Qeshm Attractions
Qeshm Island, the biggest island of the Persian Gulf located in the south of Iran near Kish Island, is one of the unique Iran tourist destinations. What makes this island so unique is not palm tree-lined beaches for relaxing and enjoying swimming and different water sports. But the island is rich in terms of Ecotourism and Geo-tourism.
In other words, it is the heaven of geologists and adventurous. Accordingly, Qeshm has diverse natural attractions, including pristine islands, forests, caves, valleys, and incredible wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and birds. Additionally, Qeshm Island has a history of more than 1000 years, and the earliest evidence of human presence at the island belongs to the Paleolithic Period.
Thus, the historical and cultural monuments and the inhabitants’ customs and traditions are other Qeshm Island highlights. Furthermore, the foreigners do not need to obtain an Iran visa for visiting Qeshm and staying up to 14 days.
Join us to introduce you to the most significant Qeshm attractions and their details, like opening hours and entrance fees. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.
Qeshm Tourist Attractions List
Qeshm Geo-park
Generally, Geo-park is an area where there are diverse geological phenomena. Additionally, the other heritages, including ecological, archaeological, historical, and cultural treasures, may exist in a Geo-park. Accordingly, Qeshm Geo-park is an excellent example of a Geopark that is full of diverse heritages. Moreover, it was registered in the UNESCO-sponsored Geoparks list in 2006. Also, this area is the first Geo-park in the Middle East. Qeshm Geopark consists of 25 Geo-sites, which are the most popular Qeshm Island attractions.
Among them, there are several beautiful valleys such as Star Valley, Tandis-ha Valley, Ghazi Valley, and Shur Valley. Furthermore, Karyan Canyon, Chah Kuh Canyon, Khorbas Cave, Karagh Beach, Naz Island, Hara Forest, Loft Village, Qeshm Roof, Turtles Nesting Beach, and Dokoohak Birds’ Wetland are the other significant Geo-sites.
Opening Hours
Based on Selected Attractions
Entrance Fee
Based on Selected Attractions
Visit duration
1 to 2 Days
Hara Forest - Mangrove
Hara Forest is an area full of Avicennia marina trees (a kind of Mangrove tree) in the Qeshm Geopark and one of the must-see Qeshm attractions. Mangrove trees can grow in the saltwater of the hot and dry region. Accordingly, they cover 22000 hectares of the Qeshm Geopark. Moreover, these small trees with heights of three to eight meters and bright green twigs and leaves are evergreen. On the other hand, there are a variety of migratory birds in the area that you can see them during winter. Finally, to visit the beautiful Harra Forest, you have to ride on a boat into the waters of the Persian Gulf. At first, everything is like a regular boat ride until trees surround you and you pass through them.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to Sunset
Entrance Fee
15€ per Boat
Visit duration
30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Stars Valley
Years of sedimentary rocks erosion has formed one of the most wonderful geological appearances in the Persian Gulf, called Star Valley. This site is one of the significant Qeshm Island points of interest. Locals believe that the valley’s strange shapes were created by the collision of a big star to the earth. It is interesting to know that the star valley natural columns resemble the Kaluts in Dasht-e Lut Desert. When the air flows through the valley’s maze-like pathways, it makes strange sounds that are very fearsome. The inhabitants say that it is the whispering of the ghosts during the night. However, Stars Valley is a marvelous place for star observing; Where the stars seem so close that you feel that you can take them in your hands. Please note that staying in Star Valley after Sunset needs permission from Geopark’s management.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to Sunset
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
1 to 2 Hours
Chahkooh Canyon
Chahkooh Canyon is a wonderful valley and one of the must-see Qeshm Attractions. This canyon is one of the seven wonders on the island as well as a valuable geo-site in the geo-park of Qehsm Island. In this 100-meter deep valley, you can see the amazing geological appearance that is formed by natural elements, including wind, water, and sun erosion. Among these extraordinary features, natural statues, water holes and narrow passages enclosed by tall walls are the most marvelous ones. Moreover, you will see the remains of the seashells on the walls, the evidence that shows the region was under the water many years ago. Furthermore, you can enjoy photography and star observing in this beautiful canyon. Along with being so beautiful, Chahkooh Canyon is a unique site for adventurous experiences such as rock climbing. Finally, note that your mobile does not work in this canyon, so you need a tour guide to accompany you.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to Sunset
Entrance Fee
6€
Visit duration
2 to 3 Hours
Namakdan Salt Cave (Salt Dome)
In 90 kilometers far from Qeshm, the island houses one of the masterpieces of nature, Namakdan Salt Cave. This site is one of the outstanding Qeshm Island attractions and a valuable geo-site in the island’s Geopark. The penetration of water into the cave and the moisture lead to producing beautiful icicles by saturated saltwater. So, you can find fantastic natural structures such as stalactites, salt crystals, stalagmites, and various layers of colorful minerals and stones. Besides, with about 6 km in length, the Namakdan Cave is the longest salt cave on earth; it is impossible to get to the cave’s depth. However, when you go deeper into the cave, it becomes darker, so you need an expert guide who accompanies you. Also, as the cave is far from Qeshm city and has a 30-minute drive on a sandy road, you’d better transfer by an SUV.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to Sunset
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
3 to 4 Hours
Hormuz Island (Rainbow Island)
Hormoz Island has red, silver, golden, white, orange soil, and more than 70 other colored minerals that are unique in the world. The contrast between the colorful soil and the azure blue of the Persian Gulf makes the island one of the top Qeshm points of interest. Duo to the extraordinary geological appearances, this island looks like another planet. Accordingly, you can see fantastic landscapes and pristine, such as red beaches glittering beaches, rainbow caves, salt mountains, and hidden beaches.
Since Hormoz Island has a mild climate in winters, it is one of the best destinations for winter travel to Iran. Besides, in its azure and clear beaches, you can do a variety of water sports, such as diving. On the other hand, the lives of the inhabitants of this island represent the lifestyle, customs, clothing, and local food of southern Iran. It is interesting to know that Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, the famous explorers also visited this beautiful island. In terms of accessibility, you can go to Hormuz Island by ferry through Qeshm island (Shahid Zakeri Port) or Bandar Abbas (Shahid Haghani Port). During high season, there are plenty of boats heading to Hormoz island.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
Half to 2 Days
Hengam Island
Hengam is a small island in the Persian Gulf, located two kilometers southeast of Qeshm Island. With a length of 9 km and a width of 6 km, the island has an area of about 33.6 square kilometers, and its structure looks like an incomplete cone. Hengam is a tranquil island with no streets and no cars. Although it is a tiny island, it presents a different world. Here we introduce you to the most prominent attractions of Hengam Island.
Hengam Island Attractions
The beautiful beaches of Hengam: The length of the Hengam coastline is 50 km, and at each step, you will see a different image of the sea. You can go to the rocky shores or choose sandy beaches.
Silver Beach: On this beach, particles of a kind of shiny mineral have settled in the sand and given a silver appearance to the beach.
Shining Beach: At specific periods of the year, Hengam Island Beach turns bright blue at night. Such a phenomenon, which also occurs on California and Maldives’ shores, is caused by phytoplankton.
Dolphins: In the middle of the fall season, the dolphins reach Hengam Island and stay there until May. So, many tourists come to this island to watch free dolphins going up and down in the water.
Aquarium in the Persian Gulf: Near the island of Hengam, there is a section known as the natural Aquarium. In this part, due to the high transparency of the water, the colorful sea creatures are easily visible.
Red soil: Like Hormoz Island, red soil is found on Hengam Island. Interestingly, the inhabitants use this soil to make a kind of jam called “Soorakh.”
Hengam Bazaar: In Hengam Traditional Bazaar, you can find handicrafts made of shells and scallops, various oils, local spices, and many other goods.
Since Hormoz Island has a mild climate in winters, it is one of the best destinations for winter travel to Iran. Besides, in its azure and clear beaches, you can do a variety of water sports, such as diving. On the other hand, the lives of the island inhabitants represent the lifestyle, customs, clothing, and local food of southern Iran. It is interesting to know that Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, the famous explorers, also visited this beautiful island. In terms of accessibility, you can go to Hormuz Island by ferry through Qeshm island (Shahid Zakeri Port) or Bandar Abbas (Shahid Haghani Port). During high season, there are plenty of boats heading to Hurmoz island.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Boat Ticket Fee from Qeshm: About 4€
Visit duration
2 Hours to a Half-day
Naz Island
Naz Island is a complex of 2 amazing and unique islands located about 1 km from Qeshm Island’s shore. This site is one of the outstanding Qeshm attractions and a valuable geosite in the Qehsm geopark. Besides, these islands are rocky and do not have any inhabitants. You can walk to the island through a narrow passage that connects Naz Island to Qeshm Island during the low tide. After a magical walk or off-roading on the water, you reach Naz island. On this island, you can enjoy a different and picturesque view of the Persian Gulf. Moreover, you can experience water sports such as Jet Ski, Scuba diving and boating in Naz Island.
Opening Hours
Every Day
During the low tide
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1 to 3 Hours
Qeshm Portuguese Castle
Along with natural attractions, Qeshm island presents historical attractions such as Portuguese Castle. This castle or citadel was constructed in 1507 when the Portuguese army had the control of the Persian Gulf and its islands. So, there is another famous Portuguese Castle in Hormoz Island that is known as the red stone fortress. By the way, the remains of the Qeshm Portuguese Castle consist of the ruins of the water reservoir, church, soldier’s room, gun warehouse, and salon. This rectangular fortress, with an area of more than 2,000 square meters, is made of a combination of limestone and gypsum with local mortar.
Opening Hours
Every Day
8:00 to about 18:00
Entrance Fee
3€
Visit duration
30 Minutes to 1 Hour
Tallaght wells of Loft Village (Talla Wells)
Tallaght wells, Talla Wells, or Golden Wells, situated in the village of Loft, on Qeshm Island, date back to the Achaemenid and Zoroastrian period. These wells were constructed to store the clean rainwater and keep it fresh for a long time. Notably, there are 366 wells in different geometric shapes in this site. Accordingly, during a year, the island dwellers opened the door of one well on each day to use its water. Today, about 70 wells have remained.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
45 Minutes to 1.5 Hour
Loft Port (Bandar-e Loft)
The port of Loft (Bandar-e Loft) is a small village in the northwest of Qeshm Island. This village, with its unique architecture, is one of the must-see Qehsm attractions. Accordingly, the texture of the town is such that all the houses have a central courtyard and wind catcher. Therefore, this village is known as “The Port of Wind catchers”. Narrow and roofed alleys, tall wind catcher and several mosques are the prominent features of Loft. Besides, Loft village presents a collection of the country’s cultural heritage with rituals such as sailing and singing religious and folk poems. Also, Among the historical attractions of Loft, we can mention the ancient Talla Wells and the Portuguese Castle. Finally, the mentioned features have caused this old port to be known as the first Eco-museum of Iran.
Opening Hours
Every Day
24 Hours
Entrance Fee
Free
Visit duration
1:30 Hours to One Day