Qeshm, with a total area of about 1,500 square kilometers, is located in the Strait of Hormuz. It is the world’s biggest dependent territory whose area is larger than 22 countries [combined]. The island, which comprises 65 hamlets and three towns, is also the biggest island in the Persian Gulf home to more than 100,000 people.
Thanks to its strategic position, Qeshm Island has always had a unique position throughout history from the Elamites period to the present time. This island has multiple upsides, among them: access to high seas, domestic and Central Asian markets and to the southern part of the Persian Gulf; abundant skilled workforce; huge energy reserves, including gas; deep coastline waters which makes it ideal for building wharfs to allow high tonnage vessels to dock; and intact coral reefs, especially in Naz, Hengam and Larak islands which are adjacent to Qeshm.
Howksbill Sea Turtles
The presence of large sea turtles and their laying on the coast is one of the ecotourism attractions of Qeshm Island, so that, In many countries such as Oman, the UAE and Australia, the existence of these turtles is a good source of revenue for the tourism industry.
In Hormozgan, despite the warm weather during the laying of the Howksbill sea turtle, these turtles host many domestic and foreign tourists.
Salt cave
The cone-shaped salt mountain is another attraction of Qeshm Island. The great and wonderful Stalagtites and Stalagmites of these caves are the result of many years of nature activity.
According to the scientific estimates of the experts of the Czech Republic (which was carried out in 2005), the length of the salt caves of Qeshm Island is more than 5.5 km, and perhaps the longest salt cave in the world.
The roofs of the caves are covered with marble crystals and crystalline forms in a variety of shapes, and have created an exquisite view the flow of salt water in the cave floor is also a pleasure to see the salty caves of Qeshm Island.
From the mountains of saltwater, there is a permanent groundwater flow, and opens the way to the outside, which, after dissolving the salt on its path, it appears as a salt spring on the mountain slopes, and in the pit next to it, it creates a white natural pond. From far away, the view of this pond is like the snow of winter. This spring is flowing throughout all of the year.
Stars Valley
Stars Valley is not simply a location; it is a rare geological phenomenon. Located to the north of Berkeh-ye Khalaf village, the Valley of Stars is five km away from the southern edge of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf.
The beautiful place is there thanks to soil erosion triggered by surface water, torrential rain and high gusts in the area. Locals believe the valley has been named after the falling of a star centuries ago.
ChahKuh Valley
ChahKuh valley, amazing phenomenon of erosion of sedimentary rocks of the earth,is another wonderland of Qeshm Islander. ChahKuh Valley is located in the northwest of the island, in the Shahab district of Qeshm, with a depth of 100 meters, is a demonstration of the erosion of sedimentary rocks.
This amazing valley is surrounded by an integrated, split-shaped rocky hill, which in the past was a sacred place. On the one hand, the hand of nature, shaped the body and the inner surfaces of the valley, like arches, platforms and vaulted corridors, and on the other hand the man dug several wells in the valley. ChahKuh is initially widespread and with long walls facing in views of the audience, but gradually decreases its width, until it is difficult to cross it. ChahKuh is initially widespread and with long walls facing in views of the audience, but gradually decreases its width, until it is difficult to cross it. While the height of the walls is still high, there is little light inside the valley. Drawings and shapes that are on the walls of this beautiful valley, will affect any viewer. Figures that are fantastic and dreamlike, and like valuable works of art that have been created by the mighty artist.
Hengam Island
Hengam Island is located on the southern part of Qeshm Island. It has the area of 36 kilometers and if you look at it on a map, you will see that it looks like a truncated cone. This is almost a low-lying island; so, you won’t see much heights there. You have to travel about 2 kilometers from Qeshm Island to reach Hengam Island. Watching dolphins might be the main attraction of Hengam Island, as you cannot see these intelligent and beautiful creatures everywhere.
Want to swim with intelligent and amazing dolphins? Or see colorful fish that are playing in crystal clear water? Or maybe buy beautiful and delicate handicrafts made of shells and scallops? Or maybe see one of the most amazing beaches that are shining like silver? If your answers are yes, you should definitely take a trip to the fantastic Hengam Island in Qeshm, Iran.
Hara Forests
The Hara Forests is the common name for mangrove forests on the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Persian Gulf. Dominated by the species Avicennia marina, which is locally known as Hara, the forests are an important ecological resource.
The “Hara protected area” on Qeshm and the nearly main land is a biosphere reserve where commercial use is restricted to fishing (mainly shrimp), tourist boat trips, and limited mangrove cutting for animal feed.
In 1972 the Hara protected area was established to preserve suitable condition for the growth of maintenance of the forests. The area is a major habitat for migratory birds in the cold season and for reptiles, fish, and varieties of arthropod and bivalves, Green (or hooked) turtles and venomous aquatic snakes are also indigenous to the forests. Bird life includes herons, flamingos, pelicans, and anger eagles. Another important feature of these forests is the appropriate and suitable seabed conditions for the ovulation of fish in the Persian Gulf.
Kharbas Caves
The historic Kharbas Caves of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf are one of the outstanding works of rock-cut architecture. There are indications, including multiple historical structures surrounding the caves and rock catacombs (man-made subterranean passageways for religious practice) which are scattered all across the island, that the caves date back to the Parthian and Sassanid periods. Some experts say the caves were formed naturally more than 2,800 years ago due to receding water levels. Many historians argue that Kharbas Caves in Hormozgan province have been a temple or a worshiping place for the followers of Mithraism or Anahita, the goddess of water and seas.
Naaz Islands
Naaz Islands, 22 km from Qeshm, is the only one place that can be traversed within 1 kilometer into the Persian Gulf waters by foot or by private car and it is possible to take advantage of this special condition as one of the most important tourist attractions of Qeshm.
Naaz Island consists of two islands, located near the eastern coast of Qeshm.
The island lacks sandy cliffs and has rocky walls with a height of 5 meters to 10 meters around it. The surface on the island is completely flat. At the time of the tide, with the full back of the sea water, for a short time, a strain of land will connect the Naaz island to the Qeshm Beach.
The tranquility and beauty of the Naaz islands on the one hand, and the presence of shells and corals in various designs and colors around these islands, on the other hand, has added to the beauty of this exclusive tourism site in Qeshm.
Qeshm Geo-park Museum
Qeshm Geo-park Museum is one of the best wildlife museums in Iran. The island’s Geo-Park Museum is one of the most complete wildlife museums in Iran as far as biodiversity is concerned. In an area of over 1,000 square meters, the museum is home to more than 3,000 animal species.
The museum was established in 1995 by the Qeshm Free Zone Organization. That the museum has more than 95 percent of indigenous species in it is its standout feature.