MYSTERY OF IRAN
MYSTERY OF IRAN

MYSTERY OF IRAN

   
  
Kish Attractions

Kish Attractions

Greek Shipwreck

The Greek cargo steamship Koula F sank on a beach on Kish's south-west coast in 1943. She was originally a British ship, Empire Trumpet, and was built in Scotland. She ran aground in 1966 and all attempts to salvage her failed. When Koula F's crew abandoned her they set her on fire, and all that remains is her steel hulk. Nowadays it is a really beautiful place to watch the sunset.

Kariz-e-Kish (Qanat)

Kariz-e-Kish is an old subterranean aqueduct which includes a network of wells and underground tunnels. It is the secret in the heart of Kish and is unique to the world. It was used to provide potable water called “sweet water” for it’s citizens who lived on the island. It is 16 meters deep and has an 8 meter high ceiling covered by fossils, shelves and corals. The aqueducts are over 2,000 years old. The temperature inside the tunnels is 22 to 25 degrees centigrade throughout the year. Experts are attempting to re-design the interior and exterior area to preserve its historic structure and to expand it into an extraordinary 10,000 sq meter underground city. There are plans to build modern and traditional restaurants, a museum and gift shops inside the tunnels in the coming years.

Harireh, the Ancient City

For those who are interested in the history of Iran in general, and in the history of Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf in particular, a visit to the ancient town of Harireh is a must. Tourists can visit the mosque, a palatial house, a bath-house and the historic port and its workships which have been unearthed by Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization. A tour of Harireh can give the visitor a chance at imagining the ancient times of Iran. The remains located in the center of the northern coastline are 3 square kilometers in length and retells the existence of a very large and cultivated city. A few well structured arches and ceilings have remained. It is estimated the city is 800 years old. The ancient city is located in the center of the northern coast of Kish and is a short stroll over to Derakht-e-Sabz (Green Tree) Park will provide a chance at relaxation in the tranquil atmosphere.

The beaches

A variety of other water sports are also available: jet-skiing, sailing, fishing, para-sailing, reef walking, coral viewing, boating and water-skiing are just a few of the popular ways to spend the time and enjoy yourself during your visit to the Island. A variety of other water sports are also available. The Kish coastline is one of the least dangerous coasts in the world. Kish has gorgeous white sandy beaches for relaxing walks. Women-only beaches are available for the female tourists to the Island. There used to be an "international beach" where male and female foreign tourists could swim together, but it has been closed by the government. Surrounding waters of Kish is the habitat of various aquatic marines such as corals, aquarium and edible fishes, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, etc. All these wonders can be seen from glass-bottomed boats available at the recreational pier. The light provided at the bottom of the boats make it possible for the tourists to have a clear view of the sea's depth at night.

Sports

Kish acts as the location for numerous international sporting events. Kish Island is part of the Professional Squash Association's annual tour, holding the Fajr International Squash Championship. Kish is home to a multi-purpose Olympic stadium seating 1200 spectators, it caters for 11 sports including volleyball, basketball, handball, futsal, gymnastics, wrestling, taekwondo, judo, karate and chess. The Kish Karting Track is one of the largest in Southwest Asia, and one of the first of its kind in Iran. Maryam Bowling Complex includes 16 bowling lanes, a health club with a fitness suite, and a jacuzzi. Kish Equestrian Club hosts national races and is capable of holding international competitions. The island has 3 international standard volleyball courts, Kish held the 2006 Asian Beach Volleyball Championship.

Snorkeling & diving

Snorkeling on the beaches of Kish Island is said to be amongst the best in the world, while the scuba-diving offers an even more spectacular insight of life beneath the waters. Diving on Kish Islands is easy and relaxing for all levels of experience. You have the choice of fringing coral reefs, pinnacles and a shipwreck. 
The maximum depth at most of the dive sites ranges between 8 and 10 meters. Advanced dive sites can be deeper, up to 33 meters. Visibility changes throughout the year, averaging 10-15 meters. On good days you can experience clear waters up to 20 meters visibility or more.
 You will encounter a large variety of aquatic live on all the dive sites. Common creatures include Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish, Barracuda, Stingrays, Reef Sharks, Turtles, Groupers, Trigger Fish, Trevally, Moray Eels, Shrimps, Puffer Fish, Snappers and many, many more. Whale sharks occasionally visit the Kish Island, although you have to be very lucky to see one! 
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