Tarout Island - Eastern Province

Tarout Island is located in the Persian Gulf in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It is the second-longest island in the Persian Gulf and consists of several towns, villages, and castles. The island is linked to the mainland by a narrow natural bridge that is 4 km long.

History 

Tarout island was first discovered in 5000 BC, making it one of the most ancient sites inhabited by humans. The island was occupied by the Persian Empire, Islamic Empire, Portuguese Empire and later became a part of the Ottoman Empire. Many statues and pottery vessels were unearthed here; one of the most prized statues was a golden statue representing the goddess Ashtaroot which was found in one of the palm groves in Tarout.

Attractions and Activities

One of the famous attractions here is the Tarout Castle which is located at the center of the island. Relics and artifacts from the Mesopotamian era have also been found in this castle, suggesting it may be as old as the island itself. 

Tourists will find various traditional houses, villages, mosques, forts, and corniches on the island. Tarout also has plenty of beaches that attract tourists all year round. The island is also home to the most important seaports in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, there are several restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisines, both regional and international.