Iran counts hundreds of islands, but five in the Persian Gulf stand out for their natural spectacles, unique wildlife and rich history. Whether you want mangrove forests and salt caves, UNESCO-scale geoparks, underwater life and shopping, or surreal colorful landscapes, these islands deliver unforgettable memories. — By Mohammad Heydari
Our country, Iran, has in total 427 large and small islands. Comparing Iran’s islands is hard because each dazzles in its own way. Some islands have ancient urban histories. In this list we present five important Persian Gulf islands you can visit on a trip to southern Iran. On these trips you’ll find stunning vistas, mysterious tribes, strategic geography, marine wildlife and lesser-known wonders that will leave unforgettable memories. Join Alibaba to discover Iran’s most striking islands.
We begin with an island that sometimes sits in the shadow of others, but Qeshm is no less impressive. Bright and sun-drenched, Qeshm lies in the Persian Gulf and — though separated by water from the Iranian mainland — is easily reached from Bandar Abbas and Bandar Khamir, making road + short-boat travel a practical option.
Qeshm is Iran’s largest island and a county of Hormozgan province. It has played an important historical role: in Sasanian times it was called “Abrkāvan” (literally “of Kaveh’s lineage”), and its geographic position turned it into a trade and cultural hub linking Persia, China and Africa.
Qeshm is also a major shopping center with good prices, so visitors can combine bargain shopping with sightseeing. It’s easy to bring your own car by boat from Bandar Abbas or Bandar Pol (Bandar Khamir), or rent a car on Qeshm to explore more efficiently.
Mangrove forests (about 8,000 hectares) and the nearby historic port of Laft;
Numerous caves, including the Salt Cave (Namakdan), considered the world’s longest salt cave;
The Portuguese abandoned fort and other historical ruins;
Valley of the Stars (Dareh-ye Setaregan) — local legend says falling stars shaped the strange formations; astronomy groups sometimes hold educational tours here;
Qeshm Geopark — the Middle East’s first geopark with spectacular rock folds and natural sculptures;
Various springs (e.g., Kargāh spring, Gori spring and springs on the slopes of Namakdan), though many are saline so drinking them is not recommended;
Qeshm Crocodile Park — the region’s first/ largest crocodile park, home to about 200 crocodiles and other species, reachable via the Qeshm–Dargahan highway.
Kish has become so popular that almost nothing there remains unknown to visitors. Think “sun, sea and sand” — Kish is a dreamlike Iranian island. Although it had ups and downs historically, in the last decade authorities have invested to restore its former prominence.
Kish is a duty-free/free trade zone and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz attracts investment. It receives many domestic and international tourists thanks to relaxed social rules, abundant entertainment, and numerous leisure programs. Costs are broadly affordable for many visitors.
Swimming and water sports in crystal water;
Shopping — Kish is a major hub with many malls and often up-to-date merchandise;
The Greek Ship (the Beached Greek freighter) — a famous romantic photo spot at sunset;
Kariz underground city — a 2,500-year-old qanat complex (about 16 m deep, with shell and coral-studded ceilings) used historically for water collection, purification and storage (roughly 10,000 m²);
Annual visitor numbers approach two million; best climate is from early January to late April; for cultural events many travel between 6–7 July and 6–7 September (Iranian dates in text refer to mid-Tir to mid-Shahrivar).
Visit Harireh, Payab, Ocean theme areas, Art Park, Derakht Sabz complex, Coral Beach and Dolphin Park. Major shopping centers include: Damoon, Maryam Bazaar, Sarina 1, Marjan, Pardis 1 & 2, Morvarid, Paniz and Venus malls.
Seafood lovers will enjoy various restaurants; examples listed in the original: Mirmohanna, Kuh Noor, Puria (near Parmis hotel), Royal Star, Padideh, Foodland, Tooti Fruity and Laavazza.
Hengam is one of Iran’s beautiful but lesser-known islands, located south of Qeshm. To reach it, go to Kandālā (Kandaloo) pier and take a short ~10-minute boat ride to Hengam’s harbor. The island offers many recreational activities beyond natural sightseeing.
Dolphin-watching in the clear Persian Gulf waters, where dolphins leap and play, is one of the most delightful family experiences — not something staged like in theme parks. For a better chance to see dolphins, head out early in the morning during Azar and Dey months (roughly late November–January).
Hengam has no paved roads and only about 600 residents in three small villages — perfect for travelers seeking calm and pure air. The island’s traditional market is among Iran’s loveliest; buy handicrafts and local preserves made with red soil (golek).
Silver beach: sand contains tiny sparkling mineral particles (and phytoplankton contribute to the shimmering effect); lying on this glimmering shore is restorative;
Unique wildlife: rare local species such as the Persian gazelle (jebeer), hawksbill turtles or similar sea turtles, various crabs and Egyptian mongoose;
Extremely clear coastal waters allow easy observation of fish and marine life;
Local customs include henna hand-patterning (mehndi) that visitors often get as a souvenir of the trip.
Larak lies about 16 km from Qeshm. Around 250 families live there, clustered near a historical fortress. Earlier attributions credited Nader Shah with the fort, but modern research shows the fort dates to the Safavid era and has Portuguese involvement.
Historic attractions include military bastions, an East India Company telegraph house at a place called “Marneh,” and houses up to 800 years old nestled into the island’s rocks. A striking site is the historic cemetery: small ceramic braziers placed on graves are used to burn incense (kondor) and give the area a distinctive scent.
At night, bioluminescent plankton cause a blue glow where waves meet the shore — a magical evening spectacle. Enjoy an evening stroll along the beach, rest in seaside gazebos, and photograph the glowing shoreline. One famous shot taken by Pouyan Shadpour in 2015 appeared in National Geographic.
Fishing is abundant; fresh fish is daily shipped from Larak to Bandar Abbas and other islands. Tasting grilled fish by the shore is an unforgettable pleasure. Date halva (halvā-ye ratb) is a local sweet; hospitable islanders often teach visitors how to make it. Locals are so friendly you can often stay overnight in a family home. Best travel time to Larak is the second half of the year (autumn/winter) when weather is milder.
Hormuz — the “rainbow island” — is called the key to the Persian Gulf because of its strategic position. Known as a paradise for geologists due to its varied soils, Hormuz also has a tumultuous history: Portuguese forces occupied it in 912 AH (Islamic calendar; corresponds to the early 1500s CE) and built a fort; locals expelled them in 1031 AH. Ruins of that fort remain a tourist site.
Rainbow Valley — multi-colored soils and rocks produce spectacular vistas;
Dr. Nadalian Museum — Ahmad Nadalian is known internationally for stone engraving and arrangement art (net-art and installations);
Salt island — like a shell floating in blue waters; a coastal road circles the island for walking or cycling;
Camping — a popular activity (as well as staying with locals and tasting traditional bread); the Environment Beach has basic cabins/containers for visitors to watch sunrise;
Local cuisine — recommended to eat local dishes (there are no luxury hotels or many restaurants; only basic food stalls exist); local specialty qalia mahi (a fish stew) is highly recommended.
To view the Strait of Hormuz, hike among the seven-color mountains then pass narrow alleys to reach a cliff top overlooking the channel and shipping lanes.
The simplest route is to reach Bandar Abbas, then take a ~40-minute traditional boat (lanc) to Hormuz.
These five islands combine natural wonders, wildlife, unique geology and cultural encounters. Each island has its own best seasons and local customs — plan accordingly and respect local communities and fragile environments.
