Marjan Beach on Kish Island is a beloved coral shoreline in the southeast of the island — free to visit, rich with golden sands, beachside sculptures, water sports, diving teams, nearby shopping and restaurants, plus an aquarium that houses more than 800 Persian Gulf species. It’s an ideal stop for photography, family outings and marine adventures.
The shining golden beaches of the Persian Gulf islands are among the most spectacular shores in Iran and the world. Marjan Beach is a rocky/reef shore and one of Kish Island’s most popular sights; with its facilities, hotels and restaurants it’s a great place for a stroll. Below we’ll introduce Marjan Beach in detail.
Marjan Beach (also called Hafezieh Beach) is located in the southeast of Kish Island. Kish lies in southern Iran on the Persian Gulf and is one of Hormozgan Province’s most popular tourist spots. Port Aftab and Port Chark sit north of Kish; Hendurabi and Lavan islands lie to its west. Marjan Beach is about 9 km (12 minutes) from the island’s airport.
Address: Hormozgan Province — southeast of Kish Island (see on map)
To reach Marjan Beach you must first get to Kish Island. Besides flying you can reach Kish by land → sea: get to Bandar Abbas by plane, bus, train or car, then take a sea vessel to one of the ports (Lengeh, Aftab, or Chark). Port Chark is the best access point because it has frequent ferry crossings to Kish. Distance Bandar Abbas → Chark 291 km; sea distance Chark → Kish 32 km.
The island’s international airport is near the center; from there taxis or rental cars will get you to Marjan Beach via the scenic Jahan coastal road that circles the island.
If you bring a personal car (land transport), you’ll need a vehicle ferry (landing craft) from Chark to Kish; the trip takes ~2.5 hours. Morning departures are recommended for nicer coastal scenery; departing near sunset gives you sea-sunset views en route.
Marjan Beach is one of the cleanest coral beaches of the Persian Gulf with golden sands and well-kept landscaping. The water clarity is such that on a boat tour you can see shells, snails, sea anemones, jellyfish, colorful reef fish and corals.
Watching the sea and sunsets at Marjan Beach is a top activity. The park has shaded pavilions and sitting areas where you can relax and take photographs — a perfect spot for hours of calm and scenic shots.
A bike track runs near Marjan Beach; kiosks rent bicycles to visitors for leisurely seaside rides. Electric motors and quad bikes are also available for rent to explore the island.
At Marjan Beach’s marine club you can enjoy parasailing, jet-skiing, boating, shuttles, banana boating and more.
Diving in the coral sea at Marjan Beach is a must-do. Many visitors join guided dives with full equipment and professional teams to explore the colorful marine life and reefs.
Marjan Shopping Center is the main mall near the beach. It stocks clothing, groceries, island souvenirs, swim gear and more — an ideal place to shop after watching the white-coral sunset.
The center opened in 1991 (1370) and houses a large ground-floor aquarium with over 800 Persian Gulf species, a key attraction. The mall also contains water features and illuminated displays.
Several bank branches (Sepah, Saderat, Melli) inside the mall make banking easy during travel.
Address: Kish Island, Jahan Road (map)
Kourosh Mall (Zilan store) opened in Esfand 1396 (Mar 2018) near Marjan’s shore and Golden Towers, offering big brands (Adidas, Nike, Zara, Puma etc.). It carries apparel, sportswear, jewelry, electronics and more. Restaurants and cafés in the mall include Chaps Grill, Merzaltz Burger and seaside cafés like Viona, Lavazza and Baloot; the Tolou Food Center is also nearby.
Address: Kish — Pars Square, Pars Boulevard (map)
The aquarium on the ground floor of Marjan Shopping Center displays more than 800 Gulf species and increases the area’s popularity.
In Marjan Beach Park a charming statue depicts a relaxed man playing a traditional instrument while seated in a ring — the lighting at night makes this statue especially striking. There are many island statues (fisherman, lantern-holder, old man) that decorate Kish and enhance its appeal.
Facilities include hotels, boat rides, varied shopping centers, a bike track, kite activity, cafés, fast-food stands, bike and quad rentals, pavilions and rest areas, many restaurants (local & seafood), and a marine club offering diving, parasailing, jet skis, flyboard, shuttles and banana rides.
Kish’s hotels are among Iran’s best; you can stay near Marjan Beach. Below are notable nearby hotels with highlights and approximate distances to the beach.
Modeled on Persepolis, Dariush Grand opened 2003 (1382). It features columns, statues and bas-reliefs reminiscent of Apadana. The hotel (five-star) has 184 rooms, suites and cabanas overlooking sea and gardens. Amenities: private diving, Thai massage, pool, billiards, beach pavilions, water sports, paintball, gym, etc. Free airport transfer, safe deposit, room service, ATM, photo studio, taxi, parking and Wi-Fi.
Distance to Marjan Beach: 2 km (~5 minutes)
Address: Dariush Square (map)
Four-star Eram has 247 rooms, a pool, free parking, 24-hr reception, billiards and gym. Rooms have A/C, safes and TV.
Distance: 2.6 km (~5 minutes)
Address: Khayyam Boulevard (map)
Built 1996 (1375) with lush landscaping and water features; 70 units (apartments & suites). Distance: 2.8 km (~5 minutes)
Address: Hafez Street (map)
Opened 2011; 190 rooms; features a private pier for beach and water activities.
Distance: 3.1 km (~6 minutes)
Address: Marjan Blvd, near twin towers (map)
Three-star Simorgh — 85 rooms, amenities include lobby, prayer room, free parking, café, laundry, 24-hr reception.
Distance: 3.5 km (~6 minutes)
Address: Jahan Road, after Marjan Market (map)
Five-star Parmis — 168 rooms and suites, located near shopping and attractions; sea-view rooms, bridal suites and penthouses.
Distance: 3.6 km (~6 minutes)
Address: Pardis Square (map)
Five-star Shayan (established in 1970s) — 193 rooms; facing the island’s big recreational pier with extensive amenities (free airport transfer, ATM, tours, conference hall, sports and entertainment rooms).
Distance: 4 km (~10 minutes)
Address: Sahel Boulevard (map)
Don’t miss the variety of restaurants and food courts along Marjan Beach serving seafood and local dishes.
An open-air spot with pavilions serving fresh seafood; try local fish stews and shrimp dishes. Has an indoor dining area for hot days.
Distance: 1.3 km (~3 minutes)
Address: Jahan Street, west of Marjan International Market (map)
A large 2,000 m² food court opened 2010 (1389) seating 400+ and offering 100+ dishes — Iranian, international, seafood and fast food. Two cafés inside serve ice-cream and hot drinks, and the other serves tea and hookah.
Distance: 1.1 km (~3 minutes)
Address: Jahan Street (map)
Located in Korosh (Kourosh) Brand Center — recommended for fast-food lovers.
Distance: 1.1 km (~3 minutes)
Address: Korosh Center (map)
Large seaside restaurant (1,400 m²; 500 seats) near the big recreational pier; menu includes Iranian, European, seafood and fast food; wooden rooftop and live music.
Distance: 4 km (~7 minutes)
Address: End of Darya Blvd, near the big pier (map)
A longstanding popular seafood restaurant in Mirmohna township with large modern space and sea views. Reserve in high season.
Distance: 3.1 km (~7 minutes)
Address: Proving Etesami Street (map)
Located at Niloufar Seaside Park, serves Iranian and seafood cuisine.
Distance: 4.5 km (~7 minutes)
Known for quality and variety; famous for steaks. Has parking and breakfast menu.
Distance: 4.9 km (~10 minutes)
A unique stone-and-rock themed restaurant with waterfall features and ancient-Iranian motifs; live music and rooftop café.
Distance: 5.3 km (~8 minutes)
Other nearby cafes/restaurants: Flyboard Café-Restaurant, Kish Twin Café, Pars Restaurant, Café Yas fast food, Farati cafés, Tehran Café, Flyboard.
Kish has a hot, humid climate. Best season to visit is late autumn through mid-spring (cooler temperatures). From mid-spring to mid-autumn (especially summer) it’s hot and humid — not recommended.
Marjan Beach is not suitable for swimming near corals — touching corals harms both people and the ecosystem.
You can reach near the beach by car, taxi etc. — access is easy.
Professional divers operate at Marjan Beach.
The water is generally safe; there are no dangerous sharks commonly. Smaller shark species may be present but are not threats to people.
Corals supply oxygen and water clarity; interestingly, coral ecosystems are among Earth’s oldest (youngest coral colonies 18,000 years). Although corals cover 1% of the seafloor, they support ~25% of marine life. After coral death they can appear as white spongy structures with fine fissures that create striking shoreline vistas. Marjan Beach is Kish’s largest natural attraction.
Avoid touching, killing, or removing corals.
Don’t boat over coral zones.
Do not fish where corals grow.
Avoid contact with corals while diving.
Do not litter — even biodegradable waste like fruit skins damages the natural look. Trash bins are placed throughout Marjan Beach Park — use them.
Several Pahlavi-era estates remain on Kish; two served as winter residences for Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Palace No.1 (Kish Elite) was built in 1972 (1351) and registered as a national monument in 2008 (1387). The complex fell into disrepair after the revolution; fences now block entry though boats pause to point it out during some sea tours.
Distance from Marjan Beach: 2 km (~4 minutes)
The large pier is centrally located with a wooden deck for seaside strolls. Known as the wooden beach, its length is 437 m with an 18 m width and 10,000 m² area — designed to avoid damaging marine habitats. Visitors can watch fish, turtles and seabirds while nearby cafés and attractions await.
Distance: 4 km (~8 minutes)
Three hectares; since 2001 (1380) hosts a collection of ~57 bird species. The bird garden sits within the Dolphin Park and Tolou Seaside Park complex in the island’s southeast.
Distance: 6 km (~10 minutes)
A top family attraction with dolphins and sea lions. The green space includes palm trees, ficus, eucalyptus, acacia, hibiscus and 25+ cactus species.
Distance: 6 km (~10 minutes)
The iconic grounded Greek ship lies on the island’s western shore and is a classic sunset photo spot. Built in Scotland 1943 and stranded near Marjan in 1966, the 7,061-ton vessel remains a dramatic seascape.
Distance: 18 km (~21 minutes) — (west side of island)
Kariz is the Persian qanat network repurposed as an underground tourist complex; the qanat dates back 2,500 years. The subterranean complex has over 10,000 m² of shops, museums and restaurants and is set 16 m below ground.
Distance: 11 km (~13 minutes)
Address: Mirmahna Blvd (map)
Ruins at Harireh lie north of the island near the Olympic sports complex and preserve layers from the 4th–10th centuries AH. Spread over ~120 hectares, excavations reveal coastal complexes, palaces, baths, mosques, glass workshops and qanats. Harireh was established by merchants from Siraf and was once lush and prosperous.
Distance: 11 km (~14 minutes)
A 200-year-old house in the island’s oldest quarter (Sefin) displaying local crafts and culture, illustrating traditional hospitality and local life.
