|
KISH ISLAND
|
 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| The Ancient Town of Harireh |
For those who are interested in the history of Iran in general,
and in the history of Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf in particular,
a visit to the ancient town of Harireh is a must. Harireh is most
probably the town that the renowned Iranian poet, Sa'adi, has
referred to in his book 'The Rose Garden'. There are references
in the works of Iranian and Arab historians to the location of
the town on the island. These say that the town was situated in
the middle of the northern part, precisely where the ruins are
standing today.
A tour of Harireh can give the visitor a chance at imagining
the ancient times of Iran. Then a short stroll over to Derakht-e-Sabz
(Green Tree) Park will provide a chance at relaxation in the tranquil
atmosphere.
Top
|
|
| |
| Mosques |
The minarets of Khatamol-Anbia
Mosque penetrate high in to the sky. The Mosque overlooks the
sea and the combination produces one of Kish's magnificent religious
buildings. It is located in the Saffain District and has its own
library. The congregational Friday prayers are held in this mosque.
The Amir Al-Momenin Mosque is an
ancient building. It was restored and renovated in 1991 by the
Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran. This mosque is situated
in Masheh District.
Another old and beautiful mosque,
recently renovated, is the Jameh Nour Mosque. The architecture
is a synergy of Iranian and Islamic art. This mosque is also located
in Saffain District and is used by the sunnis.
In addition, there are three other
existing mosques and several more are under construction.
Top
|
|
| |
| Sunset by the Greek Ship |

An attraction for the romantics
is watching the sunset by the Greek Ship. Viewers cannot help
but be mesmerized by the rainbow that appears when the sun begins
to go down. No tourist has bypassed the chance to witness this
natural phenomenon. It is as if the sun here is different from
he sun seen elsewhere. It is said that many years ago, a Greek
cargo ship approached Kish for unknown reasons. It ran aground
and was unable to leave. The name of the ship was Kula F. It is
a mountain of steel; behind which the sun hides and in the moonlight
it looks like a floating giant.
Old tales say that absence of lighthouse was the reason the ship
ran aground. Apparently all attempts to float it again were fruitless
and failed. And now that there is nothing left of it but a huge
steel structure, the tale seems to be true.
Near the ship, a rest area has been set up and refreshments are
served there. Overall, it can provide an unforgettable experience
for all. This spot seems to be a favorite of the young generation.
Top
|
|
| |
| Coast of Kish |
Since there is no dangerous shark in the sea
, people can enjoy the water without any danger threatening them
. It should be noted that the sharks which are some times seen
in the Kish coasts , feed on small fishes and are therefore no
threat to people swimming there . Kish coast is one of the exceptional
coasts suitable for aquatics both in winter and summer.
Top
|
|
| |
| Donya road (The World road) |
The Donya road is an island ring
road that covers all around the island. Along the road 25 pieces
of land have been designated to the counties of the mainland in
order for them to exhibit their handicrafts and products. Furthermore,
a piece of land at the opposite side of the road of each county's
exhibition has been dedicated to a neighboring country. At night
the Donya road is recognizable from the flights to Kish and looks
shining around the island.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Derakht-e-Sabz |
The topography o the Island is
such that the surface water flows to a certain part in the north
called the Portuguese Valley . Therefore , the area is naturally
vegetated and one of the Island's oldest lour trees is there .
Around this tree the Derakht-e-Sabz Park has been created.
The verdant area, the buildings
and wooden pavements and fences remind one of the Caspian Sea
coast . But what attracts tourists to this spot is the size of
this mythical tree.
The cloths tied to this tree give
it a sacred aura and that is the exactly what some people believe
.No one knows how this belief was formed and who were the first
people to tie the first knots around the branches . Its interesting
to know that the native people do not believe in the sacredness
of this very old tree and say that , most probably , visitors
and the new residents of the Island are the ones who promoted
this idea.
The Derakht-e-Sabz Park adjacent
to the historical town of Harireh, Providing a pleasant atmosphere
for the visitors to Harireh to relax and rest.
Top
|
|
| |
| Daneshvaran Park |
This park has been extsblished
to commemorate contemporary Iranian scientists and prominent figures.The
statues of some of them including Dr. Mahmood Hesabi, have been
erected.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Gazelles (Ahovan) Park |
In this park, a variety of animals
such as lions, foxes, monkeys, as well as many pelicans, swans
and peacocks are kept inside fences. Some gazelles freely frequent
in the area and the name of Ahovan takes from that. After gazelles
protection plans, enforced by K.F.Z.O, the number of them increased
to 200 gazelles.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Horseback Riding Club |
This club is situated in the northern
part of the island next to the Olympic Complex. Besides stables
and tracks for different purposes, there is also a veterinary
clinic.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Cycling |
One of the world's longest cycling
tracks in Kish. It is 73 km. Long encircling the island. Cycling
in Kish is fun all year round. Public cycling events are arranged
regularly by KFZO in a bid to encourage use of bicycles.
Bikes are available for rent in
a number of spots across the island such as next to the Recreational
Dock and Marjan Bazaar. A family cycling tour of the island can
be a memorable one
Top
|
|
| |
| Recreational Docks |
There is a special club next to
Shayan Hotel that provides all sorts of equipment for water sports.
Tourists and residents alike can rent glass-bottom boats for a
view of underwater life.
Top
|
|
| |
| The Shores of Kish |
The
coral beaches of Kish sparkle in the sunlight. This is something,
which the sandy beaches of many resort areas around the world
do not offer. The seawater near the beach is crystal clear and
one can see the bottom of the sea up to a far distance. This is,
of course, due to the corals around the island, which purify the
water.
Relative to its area, Kish has
one of the longest beach stretches. Unlike the crowded beaches
elsewhere, the beach here is a relaxing and peaceful place.
The fish and other marine life
in the coastal waters of Kish are very unique. Visitors loose
track of time when watching these species which are easily visible.
At the same time, the best quality edible fish is caught here.
The coastal waters of Kish are among the safest in the world.
There are no sharks and swimming is totally safe. Tourists can
use this beach and enjoy the sun and water all year round.
Top
|
|
| |
| Women-only Swimming Section |
Swimming in the crystal-clear
waters of Kish is very refreshing. A women-only swimming section
has been created in the island. Swimming is an all-year-round
activity in Kish.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Exclusive Swimming Resort for Foreign
Nationals |
This
swimming resort has been located on the eastern coast of the Island
with a beautiful panorama close to the exquisite coral cliffs.
Tourists preferably use this spot for scuba diving. Foreign nationals
and their family members can use this swimming resort after they
have made necessary coordination with the Kish Tourism Development
institute.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Beach |
Although
men can use the beaches almost all over the island, because of
its good facilities, "Bashgah e Daryai" (the Marine Club) is a
favorite place for swimming. The beach is situated at northeast
of the island and has public transport as well. Instructors are
available for either private or group swimming lessons.
Fresh water showers and buffet
are other facilities here. The beach is a sand beach and the sea
deepens slowly outwards which makes deep swimming possible. Other
facilities are jet-ski, water ski, parachuting, sailing and scuba
diving.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Facilities for the Youth |
Lots
of recreational facilities have been set up for children and the
youth. These include: car tracks, train ride around Venus Bazaar,
tennis courts and amusement center. The latest computer games
have been installed in the amusement center.
Top
|
|
| |
| Glider Flying |
Training classes have been set
up for those interested in flying gliders. This has been accomplished
in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Organization of the country.
Recently the first class of trainees obtained their licenses.
Top
|
|
| |
| Qanat |
Qanat, Subterranean aqueduct
that includes a network of wells& tunnels to bring out water from
under-ground is the secret in the heart of Kish. It is unique
in the world. The temp. inside is 22-25'C throughout the year.
There are plans to build modern & traditional restaurants, museum,
etc. in the tunnels.
Top
|
|
| |
| Payab |
It is a well known water reserver in Kish, In order to use the
water, should dowon ward sloping stair ways were built by the
ancient inhaditants about 2000 years ago. Five payabs have been
identified.
One been repaired and serves as a restaurant and tea house and
it is located in the olympic village.
Top
|
|
| |
| Glass-bottomed boats |
Riding glass-bottomed boats is
a convenient way to watch the unique Kish underwater world.
Tourists and residents can enjoy
watching the coral reefs in the boats which are in the recreational
jetty. The boats are equipped with spotlights which afford clear
viewing up to a reasonable depth at nights.
Top
|
|
| |
| Dolphin park (Wooden Park) |
Thousands of palm tree have been planted there. Butter flies,
Exotic birds, Cactus and silk gardens, world of orcids,
Top
|
|
| |
| Marjan Beach Park |

This park connects the Marjan
Shopping Mall to the beach. The beautiful arbours and landscaping
in the beach park makes it an attractive place for visitors.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| Scuba Diving |

Diving is an ideal sport in
kish because of the exquisite coral reefs and rare fish species.
The Kish Diving School offers also
Padi courses with certificate for divers. Interested tourists
can experience the world of underwater and its wonders.
Top
|
|
| |
| Water Sports |
The water Sports Club began operation
in 1997. It was a joint venture between the Institute for Promotion
of Tourism and the private sector. This club is one of the best
equipped clubs of its kind in Iran: Jet skis, water skis, Kites,
scuba diving equipment, fishing boats, sail boats, wind surfing
boards, etc.
Top
|
|
| |
| The Reptile Exhibition |
Here, over 100 reptiles are showcased.
Huge boas, African and Amazonian pythons, Madagascar crocodiles,
The African black emperor scorpion, the Thai flying snake, huge
Brazilian bird-eating spiders are among the collection.
A trip to the Art Center, located
south of Ahovan Park, will take you there. This exhibition is
to be transferred to another location in the park in the near
future. Also in the Art Center, extensive facilities have been
provided for holding exclusive art exhibitions.
Top
|
|
|
| |
| The Aquarium |
Aquatic life in the Persian Gulf
is diverse. The clear water along the beach gives tourists an
easy view of the variety of fish species, some of which are very
interesting. You can even take a ride in a glass-bottom boat and
see the fish that swim a little further away from the shore. The
Kish aquarium is located within the Art Center displaying a variety
of unique marine species of the Persian Gulf. If you don't scuba
dive to get a first hand view of the natural habitat of the colorful
fish, a visit to the aquarium will be the alternative. We recommend
that all tourists, especially children and the youth, take the
time to visit the aquarium.
Top
|
|
| |
| Traditional Market |
Qanat Traditional market has
been established...
Top
|
|
| |
| Kish Climate |
The
weather in Kish island is warm and humid. The average temperature
is 27C and rarely surpasses 32C. July and August are the hottest
months and the temperature reaches its lowest in January and February
-- providing the most favorable climate for the residents of the
island. The lowest temperature never falls blew 3C and that can
be expected only a few days in the winter . So, certain seasons
make a trip to Kish even more pleasant, and while it is cooler
and humidity is less, the sea water is still warm.
Meteorological studies on Kish
indicate that the weather begins to cool down in late September
and the trend continues until April when it is most favorable.
Kish has a low precipitation. Therefore,
the island’s vegetation can withstand heat and does not depend
much on water. In spite of the low precipitation, humidity - as
in other Persian gulf littoral states - is relatively high due
to the region’s special climactic conditions. Humidity sets in
late March and gradually rises over the next 9 months. At certain
times, particularly in the late summer, the humidity level rises
so high that in early mornings, one can see dew on the island’s
vegetation and impermeable surfaces of rocks - as if the island
has been washed by a night time rainfall.
The climactic data and information
indicate that Kish has warm weather with a relatively high percentage
of humidity. it is concluded from the data that the average annual
temperature is about 26-27C. July and August are the hottest months
of the year and January and February are the coolest.
The average maximum temperature
has been recorded above 30C and the average minimum at 21C . The
absolute maximum temperature has registered to be 49C and the
minimum 2-7C in November and January. Monthly temperature difference
in the Persian Gulf, including Kish , is lower than in the mainland’s
plateau and mountains.
During winter time, most parts
of the Persian Gulf experience north- westerly wind drifts, but
in the southern part, the wind’s direction is mainly from the
west. In the Strait of Hormoz, it changes to south - westerly.
Mild to moderate monsoon winds blow from the north-west during
this season.
During summer, monsoon winds in the northern part of the Gulf
blow from the north-west to the south where in some areas 5 to
6 Knots have been recorded. Monsoon winds begin to change to wind
and showers in September.
Relative humidity is fairly high
all year round but differs according to time of the day and the
season. The relativehumidity along the coastline is higher than
the city, but that is no reason for more rain in the shores. Precipitation
on Kish is scant and varies as in other parts of the Persian Gulf.
Rainy season in this area is between late October and late April.
Winds bring rain bearing clouds to the area 3 to 6 times on the
average. Rainfall during fall and spring occurs mainly in the
form of thunder showers, whereas in the winter, it drizzles.
The average annual precipitation on Kish island, based on the
1965-75 experience, is 150.7 mm -- 82% of which occurs during
winter, about 15% during fall, and the rest during spring and
summer.
Top
|
|
| |
| No entry visa to Kish |
Foreign
nationals need no visa at the authorized arrival and departure
points of Kish Island.
At Kish international airport
the officials will just stamp your passport , which allows you
to stay up to 14 days on the Island.
Top
|
|
| |
| Kish, a gateway to the mainland
Iran |
Kish
Island acts as a gateway to connect you to the mainland Iran with
its world of attractions.
In case you wish to visit other parts of Iran , please contact
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kish office:
Ferdous villas, Complex No.2,Ferdousi st ., Kish Island , Iran
Tel: (+ 98 764) 4420734
Fax: (+ 98764) 4420234
Tourist visas Will be granted by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kish office within 48 working
hours. (Thursdays and Fridays are holidays). Kish has an international
airport and there are many flights from the Island to the major
cities of the mainland .
There are many daily flights to Tehran. Also, Kish international
airport has some direct flights to Dubai and Sharjah
Top
|
|
| |
| Tourist Information |
Kish
Island is surrounded by soft golden beaches, palm trees and crystal
clear waters, in a place where time moves imperceptibly. The island
offers relaxation combined with adventure in a destination that
is unspoiled by commercialization, with its refreshing natural
beauty and the unsophisticated life style of its people still
very much intact.
Kish Island is a resort island
lapped by the sheltered waters of coral-edged lagoons, home to
many of the world's spices of reef fish. Snorkeling in the Kish
Island is amongst the best in the world, whilst scuba diving offers
an even more spectacular insight of life beneath in waters.
Kish Island lies like a pearl
across the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf and is a heaven
of peace and tranquility fringed by sandy beaches and coral reefs
vivid with colorful fish.
For the diving enthusiasts the island has its own PADI/SSI Dive
Center.
A variety of other water sports
are also available. Jet-skiing, sailing, fishing, parasailing,
reef walking, coral viewing, boating and water skiing are just
a few popular ways to spend the time and enjoy yourself during
your visit to the Island.
These are just few reasons that
have turned Kish Island into a popular holiday destination in
the region. All together, Kish Island offers a stunning variety
of cultures, scenery, sports, duty-free shopping and entertainment.
Hotels provide every comfort, shops
offer an enormous variety of goods, and superb food is served
in establishments ranging from country inn to elegant restaurants.
It is not surprising that Kish
Island attracts visitors from all over Middle East, and increasingly
nowadays, from other countries around the world. The Sunshine
Island has a climate that allows visitors to enjoy its attractions
to the full and Kish really does have something for everyone,
no matter what they may seek from a holiday.
Top
|
|
| |
| Taxi & Car Rental |
The
road system in Kish Island is modern, well-lit and easily navigated
by car. Public transportation is reliable. Rental cars are available
at numerous locations. Air-conditioned taxis are readily available
at major hotels or taxi stands. Their drivers are often literate
but may not speak English. An international driving license is
acceptable.
Kish Yellow Cab Services : 6000 Rials
Rent A Car agencies renting modern and brand new cars for 200,000
to 300,000 Iranian Rials per day.
Top
|
|
| |
| Drinking Water and Electricity Voltage
|
Drinking
water of the Island is produced by desalinizators through RO and
MED systems. Therefore, one can take water from water tabs for
drinking. However, mineral and natural waters are sold in bottles,
too. One should be careful that water for irrigation is not potable.
Kish Island power generators are
generating 220 volts with 60Hz.
Top
|
|
| |
| Medical Treatment and Medicine on
Kish Island |
There
are one general hospital, 2 clinics and several pharmacies on
Kish Island. Kish General Hospital, with general practitioners
and specialists in different fields, is working day and night
Top
|
|
| |
| Kish International Airport |
Kish
international airport is open round the clock. One can fly from
Kish Island to capital city Tehran and almost to all centers of
the provinces of the Islamic Rep. Of Iran, including, Isfahan,
Shiraz, Mash’hand, and Bander Abbas, every day. There are daily
regular flights from Kish international airport to UAE and visa
versa.
Top
|
|
| |
| Business Hours |
Business
hours of the international shopping malls: The malls are open
from 09:00 to 13:00 and in the afternoons from 17:00 to 23:00(all
days of the week).
Top
|
|
| |
| Important Phone Numbers |
| Kish Airport |
4422100, 4422460 |
| Airport Passport Office |
4422640 |
| Kish Airline |
4423517, 4422030 TEH: 4665222-30 |
| Airport Exchange Center |
4422460 |
| Karaneh Taxi Service, Rent a Car |
4421211, Cellular Ph: 09347695208 |
| Kish Hospital |
4422811, 4422211 |
| Bank Melli Iran |
4422481-2 |
| Pardis Exchange Center |
4424647 |
| Shygan Hotel |
0098-764-4422444 |
| Shygan Hotel Tehran Office |
0098-218436348-9 |
| Kish Free Zone Organization, Kish |
4422434, 5 |
| Tourism Organization, Tehran |
+98-21-8797480 |
| Tourist Affairs Office of Kish Tourism |
4424423 |
| Iran Code |
0098 |
| Kish Island (Code) |
0764 |
| Kish Cellular Phone (Code) |
0914769 |
| Police |
110 |
| |
|
Top |
|
|
|
| |
| Archeological Discoveries |
For
many visitors of Kish it is hard to believe that this island was
once very prosperous and that it was one of the main commercial
centers of its time. It was the hub of exchanges between China,
Europe and northern Africa. Although the archeological excavations
carried out there have not been extensive, yet one can see signs
of the past in each and every corner, reminiscent of the glory
of the time. Nevertheless, some ancient finds have been unearthed
in the course of construction works or small-scale excavations.
The valuable collection is now on display for the public at the
Art Center of the island.
These include Iranian and foreign
coins relating to different eras; copper, bronze and clay vessels;
early Islamic era manuscripts in Kufic writing; grove stones and
a cannon.
Local guides can provide tourists
with detailed information about the finds and the history of the
island. A visit to the Art Center will provide researchers with
a new opportunity to study the region's history and to document
the significance of Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf even during
the ancient times
Top
|
Last Updated:
February 16, 2004 11:56 PM
|