from both Iran and neighboring countries because of the variety of attractions.
For Iranians, there is much more to entertain them here than in many large cities as the hand of the oppressive Culture Ministry does not penetrate far on Kish.
Tourists who intend to visit the coral island should make inquiries about the weather and other matters beforehand. For instance, although it gets hot during summer, the picturesque island faces an influx of tourists because of the start of school holidays in Iran and the annual Kish Summer Festival organized there. So, booking a hotel room in advance is a good idea.
Traveling with tour agencies avoids problems booking both air tickets and hotel rooms.
Many people who travel to this island cannot believe that in the distant past it was a trade hub linking China, Europe and North Africa. Although extensive archeological studies have not been carried out yet, visitors can see relics from its glorious days.
The ancient city of Harireh was once upon a time a big and developed city with a large population. But today, only remnants of this metropolis can be found. Arches and ceilings of ancient buildings remain intact.
Kish’s aqueduct, Kariz, dating back 2,500 years, carried drinking water for the residents of the island in the past. However, today, it has been transformed into a wonderful underground city. Situated in the heart of the island, Kariz is also the only structure whose ceiling is filled with pearls and corals. Ordinarily, one has to go to museums or scuba dive in free waters to see such pearls and corals.
Kariz provides an exceptional opportunity for all admirers of nature to conveniently view the large coral collection.
Like many other parts of the country encountering the problem of water shortages, special water storage facilities were used to collect rainwater. Traces of these, built deep below the ground, remain on the island.
In the western part of the island and near the Ghoroub-e Kish Complex, a large vessel known as the “Greek Ship” is anchored on the shore. In 1966, the ship, which was en route from Imam Khomeini Port to Greece, was grounded. Efforts by a Dutch ship lasting 80 days to drag the Greek ship out of the mud did not produce any result.
Kish also hosts an exhibition of over 100 species of reptiles, including huge boa constrictors, pythons from Africa and the Amazon, Madagascar’s crocodile, black scorpion from Africa and many large spiders.
A forest is located in the southeast of the island. Most of the trees of this forest were planted in 1992 over an area of 600 hectares. The trees in the forest are diverse and include eucalyptus and acacia.
Baghu Village is situated near this forest. At present, only a few families that breed livestock reside there. In order to expand the green areas of the island and use the natural beauties of the village, Deliran Park has been built covering an area of 60 hectares.
One of the longest and prettiest cycling tracks of the country is located at Kish. The 75-km track is independent of automotive roads and its main section is built along the coastal strip. People can rent bicycles at special stations scattered all over the island and operated by the private sector.