Travel to Kish or Qeshm? Comparing Two Popular Islands in Iran for Tourists
Comparison of Travel to Kish and Qeshm
Iran is a legendary destination known for its rich culture, ancient history, stunning natural landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. All parts of our country from its northern forests to the central deserts, mountainous regions, and southern coasts have precious travel experiences to offer.
It is also home to beautiful islands such as Kish and Qeshm in the Persian Gulf. These beautiful islands offer their visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Iran’s southern coastline.
In this blog, we will go deeper into the attractions, cuisine, accommodation, and culture of these two islands. We also compare them and highlight their differences and similarities.
Hence, if you have any questions about traveling to Kish or Qeshm and choosing between them do not hesitate to contact us.
Traveling to Kish or Qeshm?
The answer to this question depends on your criteria and interests. What travel style do you prefer? Do enjoy adventures during your trip or you are seeking peace and comfort in your destination?
In short, Kish is a luxury destination with nice hotels, and the 3– to 5-day tours on this island are suitable for those who like to enjoy modern amenities, recreational facilities, and beautiful sunny beaches. In contrast, Qeshm with its unique nature and a large geopark, is a more suitable destination for those who are adventurous and enjoy nature exploring. However, it is important to note that both islands are located in Iran’s free trade zone. Hence, all tourists can travel to these islands visa-free.
Before comparing traveling to Kish and Qeshm, let’s take a look at a brief introduction to these travel destinations. So, stay with us.
Kish Island
Kish Island is a popular tourist destination in Iran, known for its sunny beaches, modern infrastructure, shopping centers, and luxury resorts. Hence, it is an ideal destination as a weekend gateway to indulge in luxury. Also, with several modern and traditional shopping centers, Kish offers a wide range of products at affordable prices.
Moreover, Kish Island houses several tourist attractions such as The Greek Ship, an old cargo ship that ran aground on the island’s coast in the 1960s. Dolphin Park is another popular attraction on Kish Island, where visitors can watch dolphin performances. You can also enjoy water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and diving on this island.
Besides, for those interested in history and culture, Kish Island has some historical sites. The Kariz underground city is a must-visit historical attraction, which is a series of underground tunnels that were used to store water in ancient times. Furthermore, the Harireh Historical City, another valuable monument, offers a glimpse into Kish’s ancient history.
Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island is a more traditional and nature-oriented island. It is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, known for its unique geological formations, such as the Stars Valley, Chahkooh Canyon, and Harra Forests. Qeshm Island is an ideal destination for those who want to explore nature and experience traditional Iranian life.
Also, Qeshm consists of the main island and several small islands with different characteristics such as Hormoz, Larak, Hengam, Naz, etc.
On the other hand, if you are interested in culture and history, Qeshm Island houses several historical and cultural attractions; Portuguese Castle, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, and the Loft Village which offers a glimpse into traditional Iranian life, with its traditional architecture and friendly locals.
Location, Geography and Accessibility
Kish and Qeshm are both located in the Persian Gulf in southern Iran, about 195 km apart. Since they have almost the same climate, the best time to visit both islands is during fall and winter.
In comparison to Qeshm Island, Kish Island is smaller (19.5 km²) and closer to the Iran mainland. Interestingly, Qeshm with an area of 1,491 km² is the largest Island of the Persian Gulf.
On the other hand, Kish enjoys beautiful sunny beaches while the most significant geographical phenomenon of Qeshm is its unique geopark. This geopark with an area of 2063 km² is considered one of the oldest geoparks in West Asia and the Middle East.
Both islands are accessible by air from some of Iran’s cities and some international destinations (These days (Dec 2023), the international destinations that connect to these islands are Dubai and Muscat).
They can also be reached by sea, from Iran ports. Accordingly, you can get to Kish Island from Charak and Aftab ports by ferry, while Qeshm is accessible from Bandar Abbas Port. Also, please note that the boat ticket price to Kish Island starts at about 7 USD and the boat ticket price to Qeshm Island starts at about 3 USD per passenger. Notably, these prices vary based on season and demand.
The Beaches of Kish or Qeshm?
One of the most important motivations for tourists to travel to Qeshm and Kish is to visit their beaches. Both islands have beautiful beaches in the blue waters of the Persian Gulf but with two different atmospheres. Also, you can find restaurants, cafes, and resorts on these beaches and spend your time there. But the difference is that you can find more of them on Kish beaches than on Qeshm.
On the other hand, the beaches of Qeshm Island are a little more secluded, and this can be considered an advantage for the Qeshm beaches. In addition, due to the larger area of Qeshm Island, you can find more pristine spots on the seashore.
However, although Kish is smaller and its famous beaches and piers are limited and crowded, you can find more standard beaches where the lifeguard team is present such as Men’s Beach and Ladies’ Beach.
Finally, if your purpose for traveling to these islands is to sunbathe and swim in the sea, Kish Island is a better option.
Cuisine and Dining
Iranian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diversity, meaning that each part of Iran offers a one-for-kind cuisine. In this regard, Kish and Qeshm islands offer their own unique culinary experiences as well.
Kish has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, serving traditional Persian dishes as well as international cuisine, with seafood as the highlight.
Qeshm, on the other hand, is known for its seafood specialties, including fish, shrimp, calamari, and lobster. Notably, the Qeshm cuisine is mainly based on local ingredients. Interestingly, you can find some local dishes on this island that you will not see anywhere else. How about eating a portion of food that contains red soil? You can find it only on Hormoz Island!
Accommodation on Kish and Qeshm
Both Kish and Qeshm islands offer a range of accommodations from fancy beach resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
However, Kish is known for its luxury beach resorts and wide entertainment options. Accordingly, you can find some of the most luxurious hotels in Iran on this island, i.e., Dariush Hotel and Toranj Hotel.
Qeshm Island, on the other hand, offers a more pristine and nature-oriented experience, with its eco-lodges and camping sites. Ecolodges and local homes are popular options for those who desire to explore the island’s natural beauty while getting involved with the local lifestyle.
Generally, Kish has many new infrastructures, while the infrastructures in Qeshm are mostly old. Likewise, there are more traditional and ecotourism accommodations in Qeshm, while there are more luxury hotels on Kish Island.
Qeshm and Kish Tourist Attractions and Entertainment
Qeshm and Kish are also different in terms of their attractions and entertainment. Although they are close to each other, there are more natural and pristine attractions in Qeshm than in Kish. Most of the sights of Qeshm were created by nature millions of years ago and have formed a great Geopark that is unique in the Middle East and the whole of Asia. Besides, since the structure of Qeshm’s local communities is still preserved, its cultural attractions are more than Kish’s.
On the contrary, Kish is a small island whose attractions are usually made by humans. Of course, you can also find historical and cultural attractions there, but its diversity is not as great as Qeshm, instead, there are more newly-built and modern spaces.
As a result, on Kish Island you can enjoy shopping, going to water parks, and doing some water sports such as diving, jet skiing, etc. While, Qeshm Island offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, island hopping, boating, birdwatching, and snorkeling.
Travel Costs and Budget
Generally, Iran is an affordable destination for international tourists, and both Kish and Qeshm offer a range of options for different budgets.
It is interesting to know that the travel expenses in both of these Iranian islands are much more affordable than other coasts of the Persian Gulf such as Dubai, Doha, Muscat, etc. Therefore, some tourists prefer to forget about the cold and soulless modernity of Dubai or Doha and come to visit these two islands, where they can find the same beaches with more authenticity at a lower price.
By the way, Kish is generally more expensive than Qeshm, with higher prices for accommodation, food, and entertainment. However, it offers a more luxurious and modern experience, with luxury resorts, enjoyable shopping, and diverse entertainment options.
Qeshm, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodation options like ecolodges, homestays, and inexpensive local dishes, as well as free attractions such as geo-sites and beaches.
Finally, note that although you will probably spend less on amenities and shopping in Qeshm, you should consider the distances on this large island. That is, if you want to see most of Qeshm’s natural attractions and surrounding small islands you will have to pay more for transportation than in Kish.
Culture and People
Iran has a rich culture and every destination on this legendary land offers visitors an opportunity to experience different aspects of Iranian culture.
Due to being in southern Iran, Kish and Qeshm have many common cultures and customs. Of course, it should be noted that due to the proximity to the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, you will see traces of the dialect, culture, and clothing of the Arab countries on these islands.
However, Kish Island is more cosmopolitan, for its diverse population that includes people from all over Iran and other countries. Also, it is considered one of the top tourist centers of the country. The island is known for its modern amenities and luxury lifestyle, which attracts visitors who want to experience a more luxurious side of Iranian culture.
Notably, the indigenous residents of Kish Island are called Kishvand. Although many Kishvands reside on the island, you will mainly see travelers and immigrants, during a trip of several days.
The natives of Kish Island are of Dravidian, Semitic, and Dark-Skin races and speak Persian and Arabic languages.
Qeshm Island, on the other hand, is more traditional and rural, with a population mainly made up of fishermen and farmers. The island has a rich cultural heritage, with its dialect, music, and traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery. Furthermore, since Qeshm is less touristic and houses fewer immigrants than Kish, you will be more in touch with the natives on this beautiful island. Accordingly, visitors to Qeshm can experience traditional Iranian culture by visiting local markets, attending local festivals, and staying in ecolodges and local houses. It is interesting to know that the language of the people of this island is a mixture of Persian, Bandari, Hindi, and English.
Finally, on Qeshm Island you can feel traditional Iranian hospitality more than in Kish, and locals are known for their warmth and generosity towards visitors.
Shopping in Qeshm or Kish?
Since both islands are in Iran’s free trade zone, they have thriving shopping centers that attract you to shop.
Shopping in Kish’s malls is usually a bit expensive, sometimes even more expensive than shopping in other big cities like Tehran. But still, some people prefer to shop in such markets because the variety of foreign goods in Kish is more than in other Iran cities. Note that buying from luxury stores does not necessarily mean buying the original product. So, we definitely recommend that you check the desired product before buying.
On the other hand, you can find inexpensive goods and products in Qeshm markets. Notably, Qeshm has both luxury and affordable shopping centers; But compared to Kish, the number of luxury malls is less. As a result, you can find more affordable and varied shopping in Qeshm than in Kish.
Travel to Kish vs. Qeshm at A Glance
In the table below, you can find a summary of the comparison of different aspects of traveling to Kish and Qeshm islands.
Finally, please leave your comments if you have any other information or questions about Travel to Kish or Qeshm.
Most Frequent Questions and Answers about
Travel to Kish or Qeshm
