Tourists who intend to visit the coral island of Kish should make inquiries about the weather and other issues of concern 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 will minimize concerns about finding a suitable place of accommodation.

Traveling with agencies organizing regular tours to Kish Island prevents problems regarding booking air tickets and hotel rooms. Before registering in such tours, travelers should be clear of the services provided by them.

Background

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 in various parts of the island, people can see ancient relics that are reminiscent of its glorious days.

The ancient city of Harireh covers an area of 120 hectares. This large area indicates that once upon a time, a big and developed city flourished in the region with a large population. But today, only remnants of this metropolis can be found. Arches and ceilings of ancient buildings remain intact.

Underground City of Kariz

Kish+s aqueduct, dating back to 2,500 years, procured drinking water for the residents of the island in the past. However, today, it has transformed into a wonderful underground city that extends over 10,000 square meters.

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 these pearls and corals.

Kariz provides an exceptional opportunity for all admirers of nature to conveniently view the largest coral collections.

Like many other parts of the country encountering the problem of water shortage, special water storage facilities were used to store rainwater. Traces of these facilities, which were built deep below the ground, remain on the island.

Greek Ship

In the western part of the island and near the Ghoroub-e Kish Complex, a large vessel known as “Greek Ship” is anchored on the shores of Kish. 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.

Information obtained from the London-based Lloyds Insurance Company reveal that the grounded ship belonged to Greece. During 1959-65, the ship was owned by Iranian shipping lines and was named “Fars” and “Emperor”.

Exhibition of Reptiles

In this exhibition, over 100 species of reptiles, including huge Boa snakes, pythons of Africa and Amazon, Madagascar+s crocodile, black scorpion of Africa and large spiders, are displayed.

Interested people may visit the exhibition at Arts Center near Ahouan Park. The center has extensive facilities for setting up specialized artistic exhibitions as well.

Taxidermy Complex

Taxidermy is the act of putting dead animals on display as hunting trophies or sources of study. Taxidermy can be done on all animal species, including mammals, birds, nematodes, reptiles and amphibians. Hundreds of samples of taxidermies of birds, reptiles and sea animals of the Persian Gulf and the Kish Island are exhibited at Kish University.

Forest

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 also situated near this forest. At present, only a few families that breed livestock reside there. The village is famous for having fertile lands among the indigenous population.

In order to expand the green areas of the island and use the natural beauties of the village, Deliran Park has been built in the area. This park covers an area of 60 hectares.

Cycling Track

One of the longest and prettiest cycling tracks of the country is located at Kish. The 75-km track is independent of car tracks 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.

Kish Island has many other attractive places to visit like the dolphinarium, open air theater and the shopping malls. It is an ideal holiday resort for the whole family.