SAEDNEWS: Introducing the Most Beautiful Beach in Northern Iran – Share Your Memories With Us!
According to the Family Magazine section of SaedNews, imagine strolling through a city where the gentle Caspian breeze caresses your hair, while the scent of beech and elm trees from the ancient Alborz forests intoxicates your senses. Kelarabad, this shining gem of Mazandaran Province, offers exactly this unique experience. A city where time takes on a new meaning, and nature embraces you with all its majesty.
This coastal city is not only one of northern Iran’s most popular tourist destinations, but it also holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts, as it is home to the country’s only remaining lowland forests. If you are seeking a destination where you can enjoy swimming in the sea and wandering through untouched forests at the same time, Kelarabad is the perfect choice.
Kelarabad lies in the heart of Mazandaran Province, within Abbasabad County. To the north, it borders the Caspian Sea, while its southern edge meets the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains and the central district of Abbasabad. To the east, it neighbors Salman Shahr (formerly Motel Ghoo), and to the west, it shares a border with Nashtarud.
Surrounding towns and villages, including Khoshamiyan, Amirdasht, and Daryakenar, play a vital role in shaping Kelarabad’s regional identity. This strategic location has established Kelarabad not only as a tourist hotspot but also as an important economic and industrial hub in northern Iran.
The name “Kelarabad” combines “Kelar,” referring to elevated, green mountain slopes in the local Mazandarani dialect, and “Abad,” meaning a developed or inhabited area.
Kelarabad officially became a city in 2000 (1379 in the Iranian calendar), when it was upgraded from a rural district. The establishment of the Kelarabad municipality marked a turning point in the city’s development, attracting investment and population growth, transforming it from a simple rural area into a significant northern tourism and industrial center.
Kelarabad enjoys a mild, humid coastal climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F) and roughly 1,200 mm of annual rainfall. These conditions make it attractive year-round.
Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather, lush greenery, and vibrant landscapes perfect for forest walks and mountain excursions. Summer, despite warmth and humidity, is perfect for seaside activities, swimming, and sunbathing. Winters bring cooler weather and occasional rain or snow, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude.
Many tourists mistakenly confuse Kelarabad with Kelardasht. Despite similar names, the two are very different. Kelarabad is a fully coastal city by the Caspian Sea, while Kelardasht is a high-altitude mountain plateau. Their climates differ: Kelarabad is mild and humid, whereas Kelardasht is cool and mountainous. Administratively, Kelarabad is part of Abbasabad County, while Kelardasht is an independent county, roughly 45 km away by road.
Natural Wonders
Khoshke Daran National Park: Spanning about 9,000 hectares, it is the last remnant of Iran’s lowland forests, home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, as well as wetlands for migratory birds.
Kelarabad Beaches: Golden sands and relatively clear waters offer swimming, sunbathing, boating, jet-skiing, and parasailing, all within family-friendly and safe facilities.
Forests: Rich with beech, elm, hornbeam, and medicinal plants, these forests are perfect for walking, picnicking, and camping.
Waterfalls: Kohsar and Abpari waterfalls create breathtaking scenery, with hiking trails providing an immersive nature experience.
Kelarabad Stone Park: A serene landscape where a river winds through large rocks and boulders.
Danyal Nabi Shrine: A sacred site attracting many pilgrims annually, offering tranquility and spiritual reflection.
Imamzadeh Seyed Tajoddin: Known for its beautiful tile work and open spaces, ideal for meditation and spiritual calm.
Parks and Recreation
Shohada-ye Gomnam Park: A green space with recreational facilities for families.
Kelarabad Forest Park: Walking trails and ancient trees provide a closer connection with nature.
Children’s and Coastal Parks: Designed for young visitors to enjoy safely.
Restaurants and Cafés
Kelarabad offers a diverse culinary scene, including:
Akbar Joojeh for local Mazandaran dishes
Alborz International with Iranian and global cuisine
Kelarabad Kheshti for seaside dining
Sali Restaurant for fresh seafood
Aryo and Mah-o-Mahi for modern or seafood-focused menus
Options range from modern hotels to eco-lodges:
Kelarabad Hotel, centrally located with full amenities
Daryanavardan Motel, close to the beach
Darya Hotel with sea views
Sahel and Yas Aparthotels, offering modern facilities
Schools for all levels, as well as Islamic Azad University and the University of Applied Science and Technology.
24-hour clinics, pharmacies, and private and public medical centers serve both residents and tourists.
Kelarabad has multiple neighborhoods—Amirdasht, Lakoudeh, Daryanavardan, Paradise, Elite, Aquarium, Khavarmiyaneh, Dorna, Pezeshkan, Afshin, and Negin—each offering unique amenities.
Local industries contribute significantly to employment and economic development.
By Road
Chalus Road: The most scenic route, winding through the Alborz Mountains.
Haraz Road: Via Amol and Babol.
Firuzkuh Road: From Sari.
By Train
The nearest station is in Sari; taxis or minibuses can reach Kelarabad in roughly 30 minutes.
By Air
The closest airports are Ramsar and Nowshahr, with taxis, buses, or rental cars available for onward travel.
Handicrafts: Wooden carvings, pottery, and woven mats.
Agricultural Products: Fresh citrus (tangerines, oranges, lemons), high-quality Mazandaran rice, local dairy products, and Caspian Sea fish.
Kelarabad, with its unique combination of sea and forest, history and nature, tranquility and excitement, promises an unforgettable experience. From serene mornings by the Caspian to adventurous afternoons in the forest, from vibrant local dining to spiritual visits, Kelarabad offers diverse and enriching experiences that will warm your heart long after your visit.
