Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once

Throughout the country, Iran is abundant with beautiful and remarkable tourist attractions. From the mesmerizing Lake Maharlou to the ancient Zoroastrian adobe structures, there are extraordinary places in Iran that beckon you. If you have an adventurous spirit, we recommend visiting these must-see places in Iran before it’s too late.

1. Namakdan Salt Cave, Qeshm

Namakdan Salt Cave is the world’s largest salt cave, measuring 6,600 meters in length. This cave is located 90 kilometers from the city of Qeshm and 2 kilometers from the coast. While enjoying the beach, you can also explore this 570-year-old cave.

According to conducted research, breathing the air inside the cave can help improve respiratory diseases such as asthma. Breakable salt sculptures, salt rivers, and small bats are some of the things you can expect to see.

There is not enough natural light inside the cave, so for a closer look at the salt formations, it’s advisable to bring a powerful flashlight. The salts inside the cave have medicinal properties, so don’t hesitate to taste them

2. Zoroastrian Towers of Silence

In the ancient Zoroastrian ritual, there was a fear that the deceased person’s body could be contaminated by demons. For this reason, Zoroastrians placed the bodies on top of towers known as Dakhmas or Towers of Silence to be scavenged by birds of prey.

The Yazd Tower of Silence is a mysterious place that introduces you to the world of the deceased. This tower is located 15 kilometers from the city of Yazd, near the Saffaieh region, on a low mountain. It’s interesting to note that this burial method was prevalent until the Parthian period but was prohibited during the Pahlavi era.

Visiting the two Dakhmas of this tower, namely Mankji and Golestan, takes about 1 to 2 hours, but the Tower of Silence is definitely one of the must-see places in Iran that will provide you with a unique experience

 

3. Kandovan Village

Kandovan is one of the most beautiful villages in Iran. The history of Kandovan’s caves dates back seven thousand years. However, about 700 years ago, during the Mongol invasion of Iran, the people of the East Azerbaijan region sought refuge in caves to preserve their lives. These caves, now resembling beehives, are proudly displayed 18 kilometers from the city of Osku.

Kandovan Village is the only rocky village in the world where its residents currently welcome tourists. When you approach this village, take a deep breath and enjoy its exceptional air.

Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once
Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once

The special attention from domestic and foreign tourists to Kandovan has led to the construction of numerous accommodations and hotels in the vicinity of the village, so there’s no need to worry about lodging. The village’s souvenirs, such as handicrafts, dried fruits, and honey, can keep the pleasant memories of your journey alive for a long time

4. Kariz Kish

Kariz Kish is an underground city with historical architecture and one of the most mesmerizing attractions in Iran. This underground city is located at the heart of the world’s only coral island. Shells and corals with a history of several thousand years cover the ceiling of the city. The world’s only coral mosque with a ceiling adorned with stones and marine fossils is also constructed in this underground city.

During a visit to this remarkable place, don’t forget to explore the Persian Gulf Museum, ancient qanat (water channel) outlets, kariz wells, photography studio, and the natural water purification facility.

The soil in this kariz has therapeutic properties and is used in mud therapy.

The qanat air is always cool and remains unchanged throughout the year. So, it doesn’t matter in which season you travel to Kish; Kariz Kish is always one of the must-see places in Iran. After investments for preservation and restoration, this kariz can now be considered an international tourist attraction.

5. Maharloo Lake

The most peculiar tourist attraction in Shiraz is Maharloo Salt Lake.

The astonishing feature of this lake is its pink color. During mid-summer, it takes on a reddish hue due to high evaporation and salt concentration, leading to the formation of algae that presents you with a pink-colored lake.

The combination of the white salt and the red color of the lake creates a magical harmony for both domestic and international tourists. Maharloo Lake serves as a safe haven for birds, especially flamingos.

Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once
Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once

Located 57 kilometers from the Shiraz to Fasa road, near a village with the same name, Maharloo Lake is a must-visit. After exploring the lake, you can also visit the orchards filled with almond, fig, and pomegranate trees in the village of Maharloo.

The best time to visit this lake is from mid-fall to mid-spring when the onset of rainfall increases the lake’s depth to 1 to 3 meters.

 

6. Dasht-e Loot

If you want to touch the world’s tallest sand pyramids up close, just travel to Dasht-e Loot. These pyramids, from a distance, resemble colossal sand sculptures, and some refer to this region as the ‘City of Spirits.’

This desert constitutes 10% of the total area of Iran. The vastness of Loot allows easy access from the provinces of South Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Kerman.

Due to its dark color and the dryness of the surface, the central areas of this desert have been recognized as the hottest point on Earth for seven years. The majority of the population residing in Dasht-e Loot lives in an area called Shahdad.

The key tourist attraction in Dasht-e Loot is the region known as Kaluts, located 43 kilometers from Shahdad. This desert is Iran’s first natural heritage site registered with UNESCO.

7. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque):

Mosques are among the notable attractions in Iran, and numerous beautiful mosques have been built throughout the country. Perhaps the most stunning mosque in Iran is located in the city of Shiraz, in the Goadarban neighborhood (Lutf Ali Khan Zand Street).

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, situated near the Shah Cheragh Shrine, was constructed during the Qajar era. The pink tiles and stained glass have given this place the name “Pink Mosque.” The lighting and captivating architecture of this mosque create a mystical atmosphere.

Must-see places in Iran that you should visit at least once

If you want to witness the pinnacle of Iranian art, just visit the mosque at 7 in the morning. The images of this mosque tempt anyone to travel to the city of Shiraz in Iran to see it. The construction of this building took 12 years, and each courtyard, porch, and prayer hall of the mosque will enchant you with its beauty

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