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| Qeschm | ||
| Ostan (Province) | Hormozgan | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 113.846 () | |
| height | unknown | |
no value for height on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Qeschm (قشم, Gheschm) is the largest Iranian Island in the Persian Gulf. It is 136 kilometers long and up to forty kilometers wide. The most important town is also called Qeshm and is located on the eastern tip of the island. There are 56 villages scattered around.
background
Qeschm is being actively developed as a tourism and free trade zone. A new oil port opened for this purpose in 2017. Plans for a road and rail bridge from the mainland with a connection to Bandar Abbas were specified in January 2019.
Many women wear to the in public Chador still traditional face masks. There are efforts to build the traditional wooden Lenj-Ships, which still takes place mainly on the north coast, in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to be recorded.
getting there
Entry facilitation: Tourists who want to stay here for a maximum of 30 days (renewable) do not need a visa. This even applies to rogue nationals (British, Canadians, US-Americans) who are allowed to enter if their arrival is announced 48 hours in advance and they are picked up by a licensed tour operator who can provide proof of accommodation and other documents.
By plane
Domestic flights to Tehran and some other cities. Internationally only Dubai, Turkey and seasonally some places in Russia are directly accessible. Virtually all Iranian domestic airlines land here. Qeshm Airlines has its hubs here and in Tehran, there will be a weekly transfer connection to Hamburg in 2019.By boat
mobility
Shared taxis run in the mornings. Otherwise taxis, which are generally more expensive than on the mainland. It remains a hitchhike along the few country roads.
places
Qeshm place
Dynamic cardsThe main town has grown strongly due to tourism. The old town center is near the port and the fort, while the modern part has spread over two kilometers to the south. The one in the north of the island Persian Gulf Highway continues as the main thoroughfare Azadegan Blvd. away. About 500 meters closer to the coast is the parallel main shopping street Valiasr, which is set back about 600 meters from the coastal promenade.
Tourist Attractions
shop
Fresh fruit and vegetables are available from smaller market stalls on the roadside.
Modern shopping centers can be found along Valiasr Ave., especially around the intersection with Pardis Str. For mainland Iranians, the city is a travel destination primarily because of the inexpensive electronics.
Hotels
- 1 Shabhaye Talai. Tel.: 98 933 597 9673. Above all, a restaurant near the beach with four rooms behind it. One speaks German.Open: restaurant 12.00-16.00, 17.00-24.00.Price: middle class.
- 2 Alvand (هتل الوند). Tel.: 98 76 3522 8805. Conventional, better hotel right on the roundabout. The branch is across the street Alvand 2..
- 3 Saaheli Camping (کمپ ساحلی قشم (پارک آفتاب)). As everywhere in Iran, there is no western-style campsite, but a designated space near the beach.
Laft
The small town is well worth seeing 1 Bandar-e Laft (بندر لافت) mainly because of its many “wind catcher” towers that have been preserved. Some of the inscriptions in the cemetery are a thousand years old. There are still the ruins of a Portuguese fortress. This is also the starting point for boat trips into the Hara mangrove forests, which are best carried out at high tide.
Accommodation is provided by family pensions.
activities
Sea turtles lay eggs on Shib Deraz Beach from April to July. Volunteers protect them from nest robbers at night.
shop
As everywhere in southern Iran, there is a siesta from around 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is less true for the shopping centers in Qeshm-Ort.
If you return to the mainland, goods are checked because of the free trade zone, which can lead to long delays, especially when traveling by bus. It makes more sense to take the speedboat to Bandar Abbas and get on a long-distance bus from there.
kitchen
Officially, as everywhere in Iran, there is no alcohol.
accommodation
The entire coast of the Persian Gulf is completely booked out by local tourists in the two weeks after the Iranian New Year celebrations (March 20/21).
In the hot off-season, discounts can be negotiated by half. Private apartments or beds in them are also rented, usually with breakfast or half board. This is the most sensible option, especially in the smaller towns, which are closer to the scenic attractions than the main town.
health
climate
The temperatures are only bearable in the winter months. In summer, i.e. April to November, there is heat and unbearable humidity. The water temperature in winter is 20-22 ° C, in summer 27-28 ° C and is then 20 degrees cooler than the maximum daily air temperature.
Practical advice
Reports from spring 2019 describe visa extensions on the 4 Aliens Police difficult, the general recommendation is to apply for one in Bandar Abbas.
trips
Hara Mangrove Sanctuary
The 2 Hara-Mangrove forests (منطقه حفاظتشده حرا و تالاب بینالمللی خور خوران) opposite Laft are a UNESCO biosphere reserve under nature protection, but are used to a lesser extent for shrimp fishing. The tree species dominates Avicennia marina. The 7½ km² is a resting place for migratory birds, especially in spring. There are tourist boat tours.
Geopark
The one reported in 2006 Qeshm Island Geopark is part of the Global Geoparks Network of UNESCO. There is also a 3 Geopark Museum ((موزه ژئوپارک) in Qeshm place.
The actual "park" consists of several designated areas with a total area of 300 km², especially in the west of the island, which are characterized by their geologically interesting rock formations and the like. distinguish. Partly very bizarre formations have emerged from the sandstone as a result of the weather. This also includes the world's longest, partly accessible 4 Salt cave at Namakdan (8 am-6pm), which stretches for six kilometers The individual attractions are far apart, so either booking a tour or renting a taxi by the hour makes sense. Sturdy footwear for hiking is necessary, as is sun protection. Most visited are:
- 5 Valley of the Stars (“Stars Valley,” دره ستارگان), entry subject to entry is available from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- The gorge of 6 Chahkooh (تنگه چاهکوه) costs admission (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.). It is especially beautiful at sunset.
- The little island 7 Naz (ناز) is within walking distance at low tide. Although it has no infrastructure, it is very popular among Iranian holidaymakers in winter. Camel rides are also offered on the beach.
literature
See also general travel guides for Iran.
