentioned above. The Pearl, an artificial island, has been constructed between these two islands.

If you are passionate about snorkeling, it is perhaps the most ideal island to visit while in Qatar. Situated east of Doha, Al Aaliya is also an excellent spot for catching top-quality fish. The time taken to reach here from Doha is about 25 to 30 minutes. You can avail of a boat ride from Doha to get here and book in at the Hilton Doha - The Pearl Residences, if you are looking for a luxurious experience.

3. Old Palm Trees Island

Welcome to Palm Tree Island, which is only a brisk boat ride away from the city of Doha. Set in the center of Doha Bay, the island offers clear views of Doha’s waterfront promenade, the Corniche, as well as, its iconic landmarks, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the Sheraton.

If you are looking for some quiet moments and solace, a visit to this island should definitely be on your bucket list. It is also one of the best places to be if you wish to capture the beauty of Doha at dusk when the city looks as if it has been set ablaze by the sun before it vanishes into the horizon. Previously just a sandbank, the island is now a popular place for family recreation and has a seafood restaurant. You can book yourself a Dhow boat ride from the jetty of the Sheraton Hotel to get here in just 10 minutes.

4. Purple Island 

Although it takes an hour’s boat ride to reach Purple Island from the city of Doha, the visit is really worth it. People who are fond of adventure water sports will definitely like it here and you can try kayaking, among other water sports.

Purple Island is also referred to as Jazirat bin Ghanim and Al Khor Island and is set in a municipality called Al Khor, on Qatar’s northeast coast. The island boasts the country’s sole archaeological site. This intriguing island is surprisingly green in color, contrary to its name, and famous for its mangrove trees. You can reach it within a 40-minute drive from Doha There are plenty of climbing choices on the island, so your kids will have an opportunity to play in an uninhibited manner. An ideal venue for a family outing from Doha, you can also enjoy a cozy picnic at the edge of the ocean. Book a room at the Al Sultan Beach Resort for a plush and modern stay.

5. The Pearl-Qatar 

An artificial or man-made island in Qatar, the Pearl-Qatar is the first island in the country where foreign nationals can purchase residential properties. Located off the West Bay, the island boasts several distinctive features, including elegant residential towers, Mediterranean-style villas, plush hotels, and yacht-lined marinas.

It is also a haven for shopaholics who are fond of luxury shopping and love foreign brands. The island is dotted with showrooms and chic boutiques and known for being a preferred dining spot for many with plenty of restaurants and cafes lining its waterfront promenades. They dish out delicacies suitable for every palate, ranging from five-star gourmet dining experiences to lip-smacking ice-cream. We recommend you book a room at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski - The Pearl, if you are looking for a luxury property here.

6. Banana Island 

A tiny island in Qatar, Banana Island is a crescent-shaped territory and is set off the shores of Doha. It is also a man-made island built in the Persian Gulf. An organization called Anantara manages this private island and it should definitely feature on your travel itinerary. You can reach it in less than 30 minutes from central Doha by a boat.

Cherish some solitary moments on this tranquil island and feel like Robinson Crusoe for some time. You can avail of a day pass and take a photo from the mammoth wooden swing on the island, located a stone’s throw from the coast. The spot will look quite familiar, as it is highly Instagrammed by tourists when they visit the island. Carry your sunscreen though to avoid getting burned. Enjoy an excellent stay with your loved ones at the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.