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Qeshm is a narrow shaped Island related to the Hormozgan Province located in the Strait of Hormuz of the Persian Gulf, located 21 meters above the sea level. There are 59 villages and towns in Qeshm Island and according to the 2011 census the population was about 117,774. The locals are usually busy with fishing, trading and ferry construction. With surface area of 1,491 square kilometers and 135 kilometers length, Qeshm is the largest island in Iran and because of having amazing ecotourist and cultural attractions it is now growing as a fabulous travel destination among travelers and nature lovers.
With stone tools found at the Bam-e Qeshm the presence of human on Qeshm Island traces back to the Paleolithic Era. During the Sassanid Empire this Island was called Abarkawan and was part of the Ardeshir – Khwarrah administrative division and was a trading and navigation center. During the Dilamites and Buyid dynasties Qeshm Island economy was thrived ad it was a trade center between China, India, and Africa. In 1622, during the Safavid Dynasty, Qeshm Island was occupied by the Portuguese army and the Portuguese Castle in this Island is related to that time.
Qeshm Island is considered as a warm and dry area with high humidity. The warmest months are July to September (38° - 30°) and the coldest days are on January and February (22° - 13°). The annual rainfall in Qeshm Island is about 183 millimeters.
Naaz Islands
These are two small Islands located on the shore of Qeshm Island. The interesting fact about the Naaz Island is that visitors can walk to them through the intertidal zone at the time of the low tide, while they submerge at the time of high tidal and change into two islands.
Hara Mangrove Forest
Covering an area of 20 km by 20 km, Hara Mangrove Forest is a biosphere reserve representing an important ecological resource. Hara trees are salt-water plants which are submerged during the high tide. Visitors ride a bout and venture through this unique natural attraction.
Chahkooh Valley
Chahkooh Valley or the Chahkooh Canyon is a Qeshm natural and geographical attraction showing the effect of rain with high acidity and the erosion of sedimentary rocks creating wonderful shapes, including holes and nature made halls.
The Stars Valley
Another geographical site in the Qeshm Island is the Valley of Stars, which is created by a giant star falling on the ground and is a haunted place according to the local myths. In reality the sediments and weird shaped rocks are created by the rainfall and wind.
The Portuguese Castle
Built in 1507, the Portuguese Castle of Qeshm is a stone made construction made by the Portuguese army who invaded southern Iran during the Safavid Dynasty. This amazing monument and some cannons remained there from centuries ago, is a wonderful place for the ones who are interested in history.
