Iranian Tour Operator and Travel Agency
The Qeshm Travel guide will take you from the colorful shores of Hormuz island to the emerald forests of Hara. Qeshm island is the uncut gem of the Persian Gulf and the unalloyed delight of the Sea! This Geopark shines brilliantly in its natural glory and is unrivaled in all Iran and middle-east. As surprising as it may sound, Qeshm has yet to be touched by the fingers of the modernized world and commercialized life. This, along with Qeshm’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, has made Qeshm one of the most divine and exquisite destinations on the Iran top cities list.
14°C to 20°C / 34 °C to 43 °C
Namakdan Cave
Hormuz Island
Hengam Island
Hara Forests
Stars Valley
Qeshm GEOPARK
Qeshm international airport
Ferries
Taxi
The single longest salt cave in the world, Namakdan cave is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of Qeshm. Previously known as the cave of the three naked men, this salt cave is known for its incredibly rich salt (used medically and for daily ingestion) and mesmerizingly colorful halls. This cave is about 6000 meters long and is located on the western side of the island. The gratifying marble and icicle sights are worth the rather long journey the visitors take upon entering the cave. To climb deep inside this cave, one must be a professional caver and have necessary caving gear. Not only that, but a certain level of physical capacity and fitness is also required from these adventure seekers.
One of the favorites of tourists on Qeshm travel guide, is the naturally shaped rock formations of Stars Valley. These land formatios are so unique and singular that myths and folk tales have been going around about this valley’s narrow rocky walls for centuries. Also called the “stale kafte” by the locals ( fallen star), this land’s natural formation is a result of erosion by wind and water throughout the years. The valley of stars is one of the geological marvels of Iran, and its existence is one of the reasons Qeshm island was declared the first UNESCO geo-park in all middle-east.
Hengam island and its rocky coasts are home to some of the oldest and incredibly traditional customs. This island’s crimson soil, rich with aluminum oxide and iron, has been used in architectural designs, handicrafts, and even a special type of marmalade made by the locals of Hengam for many years. Hengam is famous for its lively seaside bazaars and traditional Bandari lifestyle that still remains in this city; a rare sight in today’s industrialized and fast-tracked world. To this day, women grab their fishing ropes and hand-made baits to catch fish first thing in the morning, making this island the only island of Iran in which fishing is also practiced by women.
The Egyptian Mastigure, Hawksbill sea turtle, chinkara, dolphins, and crocodiles are just some of the animals that inhabit Hengam, making Hengam an island brimming with wildlife and unique fauna.
Hormuz island is known for its marvelously colorful sands. Because of the volcanic ash nature of the soil on this island, astonishing natural colors can be found on the shores of Hormuz. One of the reasons Qeshm travel guide has highlighted Hormuz island, is the creativity of this land’s locals. Artists create a hand-designed carpet of colorful sands each year in the Hormuz shore. This beautiful and unique invention has brought tourists and travelers down to Hormuz from all around the world. This island is famously known for its salty formation and the numerous minerals found in these lands.
As one of the few intact and lively Mangrove forests in Asia, Hara forests have been standing on the salty waters of the Caspian Sea for millions of years. These forests’ freshwaters and crisp air has turned them into a favored spot for immigrant birds and as a result an amazingly popular tourist destination among birding enthusiasts.
Qeshm is also one of the most popular Iran winter destinations. Hara’s dense and untouched nature, one of the rarest in its kind, is among the most beautiful phenomenon of Qeshm and also one of the highlights of the Qeshm travel guide.
Not only is this exceptional forest one of the beauties of the Southern regions of Iran, but it is also the largest Avicennia Mangrove forest along the Persian Gulf shoreline! fishing activities and ship construction are two of the most common trades in this area.
One of the – of Qeshm is its tasty seafood and home-baked bread. People of Qeshm have mastered the art of preparing seafood in their own traditional style. Because of this area’s skillful cooks (both among local people and in restaurants) the same fish can be prepared in styles so different that one will taste crispy and salty while the other melts delightfully on your tongue, leaving a sweet trace behind.
These are some of the most famous and delicious Persian dishes prepared in Qeshm.
Where to stay in Qeshm island
Because of Qeshm’s charmingly quaint fabric, this city has numerous traditional local houses available for travelers and tourists. And although these accommodations are highly popular among visitors, Qeshm is also equipped with grand hotels and seaside hostels you can book before traveling there.
Qeshm is known for its fiery sun and unforeseen rains. The island’s average temperature fluctuates between 34 to 43°c (93 to 109.4 °F) from early summer to mid-fall. Although this time of year is very hot in Qeshm, some of the most famous traditional celebrations, like Sayad Nowruz (where fishermen and women gather and celebrate a day of no fishing with folk dances and music) are held in summer.
On our Qeshm travel guide, we propose you travel to Qeshm in January and February. The weather of this beautiful island Qeshm’s weather is most enjoyable during these times.
NOTE: Qeshm island and Kish island are both among Iran free trade zones. This means that travelers from all countries except for America, Britain, and Canada can fly directly to Qeshm without getting a visa. learn more about Iran visa policies.
You can use boats as your transportation means between the islands (for example, from Hormuz to Naz). Taxis and other private transportation services are available inside each city as well.
You can choose to have your own private tour vehicle and get to Qeshm using the VIP tour bus or private cars.
NOTE: At the time of writing Qeshm travel guide, the COVID 19 virus has spread globally and health services are still struggling to cope. Thus, it is not recommended to use public transportation means at the present time.
Despite the intense heat, the greatest time to buy in Qeshm is during the summer, when summer festivals are held and costs for items, tickets, and lodging are reduced. Let’s take a look at a handpicked collection of best things you can buy from Qeshm.
The southern of Iran is known for its spicy cuisine, especially since people of Bandar (port cities) use their own regional spices. This not only makes Qeshm a great place to try Bandari food, but also an amazing place to buy spices! You can find some of the tastiest spices in the Qeshm market at affordable prices. You may find this Qeshm travel guide tip especially useful if you are looking for Spices that can only be found in Indian and East Asian marketplaces, or simply if you are a fan of spicy food. Do remember that spices found in Qeshm island are excellent both to suit your own exquisite taste, and to bring back home as souvenir.
If you visit Qeshm in summer, you can be sure that wearing the cultural and traditional clothing will help you feel quite comfortable under the blazing sunlight. Of course, we don’t really recommend traveling to Qeshm island during summer unless you really enjoy warmth, but these clothes provide you a distinct coolness and charm especially in warm seasons. When visiting Qeshm, regardless of the season, you can purchase, wear, and even bring back these traditional garments as souvenirs. The likes of these clothes can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
This folk song takes its origins from the city of Boushehr in the southern parts of Iran, and is performed magnificently by the skillful members of the Rastak Persian group. This song is sang in celbration of the beauties of life, and how everyone should appreciate the gift of life by being happy, and dancing in festivity.
Qeshm’s culture is rooted on the preservation of the natural environment and its geographical heritage. The oldest known community in Qeshm Island dates back to approximately 40,000 years ago. According to historical evidence, the islanders were renowned traders in ancient Persia, especially during the Sassanid dynasty, with the Far East, the west shores of the Indian subcontinent, and particularly the east coast of Africa.
This commerce thrived all throughout the Islamic era as well. According to anthropological findings, some cultural vestiges, garments, and music found on the island, have their origins in African and Indian traditions. As per Cassell’s Bible, Qeshm is also the location of the Garden of Eden.
1. What is Qeshm island famous for?
Qeshm geopark is famous for its intact and beautiful nature. Qeshm is far less urbanized compared to the other famous island in Iran, the Kish island, and is the ideal destination for nature lovers or those looking for an array of untouched sceneries.
2. How far is Qeshm from Tehran?
Qeshm is 1388 kilometers away from Tehran, and a normal flight to Qeshm airport from the capital takes an hour and 50 minutes.
3. What are Qeshm city’s highlights?
Namakdan salt cave, the valley of stars, Hormoz island, Naz island, Hengam island, and Hara forests are just some of the natural highlights of Qeshm.
4. How many days is enough to visit Qeshm?
Qeshm is full of mesmerizing sights and natural landscapes which, if you want to get the most of, 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in Qeshm.