Qeshm

The Meaning of Qeshm

When you google the meaning of Qeshm in Persian dictionaries, they say that this three-letter word (in the Persian language) means “the water-way on earth,” and what better name is there for an island.

The History of Qeshm

According to Wikipedia, The earliest evidence of human presence at Qeshm dates back to the Paleolithic Period. Paleolithic stone tools have been found at Bam-e Qeshm, and historical records date far back into the pre-Islamic era. Because of its strategic geopolitical situation near the Persian Gulf’s mouth, invaders have attacked Qeshm many times throughout the years. During the Sassanid Empire administration, the island had a different name and was called “Abarkawan.”
Qeshm has been famous as a trade and navigation center.  Its economy flourished as trade vessels sailed between Qeshm Island and China, India, and Africa. According to Cassell’s Bible, Qeshm is also a supposed site of the Garden of Eden.

Qeshm’s Weather

Qeshm’s weather is exactly what you imagine as an island’s weather, sunny, humid, and hot, that is, of course, if you visit Qeshm in the wrong months. The warmest months of Qeshm are June through August, where the weather gods will make sure you get a cold shower every half an hour. The best months or the coldest months are October to January, where the average temperature is 23 degrees. Keep in mind that when you visit Qeshm in its coldest months, the nights are cooler, so pack a jacket or two for your trip.

Qeshm’s Population

The population of Qeshm island is approximately 117,000 people. However, the island of Qeshm is made from sixty-nine different districts, meaning that overall, Qeshm is not a crowded island.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Qeshm

If you plan to visit Qeshm and have some questions before making your final decision, we are here to provide you with as much information as possible. If you still have some unanswered questions after reading this post, make sure to ask our 24/7 support team.

Airport and Transportation

Qeshm international airport or locally known as Dayrestan airport is near a village named Dayrestan, roughly located in the center of Qeshm island. 
You can’t find the metro or buses anywhere once you get to Qeshm; the only way you can get from point A to point B is by a taxi or a car of your own.
Most hotels in Qeshm have a contract with a car-rental place, or you can always book a taxi at the front desk. Having said that, we also have a car rental service here at Termeh Travel that offers low prices and the best cars on the market for any type of preference, so be sure to check it out. 
If you want to get from one island to another, you can always ride various boat-taxis.

Qeshm Hotels

When it comes to hotels in Qeshm, you have many options to choose from, depending on your budget. If you want to save money, there are various cheap hotels or hostels you can stay in, with an average cost of 15 euros per night. But if you want to experience a luxurious lifestyle while you visit, the average cost may go up to 40 euros per night.
We are here to make sure that you get to spend your money the best way possible during your travels.

Qeshm Restaurants

When it comes to foods on an island, we all know seafood is the way to go. Just like any other island, Qeshm has the most delicious seafood. You can find many restaurants in Qeshm that serve the best of the best. However, if you are not so much into seafood, Qeshm also has a variety of Fast Food restaurants. They also serve a lot of Arabic dishes. Although we have to say, Qeshm doesn’t have many options for vegetarians/vegans; there is only one vegetarian-friendly restaurant throughout Qeshm, which we’ll mention later on. Other than that, you will probably only get to eat salads. Here is the name of a few restaurants.

Shabhaye Defari

Shabhaye Defari is a restaurant famous for its seafood and traditional atmosphere. In Shabhaye Defari, you’ll have various types of food, whether seafood or Arabic food.

C Roll Restaurant

C Roll has a more up-to-date decor, and it has quality food, good service, and a nice vibe. C roll mostly serves seafood dishes with a few salads, but it’s not vegan-friendly.

Shabhaye Talai Restaurant 

Okay, we promised you a vegetarian-friendly restaurant, this is it. Shabhaye Talai is located in a park named Park e Zeytoon, where you will have a beautiful view of the ocean and its beach, with great quality food. They have English menus there, which may be hard to find in Qeshm. They also play live music, and you can order hookah if you want a fun night by the sea.

Khanboom Traditional Restaurant

Khanboom is a cafe/restaurant where you can find fantastic seafood, coffee, and more. Khanboom has unique decor making it more cozy and fun.

Top Attractions of Qeshm

The sunny sky, blue ocean, and white sand beaches of Qeshm tempt you to do as much sightseeing as you possibly can. So make sure you check out the following.

Chahkooh Canyon

The name Chahkooh means “mountain wells.” This Grand Canyon is located next to “Chahoo Sharghi” village, and it is a Global Geopark site, approved by UNESCO.
The Canyon floor is where the rainwater flows; this is why the locals have dug wells there to provide sweet water or edible water for the villagers. Sea waves, winds, and rain have formed this phenomenon throughout the years.
The arch-like structures that make Chahkooh valley may break in weaker areas. Giving this great geo-site an exquisite look of its own, one you have to see with your own eyes to believe all its glory.

Qeshm’s Star Valley

Talk about a starry night on a romantic date, now multiply it by a thousand. You see all the stars in one place without needing a telescope. This valley of stars is just as marvelous during the day-time, where you get to see the rocks that have morphed into magnificent shapes throughout centuries. Make sure to visit this bright night-sky during your visit to Qeshm.

Laft’s Tala Wells

“Tala Wells,” meaning “golden wells,” shows the critical impact of water on human lives. The Tala wells are located behind a historical castle, in a crater, with a gentle slope made out of rocks, in a village called Laft on Qeshm island. Many believe that the Tala wells are dated back to the Sassanid era. Villagers of Laft dug wells to gather rainwater to have fresh water every day. The Tala wells count up to three hundred and sixty-six wells, one well for each day plus the leap year.

Qeshm’s Salt Cave

Leave it up to Iranians to come up with the most fitting names for places, “Namakdan,” which means “salt shaker,” is the name of one of the longest salt caves in the world.
Given its interior salt stalactites, crystals, and the saltwater that flows outside, Namakdan Cave displays eye-catching scenery as every part of this natural attraction offers a unique view. The cave, located 90 km off Qeshm Island, has several major and minor passages.
The Inside area of the cave is completely dark, and you need a bright flashlight to visit crystalline salts. The ceiling has been covered by marble and crystal in different forms, and they have created a novel perspective. The saltwater flowing on the floor of the cave is also a pleasant view.
A fun fact or a rather creepy one is that due to erosion, the Namakdan Cave has many holes and different shapes within it, so when the wind blows, it makes weird sounds. Thus some of the locals believe that the salt cave is where the ghosts pass during the night. They avoid the cave at night like the plague.

The Geopark of Qeshm

According to UNESCO, Qeshm island is a Geopark, with twenty-five different Geosights. It also has a mini Geopark inside, where you can see the wildlife in its purest form, from flamingos to dolphins.

Naz Island

The Naz Island has three massive rocks standing out of the ocean; during tide specifically, when the water is falling, you get to walk on these rocks that are now covered in water without getting wet, giving you the illusion of walking on water.
Other than that, there are many island sports you can play during your visit to Naz island. From the sky to the ground, Naz island presents you with paragliding, kiteboarding, off-roading, and many more. But to be honest, walking on water is much more fun!

Hengam Island

Hengam Island is one of the places that the Portuguese had attacked and lived in during the Safavid era. If you visit Hengam island, you can see their old boats sitting on the shore, or it’s better if I say where the shore was before global warming happened.
But this is not why Hengam Island is so popular; the most joyful sight in Hengam is its naughty and playful dancing dolphins.
Another sight you get to see in Hengam island is its silver beach and glowing blue water. The sands of the silver beach contain materials that make it look shiny. Apparently, due to some of the visitors’ negative environmental impacts in recent years, there are restrictions for entrance to the Silver beach of Hengam.
But now, let us explain the glowing blue waters of this magical island. The Phytoplanktons that float at the water’s surface close to the shore emit a bright blue light, which creates a glowing line across the coast. This natural phenomenon only happens when the sea is fully calmed, and there is no wind at all.

Shopping in Qeshm

When you think of shopping, you might think of a mall. Qeshm’s City Center might pop up in conversations when you ask where you can buy anything. However, this typical modern mall might not do Qeshm any justice.
If you are looking for souvenirs, you might want to check out the local bazaars of Qeshm.

Hormuz Island

Hormuz is an Island located in the Persian Gulf, the southern part of the country. Hormuz has an area of 42 square kilometers and a population of roughly six thousand people. Like any other Island in the world, Hormuz has a tropical climate, resulting in humid weather. Hormuz's summers are blazing, with the highest temperature being forty-five degrees Celsius. It is best to visit Hormuz between November and April to enjoy its beauty since the average temperature drops to 25 degrees Celsius.

The Red Beach

While you can always think of scary scenarios and freak yourself out, The Red Beach does have scientific reasons behind the redness, and I’m going to try and explain it as best as I can for you. Basically, The soil of Hormuz has a high concentration of iron oxide that gives the landscape a characteristic bloody shade. In places where the sand is redder, the waves in the sea become tinged with pink.

Where to stay while you visit Hormuz

There is no hotel on the island but a couple of budget hostels. You may find a room belonging to local people to stay a night with them. Costs for a room vary greatly depending on the type of room.