Unlike what you can imagine, Iran has surprisingly beautiful islands like Qeshm. But remember that beaches are not about beers, bikinis, tanning in the sun, etc. As you know, we must respect the dress code of Iran. However, optimistically, this could be a good opportunity to relax and enjoy the beach and the beauty away from the crowded music-filled environment, without worrying about how much alcohol you are going to drink.
Iran is a beautiful country with mysterious place that is why you need to discover it.
Qeshm Salt Cave - Iran
Qeshm is just one of the many islands in the Persian Gulf, but it is the largest. The island is nominated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. As the name implies, there is much to discover in its beautiful nature. In addition to the water games; swimming, jet skis, sailing, etc. Qeshm has been through a lot throughout history, so it's a nice historical attraction too.
Namakdan Cave
Salt caves are made naturally. Namakdan Cave is one of them. At 6400 meters in length, it is the longest salt cave in the world. It is surprising that the cave is older than the Cambrian period, about 570 million years ago.
Layers of salt deposits and various minerals, has created a fascinating colorful sight at the entrance. Each layer has a lot to say about the different eras of our planet. The ground is covered with crystalline salt between stalactites.
The salt from the Namakdan cave is used for different medical purposes. For example, staying in the cave can help respiratory patients to recover better.
Portuguese castle
Top 10 Attractions on Qeshm Island: Portuguese Castle
Almost at the eastern end of the island of Qeshm, the Portuguese fortress is struggling to stand tall. The island's ruined attraction dates back to 1507 when the Portuguese colonized the Persian Gulf.
Commander Afonso de Albuquerque ordered the redstone fort to be built on 2,000 square meters of land using limestone and gypsum with local mortar. There are other Portuguese castles on the shores of Hormuz and the island of Larak. This fort appears to be more of a warehouse for their ammunition and weapons, however it was to support the other two forts in an emergency.
Naz Islands of Qeshm
Naz Islands - Iran
One kilometer off the coast of Qeshm you can see the three Naz islands. And some cars parked on its shores. But how did they get there? During the ebb, the hidden narrow shoreline connecting these three to Qeshm comes out of the water. You can walk, drive, or ride to the islands at that time.
Camel rides, horseback riding, jet skis, sailing, scuba diving, offroad, paragliding, etc. are the entertainment available to enjoy the day. Many tourists visit here to experience the joy.
Qeshm's Eagle-nosed Turtles
Unfortunately, eagle-nosed turtles are an endangered species that have chosen these shores to live. They grow up to a meter in length and 80 kilograms in weight. Today, their numbers around the world are not many, and yet the main habitat of this species is the island of Qeshm, which is why many tourists come to Qeshm to visit them annually.
Qeshm Dolphins
They say that before 60 million years ago, dolphins were land animals, but due to some harsh conditions, they moved into the waters and transformed over the centuries.
Between Qeshm and Hengam Island, in the Persian Gulf, many dolphins live. They are intelligent, friendly and playful creatures. People love them so much. That is why riding in boats to see dolphins is one of the most popular attractions for tourists.
Hengam Island
Unlike Naz, to visit this wonderful island you need to ride a boat that you will really enjoy. And you might be excited to see a group of animated dolphins on your way.
Hengam Island is located two kilometers off the southeast coast of Qeshm. There are no cars on the island, instead, many unique beauties to experience the best sensations. The silver shoreline, wildlife, sparkling waters, red soil, and the local bazaar are the main attractions here.
In short, the sand of the Silver Coast is silver and sparkles in the sun. About the sparkling waters that are wonderful, I must tell you that some nights on the island the water turns brilliant blue. It's all due to the phytoplankton that live in the water. In some special conditions, your metabolism causes such phenomenon.
The wildlife is made up of dolphins, chinkaras, uromastyx aegyptia and eagle-nosed turtles, that seeing each one awakens an impressive feeling in you.
Final words on Qeshm
If you like window shopping and shopping, Qeshm Islan has many shopping malls to visit. They are located in the city of Qeshm. Usually the prices are cheaper than anywhere else. You can also visit the old Qeshm bazaar.
Another tip for foodies, try the local food, you will love it.
Hope you get a chance to visit Qeshm Island and see for yourself. Because words are nothing compare
