Hormozgan
Qeshm
Largest Persian Gulf island
8 highlights · tap a pinQeshm is Iran's largest island, a dolphin-shaped giant in the Strait of Hormuz that is far wilder than nearby Kish. Most of it forms the Middle East's first UNESCO Global Geopark — a 'natural geology museum' of star-shaped canyons, salt caves and tidal mangroves. Beyond the geology are traditional Bandari villages, lenj (dhow) boat-building, the Portuguese castle, and easy hops to Hengam and Hormuz. Warm and pleasant in winter, brutally hot in summer.
Next 5 days
Top places to see
- 1
Stars Valley
Otherworldly erosion formations Unique geological shapes created by wind and water erosion
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours
- Opening hours
- Open daylight hours, verify before travel
- 2
Hara Mangrove Forests
Unique coastal ecosystem One of the few mangrove forests in the Persian Gulf
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Opening hours
- Boat tours available, verify before travel
- 3
Chahkooh Canyon
Dramatic canyon formations Striking vertical cliffs with narrow passages
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Opening hours
- Open daylight hours, verify before travel
- 4
Namakdan Salt Cave
Largest salt cave in the world Impressive salt formations and chambers
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Guided tours recommended, verify before travel
- 5
Portuguese Castle
16th-century colonial fort Historical remnant of Portuguese occupation
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Opening hours
- Open daylight hours, verify before travel
- 6
Qeshm Geopark Museum
Geological exhibits Educational center about the island's natural wonders
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Verify opening hours before travel
- 7
Dareh-ye Setaregan
Alternative name for Stars Valley Local name for the famous erosion site
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1-2 hours
- Opening hours
- Open daylight hours, verify before travel
- 8
Tabl Village
Traditional island village Authentic local architecture and culture
- Where
- Qeshm
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Opening hours
- Respect local customs
- 9
Naz Islands (Qeshm)
Twin islets you can walk to at low tide off Qeshm — turtles, rays and small sharks offshore. Signature Qeshm 'walk-to-the-island' experience + easy snorkelling.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- 10
Qeshm Coral Reefs (dive)
Colourful reefs with dugongs and manta rays; warm water and 30 m visibility. Geopark diving with megafauna (dugong, manta); year-round warm water.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
Where to stay in Qeshm
From $2 a night, our service included

