Kish Island
Table of Contents: Background / Geographic Location / Climate / Culture and History / People / Travel to Kish Island, visa requirements Flights to Kish Island, airtickets By train By car Buses to Kish Island / Private Buses By boat / Get around / Kish Island attractions and sightseeing / Touristic Attractions / City tours / The Beach / Shopping, Kish Island souvenirs / Malls / Work / Working Hours / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Budget / Mid-range / Splurge / Kish Island nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Budget 2 / Mid-range / Splurge 2 / Contact / Phone / Internet / Stay safe / Get out More from Iran: Azerbaijan (Iran), Fars, Isfahan (province), Kerman (province), Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kish Island, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Qom, Qom (province), Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd (province) More from Middle East: Bahrain, Dead Sea, Empty Quarter, Golan Heights, Holy Land, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Levant, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen More from Asia: Caucasus, Central Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Southeast Asia |
Kish Island is a beautiful island and touristic resort located on the north east of the Persian Gulf (Khalij-e Fars) about 17 km (10.2 miles) from the southern offshore of the mainland Iran.
Background
Kish comes from the persian word "Pearl". Kish Island was a keypoint of defense for the Iranians when Iraq invaded during the Iran-Iraq war and this place was devastated after the war.But,it's just amazing and extraordinairy how this keypoint in the war was built into a beautiful 5 star touristic resort in the Middle East.It is said that the Iranian government had built everything as it historically and beautifully was in only 20 years.Ironically,it had been Ayatollah Khomeini's idea to transform this devastated deserted island to an awesome touristic resort.But its a miracle how kish island's historical places were not hit during the war. Kish Island has a unique situation in the strategic Persian Gulf region among tens of large and small islands. This island is so beautiful and attractive that it has become known as the Pearl of the Persian Gulf since ancient times.
Its calm coasts are covered with coral sands that shine in the sunlight, creating a unique and fascinating sight.The clear coastal waters allow one to view several meters deep into the sea and watch the beautiful movement of the fish. Diverse plants and native trees, as well as a pleasant climate seven months a year are among the outstanding characteristics of the island.
The island has attracted many tourists, travelers and writers throughout history due to these very characteristics. Among those who have written in praise of this island are Niarkhous, the Greek navy commander who traveled to Kish in 225 B.C., and wrote about its beautiful palm fields, Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta and Hamdullah Mostofi, as well as Ms. Fatemeh Al Ali the contemporary Kuwaiti writer who traveled to Kish in February 2002 and compared the island to a “gem on a king’s crown”.
Geographic Location
Kish is lies between the 53 degrees and 53 minutes ,to 54 degrees and 4 minutes of the eastern longitude of the Greenwich Meridian, and 26 degrees and 29 minutes, and 26 degrees and 35 minutes of the northern latitude.
With an area of 90,547 square kilometers, the island is located only 18 km off the southern coast of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This beautiful oval-shaped island is 15 km long and seven km wide.
The map below shows the distance between Kish and a number of islands, ports, cities and the nearest country:
The distance from Kish to Tehran is 1052 km by air and 1600 km by land. Kish is at a distance of 1200 km from Isfahan, Iran’s historic and tourist destination city which attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year.
Climate
The weather in Kish island is warm and humid. The average temperature is 27C and rarely surpasses 35C. July and August are the hottest months and the temperature reaches its lowest in January and February -- providing the most favorable climate for the residents of the island. The lowest temperature never falls blew 3C and that can be expected only a few days in the winter . So, certain seasons make a trip to Kish even more pleasant, and while it is cooler and humidity is less, the sea water is still warm.
Meteorological studies on Kish indicate that the weather begins to cool down in late September and the trend continues until April when it is most favorable.
Kish has a low precipitation. Therefore, the island’s vegetation can withstand heat and does not depend much on water. In spite of the low precipitation, humidity - as in other Persian gulf littoral states - is relatively high due to the region’s special climactic conditions. Humidity sets in late March and gradually rises over the next 9 months. At certain times, particularly in the late summer, the humidity level rises so high that in early mornings, one can see dew on the island’s vegetation and impermeable surfaces of rocks - as if the island has been washed by a night time rainfall.
Culture and History
Kish Island,the pearl of the Persian Gulf, with an area of 90 square km (36 sq. miles), is known for being one of the most beautiful resorts in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.Kish Island has relaxed laws as compared to the rest of Iran.If you catch up with an Iranian,Iranians are friendly and hospitable and would love to start a dialogue with you.
Want to Know more about Kish Island, Call:
Kish Tourist Affairs Office: +98 764 4424423
People
Based on the census carried out in 2001, Kish has a population of 16501 comprising 4454 households. The increase in population is the result of the migration of Iranians from all parts of the country who come to work or invest in Kish. This has created considerable job opportunities and encouraged more migration to the island.
According to the programs envisaged for the Comprehensive Development Plan of Kish, in terms of urban infrastructure, public facilities and local resources, the island will be capable of providing for an estimated population of 200,000.
There is a small population from Zanzibar area. They live mostly in their own neighbourhood known as "Arabs' neighbourhood" as they speak Arabic.
Travel to Kish Island, visa requirements
Note:No entry visa is needed to Kish
Foreign nationals need no entry visa at the authorized arrival and departure points of Kish Island.At Kish international airport the officials will stamp your passport, which allows you to stay up to 14 days on the Island.
Note: that on arrival at Kish Airport all ladies passengers will be immediately escorted to a room and will be very poilitely ordered to wear headscarves, long overcoats to cover all the body. The scarves and the dressing is available at the Airport which the passengers are supposed to return back at the time of their departures from Kish. But the staff in general is very polite and converse in good english.
Flights to Kish Island, airtickets
Presently,in Kish Airport there are some international airlines that are active.The Popular airline that has domestic and international flights in Kish is "Kish Air".Kish Air has international flights to Dubai, Istanbul, Varna, Masqat, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Kish Air as well has domestic flights to the main cities in Iran.
- Kish Airport: 4422100, 4422460
- Kish Airline: 4423517, 4422030
- Airport Passport Office: 422640
By train
Being an Island, there is no train routes to Kish.
By car
Driving by car is an easy and smart option.But,there is only one route that will take you to Kish Island.If you are driving from Tehran,take care on the road and be alert about the highways and the walking pedestrians.
Buses to Kish Island
There are Private buses that will take you from Tehran and the main cities to Kish Island.It is said it might take you up to a week to travel from Tehran to Kish Island.
Private Buses
Private Buses is probably the safest way of travelling in Iran .Private Buses are inexpensive comparing to other countries in the Middle East or around the World.
By boat
There are boats that will take you from the cities of Bandar-e Abbas, Bushehr, Dubai and Chahbahar.*
Get around
If,you are energetic walking is preferable or you can try the best Taxi service available all over Kish Island.But,most tourists prefer walking around Kish Island.
There are also good network of taxis but without meters. You have to clearly tell them the place and fix the fare in advance. Most taxis are toyota Camry's and are aircondioned. The normal fares are in the range of USD 2 to USD 5 depending upon the distance, which is not very long in any case, as the Island is small.
- Harireh Taxi Service: 4420500
Kish Island attractions and sightseeing
Touristic Attractions
- Kish Dolphin Park :This Dolphin Park is the unique ocean atrium in the Middle East, and visitors can enjoy spectacular Dolphin and other sea mammal shows in a family oriented atmosphere. Entrance Fee for tourists & visitors:US$ 30
- The Green Tree Park: The Park with the oldest tree on the island. (Free)
- Mysteries of the World Zoo: A Small Zoo with interesting and weird animals on display. Entrance Fee for tourists & visitors: US $2
- Greek Ship: is a famous old ship resting on one of the shores of Kish. It has become a major tourist attraction is the past few years (Free)
- Underground Town of Cariz
- The Ancient Town of Harireh
- and more...
City tours
The Beach
Snorkeling on the Beach is amongst the best in the world, while scuba diving offers an even more spectacular insight of life beneath the waters. A variety of other water sports are also available. Jet-skiing, sailing, fishing, parasailing, reef walking, coral viewing, boating and water skiing are just a few popular ways to spend the time and enjoy yourself during your visit to the Island. variety of other water sports are also available. Kish coast is one of the least dangerous coasts in the world.Kish has beautiful white silvery sand beaches for relaxing walks. Other activities include going to concerts and plays frequently held on the Kish Summer Cinema and shopping and touring in the malls.
Shopping, Kish Island souvenirs
Being a Free Trade / Industrial Zone makes Kish a perfect center for profitable shopping & trading, as the prices of goods are cheaper than the mainland Iran.
Malls
Kish is a trade free zone and many Iranians and foreigners come here to buy duty free cloths, electronic goods, cosmetic etc. There are many big, modern shopping centres, most of them in the east part of the island. Most shops are closed from 13.00 till around 17.00. Kish international malls try to satisfy every taste. Just to mention a few :
- Paradise 1 International Mall
- Paradise 2 International Mall
- The Paniz International Mall
- Zaytoon International Mall
- Morvarid International Mall
- Venus International Mall
- Marjan International Mall
- Arab bazaar
- Kish trade center
- and many more...
Work
If you are looking for work in the Island,this might not be a hard task.If you are sociable and hospitable ,working in Cafes and restaurants are the best way to go.But,if you are looking for work in the commercial and touristic section,you must have at least,some experience and information about the economy and Kish Island.
Working Hours
Most People in Kish Island work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM,including government employees. In addition the government employess have a thursday half day, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Kish Island offers a wide select of restaurants which range from Persian to International restaurants.Here are some of the famous restaurants:
Budget
- Boof Fast Food Restaurant. Kish's Answer to McDonalds.
- Espadana Restaurant.
- Papa Restaurant.
- Hadee's. Best Pizza For Pizza Lovers.
- Kish KFC. Kish Fried Chicken.
Mid-range
- Asal Kish Restaurant.
- Pars Khalij Buffet.
Splurge
- Kooh -e- Noor. World Class 5 Star Restaurant of Sadaf International Hotel. Nice Place With Theme of a Cave. 'Kooh -e- Noor' means Mountain of Light and is the name of a world famous diamond(Largest ever to be mined anywhere in the world)mined in Mugal period in India.
- Pavion Restaurant.
- Nagshe Jahan Restaurant.
Kish Island nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Like other parts of Iran, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the Island. The everyday drink for nearlly all the Iranians is called Sulaymani tea. Its a tea without milk & sugar. The sugar cubes are served in a seperate bowl & are kept in mouth just before the tea is being sipped. The tea is light, good in taste and is practically kept at everyhome, shop and other social places.
'Cafe Aquarium' (ground floor of Pardis II Shopping Mall.) This popular hangout serves Starbucks coffee, Italian style sandwich, banana splits, and fresh juice to a young, hip crowd.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
The accommodations on the island are a little expensive comparing to the mainland Iran, Kish Island has nice villas, hotels, and guest houses.
Budget
- Alighapou Hotel - +98 764 5-23203 44 0764 [1]
- Fanoos Hotel - +98 764 443200-5 [http://www.fanooshotel.com
Mid-range
- Tatilat Hotel - +98 764 4443996-8 [2]
- Maryam Hotel' - +98 764 44 21111-7 [3]
- Sunrise International Hotel - A nice clean place where each suite (If you can call that one) comprises of a double bed room, A living room with decent sofas & television, a small kitchenette with fridge and two washrooms with english seating.Taxi from Airport will charge around Irani Riyal 25,000/- or 2.5 USD (One way). The hotel also have cozy Restaurant & Coffee Shop
Splurge
Contact
Phone
- Area Code for Iran: 0098
- Area Code for Kish: 0764
- Kish Cellular Phone (Code): 0914769
Internet
There are various Internet Cafés in Kish Island.Internet Speeds ranges from Acceptable to fast.Here is an Example:
- The KISH CYBER CAFE is one of the Saadat Foundation Branches in Kish Island.
- Tel: 4422771-5 (2623).
- Email: ahlesaadat@postmark.net.
- Hours: One Hour is around 2400 Tomans Only.
- Address: CYBER CAFE, SHAYAN HOTEL, KISH ISLAND.
- Url: www.cybercafe.freeservers.com.
Stay safe
If you feel unsafe call:Police:110
If you are sick or have an emergency call Kish Hospital: 4422811, 4422211
The place is generally safe and nothing will happen to you unless you are terribly unlucky. There are no major problems that might cause you trouble during your stay.
Get out
IF you feel like going to another beautiful place,Dubai is close by.The only way to travel to Dubai is either by boat or airplane. If you feel like going somewhere cultural and beautiful, the small city of Chahbahar is close by.
Andy 2000 is the author of the info.
More from Iran: Azerbaijan (Iran), Fars, Isfahan (province), Kerman (province), Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kish Island, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Qom, Qom (province), Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd (province) More from Middle East: Bahrain, Dead Sea, Empty Quarter, Golan Heights, Holy Land, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Levant, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen More from Asia: Caucasus, Central Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Southeast Asia |
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