Steam, minerals and views! Iran’s hot springs combine scenic day trips with natural therapies that locals have trusted for generations.
Thermal springs bubble up across Iran’s diverse landscapes. Their mineral-rich waters are believed to help muscular, skin and bone problems, ease nerve tension and offer restorative relaxation. Many travelers report that soaking in these springs feels like a therapeutic escape — a way to heal without hospital walls. This Ali Baba travel guide explains the benefits and lists major hot-spring destinations so you can plan a restorative trip.
As noted above, hot springs are valued both for leisure and therapeutic use. Bathing in mineral water raises body temperature and circulation, which helps cells function better and increases oxygen delivery. The result is muscular relaxation and reduced fatigue.
Selected therapeutic effects mentioned in the article:
Benefit |
|---|
Relief of muscle pain and fatigue |
Improvement for lumbar and cervical disc problems |
Helpful for sciatica and osteoarthritis |
Aid for rheumatism and bone pain |
Support in some kidney, liver and digestive conditions |
Help with certain skin conditions |
Antifungal and antimicrobial effects |
Increased mobility and potential weight loss |
Possible benefit for lowering blood sugar |
Relaxation of the nervous system |
Important medical note from the article: Do not use hot springs if you have heart failure or infectious diseases. Also avoid entering thermal pools if you have a large open wound.
Sarein’s thermal springs in Ardabil are among Iran’s best-known. Located roughly 30 kilometres from Ardabil city, Sarein hosts many therapeutic complexes with good facilities. Popular bath complexes and hotels include Sabalan, Darreh Lersuyi, Ghahve Suyi, Iranian, Gavmish Goli, Royal Park and Pahnlu (some names appear as local complexes and hotel facilities).
Many complexes combine mineral ponds with added facilities: jacuzzi, sauna, pools and massage halls. Gavmish Goli is a historic natural spring with limited facilities but high popularity due to its longevity and reputation.
Addresses (as in the article):
Complex / Spring | Address (from article) |
|---|---|
Gavmish Goli hot spring | Intersection of Vali-Asr Street and Shariati Boulevard, Gavmish Goli square |
Darreh Lersuyi therapy complex | Gavmish Goli square, Shariati Boulevard |
Ghahve Suyi complex | Taleghani Street, before Shariati Boulevard |
Sabalan therapy complex | Gavmish Goli square, Vali-Asr St., Danesh St. |
Iranian therapy complex | Sablān Boulevard |
Royal Park therapy complex | Dārāyi St., before Darāyi square |
Pahnlu hot spring | Vali-Asr St., Salamāt St. |
[Image omitted — original showed photos of Sarein springs and thermal pools]
Larijan’s thermal waters lie on the southern slopes of the Alborz, near the mountaineering basepoints of Damavand. The Larijan (Rineh) hot springs are on the Haraz road toward Amol and are within reach of Tehran — a popular day-trip option for Tehran residents.
Temperatures in Larijan’s springs can reach 60–70°C, and the area includes iron-rich springs and the Hamam Shah Abbasi (Shah Abbasi bath), a traditional natural pool. Many guesthouses and suites in the village offer private sulphur baths, but the article warns that some accommodations use stagnant, artificially heated water in private tubs — a process that can reduce the therapeutic sulphur content. The article recommends using natural springs like Hamam Shah Abbasi when possible.
Address: Haraz Road after Polur and Ab-Ask, side road to Rineh village (next to Salarī restaurant), Larijan district, Rineh village.
Falakdeh spring lies near the Liresar village along the scenic Do Hezar road in Tonekabon. The spring’s key appeal is its forest setting — you soak in warm water under tall trees and fresh oxygen-rich air.
A major advantage is that Falakdeh’s water lacks sulphur, so there is no unpleasant odor; it’s also safe to drink according to local notes. Nearby wooden cabins provide accommodation, and you reach the spring after a forest dirt track.
Address: Tonekabon, Do Hezar road, Liresar village (forest cabins nearby).
Bushehr’s Ahrom hot springs, in Tangestan county near the city of Ahrom, are another national thermal attraction. The Ahrom thermal-health village offers good facilities and welcomes many visitors annually.
Two pools and ten baths in the facility are fed by the spring; the water’s origin relates to Zāgros geology and sedimentary rocks. The article lists Ahrom among Iran’s five top mineral springs.
Address: Tangestan county center, Ahrom city, Pasdaran square, Garmāb Street.
Dehloran’s springs sit about 3 km from Dehloran, at the foot of the Siyah-Kuh range and near the Bat Cave (Ghār-e Khafāsh). Water reservoirs reach roughly 50°C, and the springs’ changing colors in sunlight are cited as a special attraction. The area also includes therapeutic mud pools.
Address: 3 km from Dehloran, Sargaro road.
Delfan’s thermal spring emerges from Zagros ranges between Galleh and Safīdkuh. The spring boosts local tourism for Delfan and Kakaavand fields. Near the village of Siyalia, and about 60 km west of Nourābād, this spring discharges roughly 30 liters per second at temperatures around 40–60°C. Locals have built a concrete pool to harness the flow.
Address: Delfan county, ~60 km west of Nourābād, Kakaavand district, near Siyalia village.
Mahallat county in Markazi province hosts a cluster of springs north-east of the city. Named springs include Shafa, Hakim, Soda, Danbeh, Rhumatism (Romatism), and Soleymaniyeh. The area lies along the Delijan–Mahallat and main Qom–Isfahan roads.
Mahallat — sometimes nicknamed “Iran’s Holland” for its flowers — pairs floral scenery with therapeutic water, and modern wellness complexes enhance local tourism. Historic use of these springs dates back millennia, and current spa complexes offer treatments and accommodation.
Address: Delijan–Mahallat road, Water-spring road.
At Iran’s Ardabil–East Azerbaijan border near Kalibar (Kelibér), Qal‘eh Kandi’s springs join scenic areas such as Arasbaran forests, the Aras river and Khodaafarin Dam. Temperatures in some pools reach 80°C, while “Yel Suyi” spring in the village has lower temperature and greater therapeutic value.
Visitors come not only from within Iran but also from neighboring Armenia, Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan.
Address: Kalibar (Kelibér), Kalibar–Ardabil route, Absh-Ahmad – Abdolrazagh road.
About 35 km northeast of Bandar Abbas, the Genow (Genu) hot spring sits sheltered by the Genow mountains. Mineral components include sulphur, chloride and sulfate. The site includes pools and accommodation and has boosted Hormozgan’s wellness tourism.
Address: Northeast of Bandar Abbas, Sirjan–Bandar Abbas road.
West Azerbaijan province hosts Iran’s largest number of hot springs — the article notes that West Azerbaijan holds 46 springs in total. Springs appear close to historical sites in the region, strengthening a combined cultural-and-thermal itinerary.
Examples mentioned by location include: Urmia (Mahall Barandooz, Isti Su, Zanbil), Miandoab (Zendān Soleiman), Salmas (Sadeghiyan), Khoy (Qareh Shabān), Mahabad (Garao) and others.
Hot springs combine pleasure and therapeutic benefits. If you’ve visited any of Iran’s thermal sites, the article invites you to share experiences and to compare wellness complexes. For more Iranian travel recommendations, continue exploring Ali Baba’s guides.
# | Hot spring (province) | Key features / cautions | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sarein (Ardabil) | Many complexes, jacuzzi/sauna; historic Gavmish Goli spring | See list above (Gavmish Goli intersection, etc.) |
2 | Larijan / Rineh (Mazandaran) | Very hot (60–70°C); natural Hamam Shah Abbasi recommended; avoid stagnant hotel tubs | Haraz Road after Polur and Ab-Ask — Rineh village |
3 | Falakdeh (Tonekabon, Mazandaran) | Forest setting; non-sulphur water; drinkable per article; cabins nearby | Do Hezar road, Liresar village |
4 | Ahrom (Bushehr) | Two pools + ten baths; top five springs list | Tangestan county center — Ahrom |
5 | Dehloran (Ilam) | ~50°C; colorful pools; therapeutic mud baths | 3 km from Dehloran, Sargaro road |
6 | Delfan (Lorestan) | Strong flow (~30 L/s), 40–60°C; local concrete pool | Kakaavand district, near Siyalia |
7 | Mahallat (Markazi) | Multiple named springs; historic use; modern complexes | Delijan–Mahallat road |
8 | Qal‘eh Kandi (Ardabil/E. Azerbaijan border) | Very hot (up to 80°C in some pools); cross-border visitors | Kalibar–Ardabil route (Absh-Ahmad – Abdolrazagh) |
9 | Genow (Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan) | Sulphur, chloride, sulfate; pools & accommodation | 35 km NE of Bandar Abbas (Sirjan–Bandar Abbas road) |
10 | West Azerbaijan (various) | Province with highest spring count (46); near historical sites | Various (Urmia, Miandoab, Salmas, Khoy, Mahabad etc.) |
Tip | |
|---|---|
Do not use hot springs if you have heart failure, active infectious disease or large open wounds. | “If you have heart failure or infectious diseases... if you have a large open wound... never enter.” |
Prefer natural springs (for example Hamam Shah Abbasi in Rineh) over artificially heated, stagnant private tubs. | “Many suites have stagnant, artificially heated pools — this reduces sulphur properties; prefer natural springs.” |
Check local water temperature before entering; some springs reach very high temperatures (60–80°C). | “Larijan 60–70°C; Qal’eh Kandi up to 80°C.” |
Use established complexes with facilities if you want additional amenities (jacuzzi, sauna, massage). | “Many complexes offer sauna, massage, pools.” |
Follow local protection rules — fishing and hunting are often regulated; respect environmental restrictions. | (Implied by overall guidance about protection and preservation in the piece.) |
