Kish Island

Kish, the Pearl of the Persian Gulf

Kish Island, a 91.5 square kilometer resort in the Persian Gulf, is a unique blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and modern amenities. The island, known as the “Pearl of the Persian Gulf” and the first free trade-industrial area of the country, hosts over 58 hotels and residential complexes, accommodating thousands of visitors daily. Annually attracting about 1.5 million visitors, it was ranked among the world’s most beautiful islands by The New York Times in 2010.

Best Time to Visit Kish Island

The best time to visit Kish Island depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. For those interested in swimming and enjoying the island’s attractions, the ideal period is from mid-fall to the end of April. During these months, the weather is temperate, with milder sun intensity, providing a pleasant environment for extended swimming without the risk of sunburn. However, be aware that some days may be chillier, affecting sea temperatures.
Late fall and mid-winter may experience sudden rainstorms, making beach activities challenging. Additionally, traveling in late February to late March, coinciding with the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), can result in crowded conditions due to increased tourism.
Another appealing time to explore Kish is during the autumn season, particularly in mid-October to mid-December (Aban and Azar months). During this period, summer humidity decreases, and winter’s cold has not set in yet. The winds are milder, offering a crisp and pleasant ambiance for those who appreciate the autumnal charm. Consider your preferences and plan accordingly to make the most of your visit to Kish Island.

Kish Island Weather

Kish enjoys a desert climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures range between 9 to 22 degrees Celsius, ideal for those seeking a retreat from hotter climates.

Historical Significance

Kariz means aqueduct in Farsi, and the art of carving aqueducts in Iran dates back to 6000 years ago. This ancient tradition has evolved from a survival necessity into an architectural marvel. Located 16 meters underground, its ceilings, filled with fossils, shells, and corals dating back 270 to 570 million years, make Kariz unique. It is the only structure with a natural coral and shell ceiling, located on the world’s only coral island. The Kariz-e Kish complex was on the verge of destruction until Engineer Haji Hosseini, an Iranian residing in Germany, took it upon himself to rejuvenate this historical site. His efforts have transformed it into a much-visited tourist destination, now featuring a traditional restaurant, a small bazaar, and a museum at the ground level.

Unique Features

The Kariz-e Kish complex is unique due to its composition of natural coral and shells. Spanning 15 kilometers long, 10,000 square meters wide, and 14 meters deep, it showcases ancient fossils and offers a cool underground temperature, providing a glimpse into the region’s past and its natural resources.

Kish Island Tours

Where to Stay in Kish Island (Hotels and Hostels)

Kerman offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, the city caters to all types of travelers.

For those seeking luxury, Kerman’s high-end hotels offer exquisite rooms, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service. These hotels often feature traditional Persian architecture and decor, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Budget travellers can opt for hostels or guesthouses, which offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. These establishments are ideal for meeting fellow travelers and experiencing local hospitality.

Many hotels and hostels are located near Kerman’s major attractions, making it convenient for visitors to explore the city. Whether you’re looking for a lavish stay or a cozy, budget-friendly option, Kerman has something to offer.

Akhavan Kerman
Starting from: 17 $
Trip Advisor Review: 4.0
Haraz hotel
Starting from: 35 $
Trip Advisor Review: 4.0
govashir kerman
Starting from: 19 $
Trip Advisor Review: 3.5
Jahangardi Kerman
Starting from: 85 $
Trip Advisor Review: 4.0
Pars Kerman
Starting from: 86 $
Trip Advisor Review: 4.0
Kermania Kerman
Starting from: 12 $
Trip Advisor Review: 4.0

Location and Nearby Attractions

Located in Mirmohana, Olympic Square on Kish Island, Kariz-e Kish is surrounded by other attractions such as The Ancient Town of Harireh, Dolphin Park Complex, and several of Kish’s beaches, making it a central point for tourists exploring the island.

Kish Island
Kish Island, renowned for its clear blue skies, tranquil Persian Gulf waters, and breathtaking sunsets, is the perfect destination for a romantic trip or honeymoon....
Kish F
Kish, a resort island in the Persian Gulf, is a free trade zone. It offers a variety of shopping malls, entertainment centers, and luxurious resorts....
kish
Kish Island, known for its clear blue skies, calm Persian Gulf waters, and stunning sunsets, is a must-visit destination. As a free trade zone, Kish...

Historical City of Harireh, Kish

Harireh is an ancient city dating back to the 8th century, located on Kish Island in present-day Iran. Positioned at the center of the island’s northern coast, it spans an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. Believed to have been initially constructed between the late Sasanid period and the early Islamic era, Harireh gained prominence during the periods of the Saljuks and Atavakan of Fars. The Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization has authenticated Harireh’s age, confirming it to be at least 800 years old.

Harireh is thought to be the town referenced by the renowned Iranian poet Saadi in his book Gulistan. Both Iranian and Arab historians have mentioned the town’s location on the island, placing it precisely in the middle of the northern part, aligning with the current ruins that stand as a testament to its historical significance.
The ruins of the ancient city of Harireh cover about 120 hectares, indicating it once was a large, populated city. What remains today is its urban architecture, with some stone arches and roofs still intact. Harireh’s port city had a unique open architecture, different from the defensive styles of other historical cities in Iran. Its location on the northern coast, with its elevated rocky shore and calm sea, was a natural choice for a city.

The Mysteries of The Greek Ship

The Greek ship in Kish is a notable tourist attraction with an intriguing history. Originally built by William Hamilton’s company in Glasgow in 1943, the ship, initially named Empire Trumpet, underwent ownership changes before ending up with a Greek owner. Weighing 7061 tons and measuring over 136 meters in length, it ran aground near Bago village on August 4, 1966. The ship’s subsequent names included Naturalist, Kourosh-e Parsi, Hamadan, and finally, Khoula F.

The circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Greek ship remain a mystery, leading to various speculations. Contrary to popular belief that it is a Portuguese ship, the vessel is, indeed, Greek-owned and is situated on the island of Kish. Over the years, it has transformed into a popular tourist attraction. For those interested in visiting this captivating structure in Kish, the Greek ship is located on Gorob Street, Gorob Square, Kish, within the Gorob Beach Park area.

History of the Greek Ship

The ship’s history is marked by various changes in ownership and names. Built in 1943 by the William Hamilton company in Scotland, initially weighing 7061 tons and measuring 136 meters, it was first purchased by the Ministry of War Transport in London in 1943 and named Empire Trumpet. In 1946, the Charnet Steamship Company in Liverpool acquired it, renaming it the Naturalist. After 13 years of service, it was sold to Iranians in London in 1959 and renamed Korosh Parsi. In 1965, the Iran Shipping Company in Khorramshahr bought the ship, naming it Hamedan. A Greek businessman, P. Frangoulis, made the final purchase, renaming it Khoula F.
In the summer of 1345 AH, the ship, now returning to Greece, encountered difficulties and sank off the shores of Kish Island. Efforts were made for 80 days to salvage the ship, which carried valuable oil cargo, but due to its weight, no success was achieved. Passengers eventually had to abandon the ship, leaving it stranded on Kish Island, where it remains today.

Entertainment and Attractions Around the Greek Ship

The Greek ship on Kish Island has gained significant popularity as a tourist attraction in recent years. To enhance the visitor experience, various recreational facilities and services have been added to the area. When you visit, you can not only explore the ship’s deck and enjoy breathtaking sunsets but also make use of the 60,000 square meters beach park, cafes, amphitheater, Iranian and Lebanese restaurants, skate rental stations, and more in the vicinity.
Although it was once possible to explore the inside of the Greek ship with a diving suit, the excessive erosion has made this feature unavailable. However, visiting the ship itself is free of charge, allowing most visitors to enjoy the scenic seaside and capture beautiful sunset moments, making it a perfect spot for photography. The Greek ship stands out as a true attraction on Kish Island, attracting numerous tourists.

Kish Island
Kish Island, renowned for its clear blue skies, tranquil Persian Gulf waters, and breathtaking sunsets, is the perfect destination for a romantic trip or honeymoon....
Kish F
Kish, a resort island in the Persian Gulf, is a free trade zone. It offers a variety of shopping malls, entertainment centers, and luxurious resorts....
kish
Kish Island, known for its clear blue skies, calm Persian Gulf waters, and stunning sunsets, is a must-visit destination. As a free trade zone, Kish...

Natural Attractions in Kish Island

Kish Island, situated in the Persian Gulf, stands as one of Iran’s natural wonders. Kish’s nature is one-of-a-kind, featuring diverse wildlife, plants, and native trees. The island’s surface is covered with coral sands that gleam in the sunlight, creating a unique landscape.
The island’s breathtaking beaches, renowned for their natural beauty and recreational amenities, serve as a compelling reason to visit. The silvery sands, a result of the island’s coral composition, create a stunning visual spectacle. The coastal waters are incredibly clear, thanks to the coral reefs, making Kish’s beaches among the safest in the world.

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Dining options in Kish Island

Nearby Kariz-e Kish, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining experiences at restaurants like Koohe Nour, Foodland, Ziafeh Café, Royal Star, ChiChiz Fast-food, Traditional Garden, and Pamador Fast-food. These eateries offer an array of delicious meals suitable for different tastes, enhancing the tourist experience around this historical site.

A Taste of Tradition in Local Dishes

The traditional dishes of Kish Island offer a rich culinary experience that reflects the region’s cultural and geographical influences. Here are some of the most famous traditional dishes of Kish:

A Taste of Tradition in Local Samak Mashwi (Grilled Fish)

This dish features fresh fish from the Persian Gulf, seasoned with Arabic spices and either grilled or fried. The use of Arabic spices gives it a distinctive and delicious flavor, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists.

Mazroobeh

A unique soup prepared by combining fish with local vegetables, garlic, and other seasonings. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the abundance of seafood in the region.

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Souvenirs in Kish Island

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Frequently Asked Questions

For information on tour packages to Kish Island, including accommodation, sightseeing, and cultural experiences, you can contact us. Our support team will help you plan your visit to the city based on your preferences.
Accommodation options on Kish Island range from luxurious 5-star hotels like Toranj Hotel to more budget-friendly options. There are also eco-lodges and guesthouses available for tourists with various preferences and budgets.
Scuba diving is free for both men and women in Kish. However, there are restrictions on diving for children under 10 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions such as heart and lung problems, diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy.
Recreational activities on Kish Island include scuba diving, boat rides, water sports, cycling, archery, paintball, and various indoor and outdoor sports complexes.
The easiest way to reach Kish Island is by plane, with multiple flights available daily from major airports in Iran. Alternatively, tourists can travel by land to one of the nearby ports and take a ferry or ship to Kish Island.
Some unique attractions on Kish Island include Harira City, Kariz (Persian Qanat), the Greek Ship, Coral Beach, Dolphins Park, and various local markets and parks.
Kish Island has a warm and humid subtropical climate, with long summers and relatively mild winters. It experiences very high humidity levels, especially during the summer months.
Kish Island is located in the Persian Gulf, approximately 19 kilometers off the southern coast of mainland Iran, belonging to Hormozgan Province.