Welcome to our IRAN SUMMER DESTINATIONS! Contrary to popular belief, Iran not only provides excellent winter destinations but also many cool summer destinations! It’s time you pack your bags and leave to a faraway place.
In the heat of summer, not only doesn’t Iran scorch you into a clammy well-done human steak but offers you pleasant mornings and cool mountain breeze. Imagine an afternoon naps among lush green orchards to spend your evenings in while enjoying a sip of cold refreshing sherbet!
The pandemic is going away, vaccines are being injected, and travel bags are being filled! It might be hard to choose where to go after a yearlong global pandemic, but hopefully this summer we can guide you to the best of myriad Iran summer destinations which offer an ideal, safe vacation during the season.
Spending a cool day taking in the gorgeous scenery of Iran’s summer destinations might be just what you need! Do you fancy a well-deserved holiday in Iran but still, you’re unsure about where to go this summer? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Iran’s various climates provide travelers with unique experiences year-round. During summer, the northern regions of Iran such as Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, being protected by the tall Alborz mountain chain, provide tourists with a cool heaven during the hottest months of the year. To the west, the regions adjacent to the Zagros mountain chain are the perfect Iran summer destinations if you enjoy the mountain sceneries!
Located in the northwest of Iran, this province is surrounded by high mountains which results in a relatively cool mountainous climate. The average summer temperatures may be as low as 8º C! It’s an ideal destination for those looking for an unforgettable trip to the gorgeous landscapes of Iran’s rural life! Here are some of the renowned attractions you can visit in East Azerbaijan.
What a delight it is, to stroll in the biggest covered bazaar in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the heart of Tabriz, this 700-year-old bazaar invites travelers and shoppers alike to an extent that even the 17th-century Italian traveler, “Marco Polo” couldn’t refuse its call!
Ride a magic Persian carpet through this magnificent labyrinth which was an essential stop on the Silk Road. Step over and go take a look at the various stunning rows presenting countless products ranging from carefully handwoven Persian carpets to fabulously crafted jewelry! Tabriz Grand Bazaar is without a doubt, one of the most historical stops among all Iran summer destinations.
The village of “Kandovan“, which means ‘where the sun rises, is a 7000 years old mountain village, hidden in the heart of “Mt. Sahand” just 35kms away from Tabriz. What makes this place unique is the fact that the villagers of Kandovan find their houses by carving the surrounding rocks, as per ancient traditions lasting millennia.
There’s no wonder that while strolling through Kandovan, tourists who have visited Cappadocia feel a sense of déjà vu. That’s because both villages share the same history.
In contrast to the rocky surroundings, the villagers themselves are warm, hospitable, and kind-hearted. Travelers are frequently asked inside the houses and are usually offered dried fruits, honey, and dairy products harvested by the hosts.
The houses themselves need no heating or air-conditioning systems, as the rocky walls protect residents from the freezing winds of winter and scorching heat of summer. All of these qualities contribute to this village’s amazing reputation as one of the best Iran summer destinations.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 130 km from Tabriz, the St. Stepanos Monastery is situated in a deep canyon along the Aras River on the Iranian side of the border between Iran and Nakhichevan. This Armenian monastery was originally founded in the ninth century but it was rebuilt during the Safavid dynasty, as a result of damages suffered due to wars and natural disasters.
We highly recommend visiting this historical stone monastery. This place is visited by not only the Armenian Christians but also tourists from a variety of faiths, countries, and backgrounds.
The Arasbaran biosphere reserve is situated in the north of Iran at the border with Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus Iranian Highlands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses mountains, high alpine meadows, semi-arid steppes, rangelands and forests, rivers, and springs making it one of the ideal Iran summer destinations for nature lovers.
There are many historical sites in the Arasbaran forest that you shouldn’t miss such as Babak Fort, which is located on the summit of a mountain. It was built during The Parthian empire (247 BC).
Everyone has seen a rainbow in the sky, but what about a rainbow under your feet? Just 25kms outside of Tabriz, we find ourselves facing an unforgettable landscape. The “Ala Daglar” mountains present themselves with hues ranging all over the visible spectrum of light.
It’s as if painted by mother nature herself. From horizon to horizon, everywhere the sun touches become another color; red, yellow, copper, white, brown, blue, and numerous other colors! Imagine an afternoon hike through these mountains.
As you walk on the colorful ground, the light of the sun changes direction and what was a golden shade of yellow, suddenly becomes a copper red in the shade. It feels as if the ground itself is alive and changing. The “Rainbow Mountains” are, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and distinct Iran summer destinations.
If you’re interested in collecting souvenirs, we recommend Persian carpets, kilims, or natural handmade leather shoes and unique leather bags among many other items! Mountain wild honey and delicious dried cookies can satiate a food lover’s appetite for local sweets!
West Azerbaijan is another mountainous province that is home to the largest salty lake in the middle east, the Urmia lake. Although for a time it was critically in danger of drying up, it was restored by the tireless environmental activists of Iran! It’s recommended to take a walk on the hills surrounding the lake for an unforgettable sight and experience, especially during sunsets!
Two UNESCO World Heritage sites located in West Azerbaijan, the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus in Chaldoran county and the Chapel of Dzordzor in Maku county, could provide cultured travelers with a unique view of the less known faiths and cultures of Iran!
This province neighboring east Azerbaijan is host to an ancient city of the same name home to countless historical and natural attractions. The pleasant weather during summer makes Ardabil city one of the perfect Iran summer destinations for tourists. Here are top destinations:
The city of flowing medicinal hot springs, is located30 km away from Ardabil city. Sar-eyn has been among the most popular Iran tourist destinations among tourists AND locals. The cool pleasant weather, historical sites, natural landmarks, and hot springs are just a few of this city’s popularity factors.
The Sar-eyn springs are close to an inactive volcano in mount Sabalan and its water has Sulphur properties good for treating bone and joint pains! Sar-eyn is also famous for its “Ash-e-doogh”, a delicious Iranian dish!
During the busy summer periods, it is not uncommon for many of the local shops to be seen selling and preparing Ash! Don’t forget to take some local honey home too, since the nearby mountain flowers give the honey extra healthy properties!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ardabil city, was built during the Safavid dynasty. This complex is a complex consisting of the tomb of King Ismail and his mother, the grave of Sheikh Safi al-Din himself, crypts, corridors, a great courtyard, a portico, a Chini-house with beautiful Stuccos, and several precious wooden and silver doors and many other spectacular structures.
Just 2 hours away from Zanjan city, you will find this UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to 2500 years ago during the Sassanid empire. Some people believe it’s the birthplace of Zoroaster, the ancient Persian prophet of Zoroastrianism.
The citadel contains the remains of Adur Gushnasp, a Zoroastrian fire temple, and also a mosque from the Ilkhanid period. There’s also a spring pond that locals believe is 100 meters deep! Visit this magnificent relic of antiquity if you get the chance, satisfaction guaranteed by us!
note: There is another Zoroastrian fire temple in Iran, which is among the very few landmarks open to visitors. See here for more detail.
Lorestan Province is a province in the western part of Iran by the foot of the Zagros Mountains, famous for its beautiful landscape scenery and its agreeable weather during summer. If you’re a nature lover, we recommend visiting the Alps of Iran in Lorestan province! Other remarkable attractions are:
Or the castle of the castles is a fortress situated on the top of a large hill of the same name inside the city of Khorramabad, the regional capital of Lorestan province. This gigantic structure was built during the Sassanid era (224–651).
Known as the Alps of Iran, this mountain is located in the city of Azna extending to Doroud city. There are several interesting natural attractions near this mountain such as Gahar lake, upside-down tulips or Crown Imperial, snowy tunnels, and many more. Reaching some of these Iran summer destinations is quite hard so if you are a fit mountain climber, don’t miss the challenge!
You can take handmade kilims and carpets that are mostly woven by nomads as souvenirs. Other special souvenirs are felt clothes and hats, giveh and wicker baskets.