Photo: Irshadpp, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This fishing village is now a bedroom community of Al Khor, and its extensive mangrove swamps are particularly good for bird watching. Discover Arabia (based in Doha, tel: +974 3023 3207, e-mail: info@discoverarabia.today) runs sea kayak tours of the area.
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Jazirat bin Ghanim, or Al Khor Island
This small island, linked to the mainland via an earthen walkway through the mangroves, has seen human activity for the past 6000 years. The name comes from a purple dye from shellfish which were harvested here 3000 years ago. There are a number of archaeological sites on the islands, as well as old shell middens. This is also a good place for birdwatching and crabbing.
Farkeh Coast / Al Khor Family Beach
A public beach with shaded picnic benches, toilets and shower facilities, barbecue stands, and children playgrounds.
Traditional dhows are still used for fishing here, although their sails have long since been replaced by diesel engines.
This is a good place to pick up fresh seafood from the day's catch.
This quaint museum overlooking the seafront provides good views over the harbor from the second floor. It showcases archaeological artifacts from the Al Khor region dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, as well as specimens of local marine life. An additional exhibit illustrates the legend of Ghilan and Mae, one of whom was the region's first female pirate and believed to be from Al Khor.
This defensive watchtower was built in 1900 and is now fully restored. It is located in a small park with a pleasant view overlooking the Corniche and the beach. There is a second watchtower along the North Road.