The Persian Gulf – Islands, Culture & Coastline Wonders of Southern Iran

Persian Gulf

Stretching along Iran’s southern coast, the Persian Gulf is one of the country’s most captivating and diverse regions. This area, mainly within the Hormozgan Province, offers travelers a fascinating mix of ancient maritime culture, tropical islands, colorful markets, and surreal landscapes.

Here, the rhythm of life is slower, the people are warm and welcoming, and the sea meets the desert in breathtaking harmony.

The Bandari Culture of Hormozgan

The Persian Gulf coast is home to the Bandari people, a seafaring community with deep Arab, Persian, and African influences. Their culture, music, cuisine, and dress are unique to this region.
A visit to the colorful Minab market offers an authentic glimpse of Bandari life. Local women wear distinctive face masks (called borkeh), traditionally used for protection and as a symbol of beauty and modesty. The market is filled with vibrant textiles, spices, and local crafts — an excellent place to experience daily life in southern Iran.

Qeshm Island – The Jewel of the Persian Gulf

Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is a world apart from the modern skylines of Dubai or Doha. It’s a place where tradition, geology, and ecology meet, offering visitors a truly unique experience.

Top attractions in Qeshm Island:

• 🏝️ Bandar Laft – A traditional fishing village with iconic wind towers (badgirs) and ancient wooden shipyards where lenj boats are still handcrafted.

• 🌊 Hara Mangrove Forests – A protected biosphere where you can explore by boat and spot birds, fish, and marine life in this tidal ecosystem.

• 🪨 Chahkooh Canyon – A surreal natural wonder with twisted rock formations carved by centuries of wind and water.

• 🐬 Hengam Island – A short boat trip away, famous for dolphin watching, silver-sand beaches, and colorful local markets.

• 🐢 Turtle Nesting Beaches – Visit during nesting season to witness green turtles laying their eggs — one of Iran’s rarest wildlife spectacles.

• 🐪 Camel Racing & Local Traditions – Experience the unique cultural blend of the Persian Gulf’s coastal tribes through local festivals and camel races.

Qeshm is also recognized by UNESCO as part of the Qeshm Geopark, Iran’s first and only global geopark, highlighting its exceptional geological formations and biodiversity.

Hormuz Island – The Rainbow Island

Just a short ferry ride from Qeshm, Hormuz Island is famous for its vivid, multi-colored mountains and mineral-rich red soil. Often called the “Rainbow Island” or the “Island of Colors”, it offers one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Iran.

Visitors can explore:

• 🌋 The Valley of the Statues, with rock formations resembling mythical creatures.

• ❤️ The Red Beach, where the sand is tinted by natural iron oxide.

• 🏠 The Portuguese Castle, a 16th-century fortress reminding of the island’s colonial past.

Hormuz is a favorite for photographers and adventure travelers seeking Iran’s most surreal scenery.

Beyond Hormozgan – The Coast of Baluchistan

Eastward along the Persian Gulf, the landscape transitions into the Baluchistan region, where the desert meets the ocean. Here, travelers find isolated beaches, rugged cliffs, and dramatic rock formations sculpted by wind and waves.

This area remains one of Iran’s most remote and untouched regions — a destination for those seeking authentic adventure and solitude. The Bandari and Baluchi cultures intertwine here, creating a fascinating blend of language, music, and traditions.