ashenThe United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are some of the most well traveled destinations in the middle east, However the attractions aren’t limited to only those two cities as you will get to know from this post. Today we will talk about an overlooked magnificent destination in Iran which is the stunning nature’s creation, Hormuz Island also known as Jazireh-ye Hormoz. The Strait of Hormuz is located between the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf. It is here you will find the beautiful island of Hormuz. The reddish ochre which is an earthly clay and is a mixture of clay, sand and iron oxide and this in turn gives the range of colors you can observe in these landscapes. Hence the name Rainbow Island was born with its picturesque impression.
Hormuz Island Facts
- An Island in the Strait of Hormuz of the Persian Gulf and a part of Hormozgan Province
- Land area of 42 km2 and the highest point is 186m
- Previously known as Organa by the Greeks and Jarun in the Islamic period, and changed to Hormuz because of the vital harbor town in Mainland Hormuz
- Notable historical figures such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo have visited this island
- The Portuguese captured Hormuz in 1507 and ruled for some time, The island later underwent Omani administration during the 19th century
- Tropical climate with hot and humid summers
- Best time to visit is between November and April
- Language spoken is a dialect of Farsi
- You can eat the soil of Hormuz!, the Hormuz Island natives call the soil “Gelack”
Attractions And Things To Do In Hormuz Island
A day is more than enough for you to experience everything that Hormuz Island has to offer, nevertheless extending your stay for a couple of days or more will not hurt at all and you’ll be able to unravel more.
Hormuz Island Red Beach
As we mentioned earlier the natural mixture of the three compounds brings about the reddish color of the sea water. The Iron Oxide plays a larger role here. The red soil is popular in the ceramics, glass and cosmetics industries. Also referred to as the Hormuz island red beach because of the red soil and sea, resembling as if a beach has been formed on Mars. Although the economically valuable soil was exported earlier, now it has been restricted to conserve this natural resource which is also unique.
Make your visit memorable by capturing a few photographs walking on the beach ankle deep in red water, watching the sunrise and sunsets. Most people have asked the question “can you swim in Hormuz island?” and the answer is yes, you can swim anywhere. And not just that, you can swim, scuba dive, snorkel etc. You can also visit the Mofanegh Beach observable from the Valley of Statues. Known as a great place for camping in the evening.
The Red beach is towards the south shore of the island and the road leading to it is also red. You will meet a few merchants along the way selling drinks and food. At the end of the road is the opening to the sea with black sands(again due to the minerals) and unevenly dissipated reddish orange particles. And then you can feast the strange sight of the red colored sea that later becomes familiar and fascinating.
Rainbow Mountains
A part of the reason why Hormuz island has been nicknamed as Rainbow island. The mountains here are colorful and hard to resist. You definitely have to capture a few memorable shots here. The reddish pink is a bit dominant, but you also have green, orange and purple as stripes. The reason behind the colors are the spontaneous cooling of the uneven layout of volcanic rocks combined with the Iron Oxides. It is the flawless spot to check out all the colors. There is also a dry river bed seemingly in the middle.
Valley of Statues
The Valley of Statues is located on the west coast of the island. And here you can find status in the shapes of a dragon, birds and some of those ancient mythological creatures. Remember we mentioned earlier that you can see the Mofanegh Beach at the end of this trail? You can get an awesome view of the colorful sea and the cliffs.
Rainbow Cave
There is another specific point for you to admire the unusual seas of Iran and that is called the Overlook. Located to the southeast of the island there is a minor peninsula carved into the sea and that is where you will find this Overlook. Not so far away from this Overlook, there is a pathway around the island. This path leads to the breathtaking Rainbow Cave. The walls of this cave are color striped with Orange, Purple, Green, Yellow and Red. Perhaps the iron oxides are doing their job in these parts of the island as well.
Silence Valley
The Valley of Silence is especially known for the emitted positive energy that makes you feel energetic once absorbed into your body. The natural glamour and magnificence is truly stunning here and will render you silent as well. The mountains are covered in crystalline salts and it is these rock salts that emit the positive energy.
Portuguese Fort
Also known as the Fort of Our Lady is one of the last memorials to mark the Portuguese rule in the Persian Gulf. Even here the bricks are red, the vibrant colors cannot seem to be kept out. Located in the northern part of the island, history says that a moat was used to barricade access to the rest of the island, and the traces still remain today. Ruins are situated on different locations of the site, but the lower levels have been remaining strong for a long time. The entrance fee is 300,000 IRR.
The Museum and Gallery of Dr. Nadalian
Dr. Ahmad Nadalian is a well known artistic figure internationally and this gallery and museum is dedicated to exhibit his artwork. He is an environmental artist whose work also includes carvings of rocks and painting with natural colors. In this gallery you can find many of his wonderful works and he also trains the local women in art and uses these funds to support it. He also supports their economy by helping these women to sell their own products.
Salt Mountain and Salt Cave
Another pathway off the main road of the island that will lead you to these salt mountains which slightly resembles the wall in game of thrones. Just close to the mountain you get the Salt Cave where the colors are still vibrant and lively and best experienced with a flashlight.
Transport in Hormuz Island
You won’t encounter cars here, instead the taxis are tuk-tuks and motorbikes. Most tourists recommend that a tuk-tuk is the best because it can accommodate up to 8 people and the more the number of people reduces the charge per person. You can hire one of these just outside the gate of the port. For day trippers this is the most cost effective and time saving way. You have to have some negotiating skills to drop the price at least to $2 or even less per hour for a round trip.
Another good option if you want complete freedom and if you are time independent is renting a bicycle. The entire road system around the island is less than 30km, therefore it shouldn’t be too hard except for when the weather is hot. The renting places are close to the port and they cost around $.07 per hour. But the recommendation here is to rent a bike only if you plan on spending a night or two at the island. Because the rides can take longer hours with all the photography and the attractions, you might not be able to squeeze it in on a day trip.
Getting to Hormuz Island
There is only one way to get to Hormuz Island and that is by ferry. You can get the ferry from Bandar Abbas or Qeshm island. According to the local schedules;
- Departures from Qeshm island to Hormuz island are at 7.00A.M and 2.00P.M
- Departures from Bandar Abbas to Hormuz Island from the Shadid Haqani port are at 6:45A.M, 9:00A.M, 12:00P.M, 2:00P.M, 5:00P.M and 9:30P.M
- Departures from Hormuz island to Qeshm are at 8:00A.M and 3:00P.M
- Departures from Hormuz island to Bandar Abbas are at 7:00A.M, 10:00A.M, 1:30P.M, 3:30P.M and 7:00P.M
The price of a single ticket is approximately $2 from Bandar Abbas to Hormuz and $3 from Qeshm to Hormuz. It is best to take the flight from Tehran to Bandar Abbas as the routes are longer by bus. The same way, you can fly to Qeshm island and get the ferry to Hormuz.
Food In Hormuz Island
As we mentioned earlier, make no mistake to taste the soil. Yes it sounds gross, but it is actually not. As a matter of fact it is used in every local cuisine and is a dominant spice of the island especially seafood. You can also find falafel and every other local dish in the cafes spread throughout the village that also sells tea and snacks. The grilled fish with spicy sauce is another famous dish that you have to try. And of course the Ghalieh Mahi which is none other than the unique dish for Hormuz. Served with rice, it consists of herbs, fish and spices. Spiced shrimp with rice is another famous dish at Hormuz.
Accommodation
There are hostels available in the island such as Kutuk, Saboora and Green Hill and you can make bookings earlier. Also don’t forget about camping though in some parts it isn’t allowed. Just make sure you have enough food and water with you. Because there aren’t many supermarkets close to camping spots. You can get to know Hormuz island lodging here. You can also come across local families that rent out their rooms for about $7 per night.
Summary
Iran isn’t just made out of forests and deserts. Although not many tourists venture into these parts, Hormuz island is extremely popular among the locals. Although we mentioned the prominent attractions, there are secrets yet to be discovered. The environment beach at Mofanaq island is one such place. So are the seven trees. If you are planning on spending a couple of days, make sure to visit these as well. At night the phytoplankton illuminates the beach creating an awe inspiring image. Enjoy the locality, taste the local food, visit as many attractions as you can and enjoy your stay. If you plan it well, Iran is great for island hopping as well.
