This would have been an awesome castle when it was still standing. Fenced off but still visible from the street, only two towers remain of the 16th-century fort today. The castle was believed to have been part of the Portuguese Gulf defence system. The name 'Tarout' is said to come from the ancient Phoenician goddess Astarte, for whom a temple was built on this spot. There is also evidence to suggest the site has been in use since 5000 BC.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
16.45 MILES
Ithra is a world-class cultural venue like no other in Saudi Arabia. The building resembles a space station, and is home to a cinema, a museum, exhibition…
0.04 MILES
One of the prettiest little mosques you are likely to see in Saudi Arabia, this mosque sits at the entrance to a historic Shiite neighbourhood. The mosque…
28.13 MILES
Relive your childhood at the privately owned Taybeen Museum. What started as the personal collection of Majid Al Ghamdi has now evolved into a 300-sq…
25.89 MILES
South of Al Khobar, this area boasts high-end resorts and spas perfect for an indulgent day out. The public areas are not well maintained, but if you’re…
21.03 MILES
Jam-packed with families, joggers, cyclists and locals hoping to catch fish, the Gulf-side Al Khobar Corniche makes for a pleasant evening of people…
Nearby attractions
0.04 MILES
One of the prettiest little mosques you are likely to see in Saudi Arabia, this mosque sits at the entrance to a historic Shiite neighbourhood. The mosque…
16.45 MILES
Ithra is a world-class cultural venue like no other in Saudi Arabia. The building resembles a space station, and is home to a cinema, a museum, exhibition…
21.03 MILES
Jam-packed with families, joggers, cyclists and locals hoping to catch fish, the Gulf-side Al Khobar Corniche makes for a pleasant evening of people…
25.89 MILES
South of Al Khobar, this area boasts high-end resorts and spas perfect for an indulgent day out. The public areas are not well maintained, but if you’re…
28.13 MILES
Relive your childhood at the privately owned Taybeen Museum. What started as the personal collection of Majid Al Ghamdi has now evolved into a 300-sq…