Saar, Bahrain

This residential town west of Manama is known for its lush greenery, but don't let the landscaping fool you - Saar's history as an ancient Dilmun settlement comes with a persistent bureaucratic headache. The site covers about 2.5 hectares and has yielded hundreds of seals from its early inhabitants, a rarity for a small town. While the University College of Bahrain has a campus here, the town's agricultural roots mean the climate is unlikely to suit everyone. Overall, Saar offers a glimpse into Bahrain's past, but the red tape may be more than some expats bargained for.