Imagine a place that is over five thousand years old, where ancient civilizations lived, traded, and built fortresses. This is Tarout Island, the jewel of the Eastern Province that many people are not familiar with.
Where is Tarout Island located?
Tarout Island is part of the Qatif governorate in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is connected to the mainland by four bridges and is considered the third largest island in the Arabian Gulf after the islands of Bubiyan and Qeshm. Its area is approximately 70 square kilometers, and it is traversed by King Fahd Road, which connects Dammam and Jubail.
A history that spans thousands of years
Tarout Island has a very rich history. Historians consider it one of the oldest inhabited sites in the Arabian Peninsula. Archaeological excavations have revealed the existence of civilizations dating back to the third millennium BC, and it was linked to the ancient Dilmun and Magan civilizations.
Statues, pottery, and ancient inscriptions have been found on the island, some of which date back to the Elamite and Mesopotamian civilizations. At the Tarout Local Museum, you can see some of these rare artifacts that tell the story of this ancient land.
The most important landmarks to visit
- Tarout Castle: The most prominent landmark on the island, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century on the ruins of an older archaeological site. The castle is located on a high hill and overlooks palm groves and the sea. You can climb the castle and take stunning photos.
- Ein Al-Awda: An ancient freshwater spring that was a source of water for the island’s inhabitants. It is a beautiful historical area worth visiting.
- Tarout Old Port: One of the oldest ports in the Gulf, it was an important trade center that connected the Arabian Peninsula with India and Mesopotamia.
- Palm farms: The island is famous for its green palm farms that are spread all over, especially in the center of the island.
What to do on Tarout Island
- Take a walk on the corniche and enjoy the beautiful sea view
- Visit the Tarout Museum and learn about the island’s history
- Climb Tarout Castle and take photos of the sunset from the top
- Take a tour of the palm farms and try fresh dates
- Eat fresh seafood at the nearby Qatif restaurants
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tarout Island is from October to April, as the weather is mild and suitable for walking. In the summer, the weather is hot and humid, but you can visit in the evening and enjoy the corniche atmosphere. Visitors are advised to plan their visit to the castle during sunset to enjoy the stunning views.
How to get to Tarout Island
The island is connected to Qatif by bridges, and you can easily reach it via King Fahd Road. It is about 30 minutes from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. There are parking lots available near the main landmarks.
Final word
Tarout Island is one of the most beautiful areas you can visit in the Eastern Province. It has a deep history, beautiful natural scenery, and authentic traditional atmosphere. If you are looking for a destination that is different from the usual and gives you a unique experience, Tarout Island is the perfect choice.
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