Al Khor, Qatar: travel guide
Mangroves, pearling heritage and a quiet northern coast
A relaxed northern coastal town built on pearling and fishing, gateway to the Al Thakira mangroves and Purple Island, and the launch point for the UNESCO Al Zubarah excursion.
About Al Khor
Al Khor is a coastal town in northern Qatar, built on fishing and pearling, and a quieter alternative to the capital. It is a base for a different side of the country, focused on the sea and the shoreline.
The nearby Al Thakira mangroves can be explored by kayak, and Purple Island is a good spot for watching birds and for quiet paddling. In the town, a corniche, parks and a small museum give a sense of local history. Al Khor is also the usual starting point for visiting the historic site of Al Zubarah, an old pearling and trading town on the northwestern coast.
It suits nature lovers, kayakers and those looking for a quiet day away from Doha. The cooler months from November to March are the best time to visit Al Khor.
- Country
- Qatar
- Currency
- QAR
- Time zone
- Asia/Qatar
- Nearest airport
- DOH
Last updated
Top places to visit in Al Khor
Al Zubarah Fort
unesco fort · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A UNESCO World Heritage site: a 1938 sand-coloured fort guarding the excavated ruins of one of the Gulf's great 18th-century pearling and trading towns.
Al Khor Corniche & Family Park
waterfront park · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A palm-lined waterfront park and corniche wrapped around Al Khor's fishing harbour, with lawns, a playground, walking paths and views of moored dhows.
Al Thakira Mangroves
mangrove forest · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Qatar's largest mangrove forest, best explored by kayak at high tide through green tunnels teeming with crabs, herons and flamingos in the cooler months.
Purple Island (Bin Ghannam)
nature reserve · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A tidal island reached by a causeway, named for the purple dye once made here from murex shells; a haven for flamingos, herons and long walks through mangroves.
Al Khor Museum
town museum · 5.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A compact town museum on the corniche tracing Al Khor's pearling and fishing past through boat models, tools, photographs and marine-life displays.
Things to do
- Purple Island & Al Thakira Mangrove Kayak Kayaking · 3 h · from QAR 200 per person
- Al Zubarah UNESCO Fort Day Trip Tour · 6 h · from QAR 300 per person
- Al Khor Corniche & Fishing Village Walk Walking Tour · 1.5 h · from QAR 50 per person
Day trips and tours
- North Qatar: Al Zubarah & Purple Island 8 h · from QAR 300
Where to stay in Al Khor
- Al Khor City & Corniche about QAR 400 per night
A quiet coastal base near the corniche and harbour, best for nature-focused trips to Purple Island and the mangroves.
Hotels
- Al Sultan Beach Resort 4-star · QAR 400 to QAR 800 per night
Where to eat
- Dar Al Mandi Yemeni, Arabic, Grill · about QAR 45 per person
- Al Sultan Beachside Restaurant International, Seafood, Arabic · about QAR 130 per person
Getting to Al Khor
Airport: Al Khor (DOH)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Qatar
Frequently asked questions about Al Khor
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Al Khor?
- The highest-rated places in our Al Khor guide are Al Khor Museum, Al Thakira Mangroves, Al Khor Corniche & Family Park, Al Zubarah Fort, Purple Island (Bin Ghannam).
- Where should I stay in Al Khor?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Al Khor: Al Khor City & Corniche.
- How do I get around Al Khor?
- Ways to get around Al Khor covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Al Khor?
- The nearest airport to Al Khor has the code DOH.