Hormuz Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Iran, one of the most beloved destinations in Persian Gulf tours. It’s covered with natural and historical attractions. It’s one of the few native spots in our country where tourists are not allowed to enter with vehicles. This has kept the island’s nature very pristine and untouched.
To visit the attractions of Hormuz, you have to ride the local three-wheel motorcycles or start exploring the island on foot. The island is home to some of the most beautiful untouched beaches of the Persian Gulf with colorful sands, attracting nature lovers. Join us in Parsi Tours, Iranian travel agency, to learn about the historical and natural attractions of this island.
Valley of Statues
The Valley of Statues, also known as the Valley of Sculptures, is one of the most unusual natural attractions on Hormuz Island. It draws tourists interested in mysterious natural sights. Located near the Persian Gulf, the erosion of rocks over many years has created various shapes in the rocks of this area. Today, the valley has rocks shaped like eagles, birds, and other animals.
The island’s geological history, dating back several hundred million years, adds to the significance of its soil. To visit the Valley of Statues, head to the western side of the island. Follow the dirt path through the hills and rocky mountains to reach the coast. The walk there is quite fascinating. As you get closer to the valley and the sculptures, the area becomes more intricate and the path narrows. The valley is a great place for photography, and many tourists have captured memorable pictures there.
Salt Goddess Cave
The entire island of Hormuz is covered with colorful soils rich in minerals. The Salt Goddess Cave, also known as “Salt Goddess” and “Tabarzin Salt Valley,” is located in an area full of colorful hills and mountains, rich in colorful minerals. In the past, locals used axes to extract salt from the rocks and cliffs of this area, hence the name Tabarzin.
Locals hold great respect for the Salt Goddess Cave, thus naming it after a goddess. There’s also a tall mountain known as the Salt Goddess Mountain with a short cave inside it. To visit this cave, you must crawl in and then walk hunched over for a short distance. Inside, you’ll find a small chamber with walls covered in salt crystals.
One notable feature of the Salt Goddess Valley is its remarkable silence, offering a peaceful experience; hence, it’s also known as the Valley of Silence. To visit the Salt Goddess Cave, walk a bit along the valley’s entrance path. This path winds through colorful mountains and valleys with red and colorful soil, making it one of the most beautiful and untouched natural attractions on the island.
Red Beach
Hormuz Island is known for its red soil, rich in minerals. Part of the beaches near the red soil mines on the island are known as the Red Beach, attracting many tourists. The red soil here contains minerals that can be used as spices and flavorings in various local southern dishes. The sea water near this beach also appears red due to the red soil. This soil is used in handicrafts and the paint industry. Many tourists walk along the Red Beach, leaving traces of the red soil on their bodies or clothes for souvenirs and taking memorable photos. Watching the sunrise and sunset at the Red Beach is also a popular activity.
The main reason for the red color of the soil is the abundance of iron oxide. Locals refer to the red soil as “Gelak.” It’s used for cooking various fish, jams, local bread, and pickles. Although the Red Beach is famous, there are other beautiful beaches on the island, like the Silver Beach of Hormuz. Remember, it’s important not to take any of the colorful soils from these beaches. They are like valuable treasures that should not be removed by tourists, as replenishing the soil takes a very long time, and excessive removal could completely destroy the island’s soil.
Rainbow Valley
Every corner of Hormuz Island is like a beautiful painting with stunning colors, but the Rainbow Valley is an area with soil in more than 70 different colors. The deeper you go into this beautiful and picturesque valley, the more enchanted you will become. The area has soils in yellow, white, orange, purple, and red, full of various limestone salts.
Rainbow Valley also has various metallic stones. Some of these stones are seen in European and American countries, but some are unique to this valley in Hormuz Island. These include magnetite, hematite, and oligist. The main component of these stones is iron oxide.
The colorful soils of Rainbow Valley are used for making various southern handicrafts and have medicinal properties. Although these soils significantly contribute to the local economy, excessive mining can cause irreversible damage. In Rainbow Valley, you can see a rock shaped like two hands reaching towards the sky. The best time to visit this scenic valley is during the autumn and winter seasons.
Hormuz Soil Carpet
The Hormuz Soil Carpet is a symbol of the island’s culture and civilization, created by talented artists using the island’s valuable natural signs. Various colored soils like black, red, lime, green, and other colors are used to design the Hormuz Soil Carpet.
The carpet is designed and made differently each year, featuring symbols from different Iranian cities’ native cultures. Symbols like palm trees and windcatchers from the south are also used.
In designing the Hormuz Soil Carpet, not only the native culture of the south and other parts of Iran are considered, but also the island’s historical commercial prosperity. Traditional southern Iranian women’s clothing is another element used in the design. The Hormuz Soil Carpet is one of the most attractive tourist sites on the island, drawing many visitors.
Dr. Nadalian Museum
The Dr. Nadalian Museum is one of the most prominent historical attractions on Hormuz Island. Although it’s not very old, it’s interesting for introducing the rich local culture, especially to foreign tourists. The museum was established by Dr. Ahmad Nadalian in 2009 as an Artists Forum. Between 2012 and 2014, it was redesigned and reopened as the Dr. Nadalian Museum Gallery, displaying artistic and cultural works of the island’s people.
Located in Dr. Nadalian’s personal home, locals also refer to the museum gallery as Dr. Nadalian’s House. Artworks in the museum are displayed to the public and are also for sale. Art and handicraft enthusiasts can visit and purchase from this collection.
Dr. Nadalian Museum also hosts educational workshops, and many locals receive art training there. Over the years, exhibitions of Dr. Nadalian’s individual and collaborative works have been held, attracting artists and the general public. The income from these exhibitions supports local employment and the education of female students on the island. Visiting this museum gallery not only acquaints tourists with the local culture and works of southern Iran but also significantly boosts the island’s employment; thus, make sure to visit the Dr. Nadalian Museum when on Hormuz Island.
Portuguese Castle
The Portuguese Castle is one of the historical buildings on Hormuz Island, located in the northern part of the island near the Strait of Hormuz. This historic fortress is a remnant of the era of Portuguese invaders in southern Iran and is over 500 years old.
The castle was built by the Portuguese Albuquerq in 1507 and was conquered by Imam Quli Khan 115 years later. In the past, it was used for military purposes and as a residence for Portuguese officers’ families. The Portuguese Castle on Hormuz Island was of special strategic importance to Western military forces. The Portuguese built it to protect their colony in India and to dominate the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Currently, there are disagreements about preserving the castle’s vicinity, causing protests from historical enthusiasts in the area. Inside the Portuguese Castle, you can see war cannons, remains of buildings, and watchtowers. The castle offers a great view of Hormuz Island. It’s listed among Iran’s national monuments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hormuz Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders and historical significance. Its unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving its natural beauty make it an unmissable destination for those seeking to explore the less-trodden paths of Iran’s diverse topography. To fully enjoy your trip, do not hesitate to book Parsi Tours Iran nature tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the soil of Hormuz Island red?
The redness of the soil on Hormuz Island is due to the presence of metallic oxides and salt impurities.
Why is it called the Valley of Statues?
The rock formations in the Valley of Statues over time have taken on shapes resembling human-carved statues, hence its name.
Who built the famous museum on Hormuz Island?
The famous museum on Hormuz Island was built by Dr. Ahmad Nadalian, and is therefore named after him.
How many colors does the Hormuz Soil Carpet have?
The Hormuz Soil Carpet has about 90 color shades, all collected from the soils of the island.
