The Tarout Castle lies off the coast of Qatif, around 30 km from Dammam! It's among the oldest inhabited sites in the Arabian Peninsula and a former heartland of the ancient Dilmun kingdom, thought to date back to 5,000 BC, the castle’s time-weathered walls have seen the rise and fall of multiple empires, and are ripe for exploration, while today, its intact walls continue to loom over the nearby community, a sandstone stronghold from years past. While visiting the castle it’s also worth exploring the surrounding village, which is a labyrinth of passages and walkways that wouldn’t be out of place in Portugal, Italy or Spain. The facades on the houses bear the remnants of carved teak balconies and frames, and arabesque engravings that speak to the island’s protected heritage. It's open to visitors after 4 pm. Entry is free, and guides can be hired for a small additional cost.