Kish

Kish Island

Let’s introduce one of the most attractive cities in Iran, one where the sun is always shining and the beach always inviting!

Kish, a small resort island of approximately 91 square kilometers, is located in the Persian Gulf, only 19 kilometers off the mainland. Kish is surrounded by many other very small islands. The temperature hardly goes below 18 degrees in the cold months, making Kish a tourist destination all year round.

However, if you decide to visit this island during the summer months, beware! It can be extremely hot and humid. So, don’t forget to pack ample amounts of sunscreen and suitable clothing.

Kish Island enjoys a trade-free status, making it an appealing tourist destination for many Iranians on the mainland. This developed and luxurious Island is booming with luxurious 5-star hotels and shopping centers as well as numerous sights to visit and many sports activities to experience.

If you decide to visit a city where you can enjoy a warm and relaxed atmosphere, enjoy its nature and do some sightseeing at the same time, Kish is the destination for you!

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kish:

 

Water sports

From Parasailing, fishing, jet-skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing to cruising on jet boats or pedal boats, Kish as it all. These sports are led by young men and women in numerous clubs and can make a fun and wonderful experience for tourists. No need to worry If you don’t have any knowledge or experience in these activities. Once you book an activity, you will be given all the necessary clothing and equipment and will be instructed by experts. Scuba diving is one great way to see first-hand, the coral reefs and the beautiful colorful fish in the gulf. You can also decide to have a few pictures and videos taken while under the water!

 

Kariz underground city

Kariz (originally Kah-riz) means aqueduct in the Persian language. The aqueduct is an Iranian invention dating back to the ancient civilization of Iran, 2500 years ago. The purpose of Kariz in Kish was to provide water for the inhabitants of this dry Island. Moreover, ships passing the Persian Gulf would stop to exchange clothing and spices for drinking water from this aqueduct. Kariz which has now turned into an underground city of 10 000 square meters, has three Qanats (underground aqueducts) and 274 wells, some of which are still intact today.

One of the most beautiful features of the underground city is the coral and fossil walls which have made it very unique.

So, if you decide to visit an ancient underground structure in between coral walls, a few hours away from the heat above, and do some shopping from the underground bazaar, this is the place for you to go!

 

The Greek Ship

Khoula F., which has been nicknamed ‘The Greek Ship’, was a cargo ship and belonged to a Greek owner when it ran aground in the southwest coast of Kish Island, in 1966. There were attempts at the time to refloat the ship, but they proved unsuccessful. This mysteriously beached ship has become one of the most popular tourist attractions during the past years. It is recommended to visit this beach at sunset when the ship is most picturesque. You can also do camel or horse riding while watching the sunset. There are also snack bars and bicycle tracks which you can enjoy.

 

The Ancient city of Harireh

This ancient city of which only ruins remain today belonged to the 8th century. It is said that Harireh is the city that the famous Iranian poet, Saadi has mentioned in his work Gulistan. The city is located in the northern center of Kish Island and has an area of 3 square kilometers. Some archaeologists say that the multi-floored monuments of the city of Harireh were destroyed during an earthquake. Although not much of the city is left, you can get a feel of ancient middle eastern life by visiting Harireh.

 

The Dolphin park 

This park is a very large complex of about 100 hectares in the southeast of Kish Island where it houses several marine animals such as sea lions, dolphins, and northern sea cats. Every evening there is a dolphin show at the dolphinarium which is the very first dolphinarium in Iran.

While visiting this complex you can walk through the beautiful bird garden and see various species of birds walking or flying around freely. There are as many as 50 species of birds such as pelicans, ostriches, parrots of Macau, peacocks, stork, toucan, swan, and some aquatic animals like crocodiles in this huge garden. Visiting Dolphin Park can make a fun and amusing afternoon for all ages.

 

Biking

One of the most fun sports activities to do while on this beautiful and small island is to bike around it! There are numerous bike stations around the island where one can hire a bike, tandem bike, or a scooter and enjoy a leisurely ride along the marked bicycle tracks all around the island. This is one fun way of seeing the beautiful clear blue waters.  

 

Marjan Beach Park

One of the most beautiful beaches of Iran is the Marjan beach located on the east of Kish Island. Marjan is the Persian equivalent for Coral. Kish is a coral reef island but the Marjan Beach is the most beautiful, where the waters are so blue you can see any creature dwelling in the water. There are of course many snack bars and cafes and ample places to sit and relax, away from the hustle and crowd of the other cities, and leisurely watch the sunrise. Although collecting corals from within the water is illegal due to the harm it causes the ecosystem, you are free to collect the dead corals washed into the beach.

Needless to say, visiting the island of Kish can be a very unique and relaxing experience for tourists visiting Iran. Here you can be active in sports, or relax by the gulf, or do both and make an unforgettable memory of your time in Iran. See you in Kish!