Supernatural landscapes, pristine beaches, and special culture expect you in the adorable little jewel of Persian Gulf: Hormuz Island (also spelled as Hormoz). Away from the hustle and bustle of life in the main cities, this piece of beauty enjoys peace and quiet. The must-visit island features many accessible spectacles. But what makes it so special is that it showcases a rainbow of volcanic rocks and soils. Like to visit? Then stay with me for some practical info and a list of its top attractions 😊
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Hormuz Island through Time
Geologically, Hormuz Island is an around 600-million-year-old land that rose out of water around 50 thousand years ago. So, it is a museum of sedimentary rocks, volcanic materials, and amazing formations. Also, the geographical location of the island has won it a key status throughout history. It was not only a major trading port for several centuries, but it also was a strategic spot for the foreign colonizers. Known to ancient Greeks as Organa and in Islamic period as Jarun, the island was visited by famous travelers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.
The Top Attractions of Hormuz Island
You can easily check out all the top attractions of Hormuz Island in one single day. But if you put in some extra time, the narrow alleys, the friendly islanders, and the wonderful land will sure surprise you. Here’s a list of the top sights in the island:
The Rainbow Valley
Imagine hills carpeted with a box of colored pencils… Well, imagine no more! Just travel to Hormuz Island and check out its Rainbow Valley! Just like a fantasy, this famous valley features different shades of red, orange, purple, and blue. Thanks to volcanic materials that created them over centuries, the hills are now a nature-lover’s heaven. Visit the photogenic valley late in the afternoon when it is at its best.
The Valley of Statues
Let the awe-inspiring Valley of Statues impress you with its mysterious rock structures. The magical look of the human-like and animal-like figures will not miss to stir your imagination. Formed by wind and water erosion, these masterpieces of nature offer a unique landscape that you should not miss.
The Valley of Silence
Dazzling beauty and peaceful silence are the generous gifts of Hormoz’s Valley of Silence. Everywhere around the valley, salty formations will catch your eyes. Plus, the cleansing powers of salt and its absorption of sound pollution have blessed it with a serene peace. That’s why it has been a meditation retreat.
The Meditation Cave
The Valley of Silence is home to Meditation Cave, a pure stalagmite-and-stalactite-filled salt cave. This is the place that can clean your chakras and balance your energy. For exploring the cave, you’ll sometimes need to crawl. Bring a flashlight, a helmet, gloves, and extra clothes for a safe experience.
The Salty Goddess
Hormuz Island showcases a naturally-sculpted salt dome: the Salty Goddess. Polished beautifully by rain, this piece of natural art stands out with the amazing combination of colors it displays. With the seasonal orange river that flows under it, the crystalline mountain becomes more of a spectacle.
Museum and Art Gallery of Dr. Ahmad Nadalian
In the old neighborhood of Hormuz Island, Museum and Art Gallery of Ahmad Nadalian hosts the artworks of the local artist Ahmad Nadalian and other local artists. What makes this colorful museum special and Dr. Nadalian an environmental artist is the use of recycled materials and the colorful soils and minerals of the island in the artworks. Plus, the museum’s project is to help the local community by funding women’s art training.
The Portuguese Castle
From the colonial age of Hormoz Island, a scenic beachfront castle remains: the Portuguese Castle. The image of the sea serving as a background to the brick-red castle is quite scenic. It’s easily accessible from the village and is a great place to enjoy a morning walk.
The Red Beach
On your trip to Hormuz Island, don’t miss to soak in the rare scenery of the Red Beach. The red soil on the mountain, beachline and even water make this beach unlike any other. The minerals in this red soil not only give it its red color, but also make it a popular spice in the local food, a precious material in industry, and a beautiful ingredient for local artworks. Don’t miss taking a barefoot walk on this Martian beach. And if you’re wearing white shoes, say goodbye to them!
The Silver Beach
The Silver Beach can be one of the most interesting beaches you’ve seen in your life! It is the glittering sand and colorful stones that make this beach shine among other beaches in Hormuz Island. This beautiful piece of Hormuz nature is at its best in the morning.
Hormuz Island Sea Caves
Along the southern and southwestern coastline of Hormoz Island, you’ll find attractive sea caves. These scenic structures not only offer unique landscapes for photography, but they also serve as peaceful shelters in low tide.
How to Get to Hormuz Island
You can easily reach Hormuz Island by a ferry boat from Bandar Abbas or Qeshm Island. From Bandar Abbas, the ride is around 40 minutes. And from Qeshm Island, it takes around 50 minutes. The ferries leave Bandar Abbas at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. From Qeshm, they leave only at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Getting Around the Island
Hormuz Island is so small that you can easily navigate yourself. Plus, there are no cars. So, your choices are tuk-tuks, bicycles, and walking. Tuk-tuks are the most time-efficient way for touring around the island. You can also rent a bicycle near the port. If you’ve got enough time, I recommend a bicycle tour or a walking tour.
Staying in Hormuz Island
Forget about booking a luxury hotel before you go! In Hormuz, you’ll only get simple homestays that feel like once in a lifetime experiences. The price range varies depending on the facilities your local host provides for you. But if you prefer camping, the beaches are nice places to set up your camp. What could possibly be more pleasant than opening your eyes to the bright waves of the Persian Gulf?!
Eating in Hormuz Island
First things first! There are NO restaurants in the island. BUT… You’ll love the food! The local people who offer homestays also cook finger-licking dishes that you won’t forget! There is a coffee house at the port. There are also a few falafel and snack shops around the island that introduce you to the spicy food of southern Iran. Do try the seafood dishes and the local breads. The special spices and the unique cuisine of the islanders introduce you to tastes that make you never want to leave. One of the magical ingredients of their cuisine is an edible kind of red soil found on the island.
Things to Do in Hormuz Island
In Hormoz, the beauties are endless, and so are the things you can choose to do. Walking, Cycling, sightseeing, swimming, diving, bird watching, photography, camping, shopping for local handicrafts, and getting a henna tattoo are of the memorable options you’ve got there.
The Best Season
The summer temperature in Hormuz Island (and generally southern Iran) can rise to over 43° C. But in winter, the island is blessed with a pleasant weather that’s perfect for an unforgettable trip. If you are going to camp, bring a warm mat and a sleeping bag for the cold nights.
A Cultural Adventure through Hormuz
Hormoz is an island of local charms. Traditional clothes and masks, simple lifestyle, and old-fashioned bazaars are the obvious cultural attractions. If you go deeper, adorable lullabies, special customs, mysterious stories and fishermen songs will make you fall absolutely in love with the place.
More about Hormuz Island
Carry as much cash as you need because there are no ATMs or exchange desks in Hormoz.
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