Hormuz Island Travel Guide: Sites You Should Not Miss, Tips, And Pictures
Hormuz Island Travel Guide: Sites You Should Not Miss, Tips, And Pictures
Discover Hormuz Island, the pearl of the Persian crown, is a destination known for its colorful geological wonders and rich historical heritage! Travelers in search of a truly unique place to visit will be happy, as Hormuz has all the qualities of a pretty, quiet promontory with the natural beauty of Persia.
At the heart of Hormuz’s appeal lies its natural beauty Often referred to as the “Rainbow Island,” The geology of Hormuz showcases a stunning array of colors. The conspicuous red soil locally called “Gelak” especially visible in the Rainbow Valley area, contrasts vividly with the blue waters of the Persian Gulf surrounding the island. Hormuz contains unlimited possibilities for nature! Hiking through the exceptional Rainbow Valley or sunbathing on Silver Beach reveals different aspects of this Iranian Eden
This island is not solely defined by stunning beauty but also as a vibrant cultural center where local traditions and warm hospitality come together.
When you visit, it’s almost impossible not to immerse in the local traditions and distinguished flavors. It’s a must to try the island’s authentic dishes, made with ingredients that reflect its rich and rare land. Wander the narrow alleys to peek into the unique architecture of houses and the city’s public buildings, which reflect the past and the people of the city.
Liste des titres que vous trouverez dans cet article
- Hormuz Island's climate
- When to visit Hormuz Island?
- History
- Hormuz Island Travel Costs
- How to travel from Tehran to Hormuz Island
- Comfortable hotels located on Hormuz Island
- 3-Star Hotels Located Around Hormuz Island
- Eco-lodges on Hormuz Island
- Tourist Attractions on Hengam Island
- The best Cafes and Restaurants of Hormuz Island
- Tips for Traveling to Hormuz
- Conclusion
Hormuz Island's climate
It is recommended that you have information about the climate of Hormuz before organizing a trip. Hormuz Island is located in the south of Iran, next to Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. The climate is hot and dry. It is very much like the southern parts of Iran with long hot summers and short temperate winter seasons.
Temperatures are often more than 46°C during scorching summers in August, with high humidity as well. The island enjoys a temperate and moderate climate in the fall, as well as in the spring and winter.
To help as a reference, we prepared a table with a summary of the climate of the island of Hormuz.The table below recaps the orders of magnitude climatic ranges (maximum/minimum) to yield “average” differences in rainfall, from one calendar month to the next. It is also a board on which the table is provided with a calendar of these values, together with a calendar of the recommended favorable or unfavorable times of travel, taking into consideration the general climate. The “yes” months should be most recommended; those marked “maybe,” followed by those marked “no,” are those that may have an average or unfavorable value for visiting.
When to visit Hormuz Island?
As for when to visit Hormuz Island, it’s simply a matter of personal choice. Some simply need to escape the cold, while others want to choose the travel option that feels best suited to their daily life. Even if the ambient heat of the region doesn’t complement the body of everyone feeling under the weather, to your tastes we recommend planning your visit from early fall to late spring, that’s when, as a rule, we end up getting used to the heat.
On the other hand, if the ambient heat and humidity are comfortable for you, summer can be the ideal vacation time. Hormuz Island is less popular during this time, so we can try to find a low-cost trip to discover the charm of this captivating red ochre island.
History
The island’s name has changed over the centuries. Its classical Greek name was Organa, during the Islamic period, and Ormus after the great port city of Ormus on the mainland. The island was already visited by land in 1290 (Marco Polo). Ibn Battuta himself later came to the island and New Hormuz. At least during the 15th century, Hormuz was visited several times by hundreds of ships of the Chinese fleet under the command of the famous Admiral Zheng He, at least as part of his explorations of the Indian Ocean during his Ming Dynasty maritime expeditions.
It was taken by the Portuguese in 1507, who then incorporated it into their empire and erected Our Lady of the Conception, a fortress, on the site to ward off invaders. From that point on, the island served as a makeshift port for Portuguese vessels headed for Gujarat and Goa. In 1622, an Anglo-Persian force led by the English East India Company finally retook it from the Portuguese.
Under the Safavids, Shah King Abbas I, distrusting the island’s patchwork population—more like Turks, Azeris, Turkmen, and Varzaghan, for example—had the continental port of Bandar Abbas built nearby in place of what would soon no longer be a trading empire. Hormuz was in decline at that time, with many of its inhabitants seasonally returning to their fields and orchards teeming with fruit around the former Hormuz.Another time in the 19th century of a weakened Omani administration, it was initially a very small, sparsely populated fishing island which, although it evolved a little during the second half of the 20th century, only developed from the end of the 1990s. Today, the island of Hormuz is, in autumn-winter when the temperature is much cooler, more often visited than any other in the south of the country, something which it wishes to take advantage of and which could contribute to its development.
Hormuz Island Travel Costs
Aside from day trips to Bandar Abbas or Qeshm, hormuz is generally very affordable and depends mostly on the distance from Bandar Abbas to Hormuz and the type of transportation.
The price of tours in Hormuz considerably depends on the quality and quantity of the tour. A 90-minute snorkeling trip costs a different amount than hiring a tricycle. Be aware, however, that most of Hormuz’s attractions are free.
Hormuz accommodation, like Kish, follows the same rule (its price is proportionate to its excellence). Centers of all kinds: hotels, hostels, and even eco-lodges. Hotels’ prices hinge on the services they provide. You can also free camp in Hormuz on the beaches – just watch out for the tides!
Seafood that’s cooked with local sauces is highly recommended! The women of Hormuz make these sauces, and the special red drug on the island contributes to producing a special, unique, and distinctive taste.
How to travel from Tehran to Hormuz Island
Hormuz does not have an airport. To reach the island:
By Plane: Fly from Tehran to Bandar Abbas (1h 45m) or Qeshm (2h), then take a boat.
By Train: Tehran to Bandar Abbas takes around 20 hours.
By Bus: The bus journey from Tehran to Bandar Abbas lasts about 16 hours.
By Boat: From Bandar Abbas, ferries run daily to Hormuz Island.
Comfortable hotels located on Hormuz Island
As far as I can tell, there simply are no 5- or 4-star hotels on the island. If so, a quick warning, if you leave a comment at the bottom of this page, it would be helpful to mention a 4- or 5-star hotel on Hormuz Island.
3-Star Hotels Located Around Hormuz Island
For a good night’s sleep at a budget-friendly price, you can choose a 3-star hotel on Hormuz Island. Their prices match their quality.
Sahel Sorkh Hotel (Red Beach Hotel)
Among the accommodation options we offer for your stopover in Hormuz, the first hotel worth recommending is the Sahel Sorkh Hotel (Red Beach Hotel), a renowned 3-star establishment; Its suites are equipped with a bed, kitchen, separate bathroom and all standard hotel equipment (television, refrigerator, limited internet connection), a restaurant offering regional and seafood specialties.
Eco-lodges on Hormuz Island
The eco-lodges Majara, Khondagh, Koutouk, Darreh Shenha, Mother Hassan, etc., are among the eco-lodges on Hormuz Island. The other eco-lodges are almost all similar in terms of the facilities they offer (but not always) and the style of their architecture.
Staying in eco-lodges in Hormuz offers a unique experience with the locals, delicious local food, and accommodation prices, often lower than those of hotels, whether fully or partially, which is also one of the factors that make a stay on the island of Hormuz unforgettable.Details of two eco-lodges in Hormuz are presented; the rest, including a substantial list, are available online by searching for eco-lodges in Hormuz.
Majara Eco-Lodge
Majara, the latest eco-lodge in Hormuz, was constructed in 2020. Its architecture is unique from the other eco-lodges available there, and the use of the bright colors of Hormuz soil in building the soil. These huts come with a bed and a table and are in the dream location where everything is close to visit on the sea of Hormuz and near the site.
Tourist Attractions on Hengam Island
There are many places to visit on the island if you have the time to look around. A day, naturally, is all you need to explore the sights of Hormuz Island. But if you have enough time to hang around on the island, you might just be able to uncover some of its mysteries. Following is a list of places to see when you make the trip to the island.
Portuguese Fort:
The Portuguese Fort (Fort Notre-Dame) is a red stone fortress, one of the last reminders of Portuguese colonial rule in the Persian Gulf.The forts are located in the northern part of the island and built into the reddish stone of a rocky promontory. The fort was originally separated from the rest of the island by a moat, traces of which remain. Most of the roof has collapsed, but the impressive lower walls remain intact. The fort, built into red rocky cliffs, stands as a testament to the Portuguese colonial era, and they are located on several levels, reflecting the different levels of the fortification within the site.
Dr. Nadalian Museum and Gallery
The works of this internationally renowned environmental artist are exhibited at the Dr. Ahmad Nadalian Museum and Gallery. Many of his works can be seen in other museums around the world. His “environmental art” projects consist of stone sculptures and paintings in natural colors.
Valley of Silence
The beauty and silence of the Valley of Silence will amaze you. You’ll have to walk a few hundred meters to reach the magnificent mountains covered with salt crystals. It is said that rock salt can release very positive energy; after a stay in the region, you will undoubtedly be energized.
Visit the Turtle Beach on Hormuz Island
Explore the Turtle Beach on Hormuz Island. To observe turtles laying eggs on one of Hormuz’s beaches, you must wait until late winter or early spring, the typical nesting season. Five different species of turtles live in the Persian Gulf, two of which give birth on Hormuz’s Turtle Beach.Despite the growing popularity of Turtle Beach, visits must remain very limited for environmental preservation and the turtles’ safety.
Hara Forest
The famous Hara mangrove is a peculiar attraction of the Persian Gulf. It has been discovered in a few places, including Qeshm, Chabahar, and Hormuz. The height of these trees ranges from 3 to 6 meters, with green leaves. These trees are found in the saline water of the region.
Diving Excursions around Hormuz
Diving is one of the most exciting things you can do on the Persian Gulf islands. The waters surrounding Hormuz are amongst the best diving sites, particularly for beginners, due to their unique depth and conditions.
It’s interesting and calming to be able to see under the water and observe fish and sea corals at the seafloor. If you are near the island of Hormuz, you can try a half-day diving tours which offers all the necessary equipment. Every pair of divers is escorted by a trained instructor, ensuring that even those without experience will have a safe and enjoyable time.
The best Cafes and Restaurants of Hormuz Island
Discovering the culinary flavors of southern Iran on Hormuz Island is a memorable moment of any trip.
Khonji Zadeh Restaurant
The Khonji Zadeh Restaurant in Hormuz offers first-rate, traditional cuisine. The seafood dishes are memorable in taste and quality, and are affordable.
Khale Fatemeh and Khalu Shahriar's Restaurant & Cafe
This restaurant/cafe is also a traditional dining hall that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has many seafood items
Tips for Traveling to Hormuz
Make sure you have light and airy clothes while staying in Hormuz, especially during the sunny months. Those long island walks to take in the natural beauty will necessitate a lot of clothes changing, if only a little.If you decide to camp on Hormuz’s beaches, make sure to ask locals about the tides. This stops the sea from rising up, causing damage to you and your electronic equipment.
You’ll need a power bank for this trip; don’t hesitate to bring one; it can be helpful! Also, don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for clothing protection. Never bring back soil from Hormuz as a souvenir! This can harm the environment in the long term and is illegal; you will not be able to transport soil from Bandar Abbas Airport.
It is important to remember that life continues in tourist villages after our departure. Respect the environment as much as you would like to be respected in your own.
Each region of Iran has its traditions and culture; the kindness and hospitality of the Iranian people should not be an excuse to disrupt the cultural and traditional fabric of different regions. We must always act with respect and be careful not to disrupt traditional ways of life.
Conclusion
Hormuz Island is a unique island with environmental wonders, culture, and natural beauty rimming it. Hormuz introduces you to a new world through the warm hearts of its people. Mystical red and rainbow-colored soils await too. Hormuz offers memories of a lifetime, Whether you taste the local cuisine, revel in nature’s charms, or partake in some traditional activity. In order to preserve all of the enchantment and the glory forever, visitors must first respect both the culture and the environment of this most gorgeous island. Therefore,get your bags ready and pack for a glamorous, once-in-a-lifetime adventure on Hormuz Island.
