With the arrival of the winter season, winter tourism and travel to the warmer regions of Iran begins. These areas boast suitable weather that makes for a unique trip for you.
If you have a question like, “Where should we go in winter?” or “What is the best place to travel to in Iran during winter?” you should know that many destinations, such as the southern islands and desert areas in Iran, have pleasant weather during this season.
With the arrival of winter, many tourists make the most of this season to plan a memorable trip for themselves. Since the south of Iran has pleasant weather during the winter season, it is often chosen as a winter travel destination. However, tourists are usually not familiar with many cities and attractions in the south of our country and subsequently do not think of traveling to lesser-known places. For this reason, in this article, we intend to introduce you to some of Iran’s beauties In this post from OverIran Tourism Magazine so that you can choose your travel destination with more information.
1. Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf and one of the most beautiful Iranian islands, which welcomes many tourists, especially in the winter season. This island contains unique natural attractions, from Star Valley and Naz Island to Chahkouh Gorge, Mangrove Forest, Khorbs Cave, Namakdan Cave, etc., and has been globally registered as the first geopark in the Middle East. Additionally, seven of these attractions have been named the seven wonders of Qeshm.
2. Kish Island
Kish Island is the most popular and luxurious island in Iran. It has many fans among tourists due to its convenient facilities, including wonderful hotels and villas, the possibility of renting a car, and a variety of restaurants. However, we cannot overlook its relaxing atmosphere, which allows you to unwind and escape from the worries of everyday life.
Considered one of the luxury travel destinations, this island offers attractive water activities such as diving, jet skiing, water skiing, equipped beaches, an ocean water park theme, the Kish Aquarium ship (with a glass floor), boating, shuttles, etc., which bring enthusiasm. Walking along the shores of the Persian Gulf, especially in the pleasant winter weather, and enjoying the sea view, is also a compelling reason to visit this island.
3. Hormuz Island
Hormuz Island, one of the wonders of Iran, not only boasts pristine nature and unique views but also stands out as one of the best winter travel destinations due to its mild climate during the season. One of the island’s most distinctive features is the presence of edible red soil, which has no equivalent elsewhere in the world.
Therefore, it’s known as the only edible island in Iran. The blue shores of the Persian Gulf also offer an ideal opportunity for beach activities and various water sports, including diving. Moreover, a trip to this island grants you insight into the lifestyle of the native people of southern Iran, their clothing, food, and customs.
4. Bushehr
If you visit Bushehr, make sure to explore the old city, as it will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip. Alongside numerous historical attractions, the charming white and nested alleys, along with numerous attractive cafes offering live music and special Bushehri dishes, have garnered immense fame and popularity for this area. Places like Golshan Mansion, Qawam Reservoir, Dehdashti Mansion, Saadat School, etc., all contribute to the appeal of this city.
5. Tabas
Tabas city is located in South Khorasan province, experiencing extremely hot summers and relatively pleasant winters due to its desert climate. If you happen to pass by this city, be sure to visit the lush Gulshan garden in the heart of the desert, which stands as the only square garden in the country. Kal Jeni, also known as the famous valley of Djinn, the Shah Abbasi dam, the Hadarbash adobe towers, Azmeighan village, Helwan desert, and the Khan Tabas caravanserai with its quadrangular structure in the Lut desert, are among the sights of Tabas. The Tabas Citadel is also truly spectacular, particularly since it dates back a thousand years and remained unharmed during the great earthquake of 1357.
6. Kashan
Kashan is renowned among Iranians for its rose ceremony. Additionally, the Kashan carpet, recognized as part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage, has earned it the title of the carpet capital of Iran. Historical houses like Tabatabai’s House and Abbasian House, the Agha Bozur Mosque, Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath, and Silk Hill are among the must-see places in Kashan. Moreover, nearby famous attractions such as Abyaneh, Maranjab Desert, Matin Abad Desert Camp, and Noush Abad Underground City are worth visiting if you have the chance.
However, perhaps the most famous attraction in Kashan can be considered the Fin Garden: a historical garden with an amazing irrigation system, which is registered as one of the nine Iranian gardens on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The assassination of Amir Kabir, the famous chancellor of Iran, is regarded as the most significant historical event associated with this garden.
7. Yazd
Yazd province stands out as another scenic area of Iran during the winter season. Yazd, known as the city of winds, boasts a variety of historical and cultural attractions. Places like Amir Chakhmaq Square, the Water Museum, Saat Square, Yazd Jame Mosque, Iskander Prison, Ziaiyeh School, Kushk No Water Mill, Fahadan Historical Quarter, Daulat Abad Garden, Yazd Fire Temple, and more should be on the list of every tourist’s winter destinations. Moreover, Yazd is home to numerous historical houses, including the House of Lariha, the House of Haj Kazem Rasoulian, and the House of Malek al-Tajjar. Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to purchase souvenirs from Khan Bazaar, the shops around Amirchakhmaq Square, and the historical shops in Yazd.
Most cities in Yazd province possess important ancient works owing to their age. While in Ardakan, consider exploring the Zoroastrian neighborhood in Sharif Abad to visit the fire temple and Zoroastrian houses. Alternatively, explore the Siahkoh National Park, Arjanan Tower Caravanserai, the Ardakan Grand Mosque (a national monument), the Senai historical house, the Kharanag fortress and minarets, as well as various shrines. There’s much to explore!
8. Chabahar
Chabahar stands as the largest oceanic port in Iran, blessed with stunning beaches owing to its strategic geographical location. Beyond just enjoying these beaches, visitors can engage in various water activities such as diving, boating, fishing, shuttle riding, wakeboarding, surfing, swimming, and more. If you travel to this area during winter, you can appreciate its natural attractions, including the Martian mountains, resembling scenes from the mountains of the moon and Mars. Additionally, places like Lipar lagoon, the temple fig tree, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and others showcase the natural beauty of this region.
Furthermore, Chabahar boasts several significant sights such as the Portuguese castle (Tis Castle), the old governor’s building (museum), the old customs and post buildings, Hosseinieh Al-Rasoul, and Tis village. These add to the charm and allure of Chabahar.
9. Kerman
The vast province of Kerman is brimming with historical citadels, castles, eye-catching mansions, gardens, exquisite handicrafts, and delicious sweets that can satisfy tourists with varying tastes. This province encompasses cities like Kerman, Jiroft, Rafsanjan, Bam, Zarand, Kahnood, Babak, Raver, Bardsir, Fahraj, and more. Visiting each of these places offers a plethora of attractions, diverse food, unique customs, and rich culture, providing insights into the lives of the native people.