Kish Island is located on the north east of the Persian Gulf with a minimum distance of 17 km from the southern offshore of the mainland Iran, the Kish island with an area of 90 square kilometers is one of the most marvelous and most beautiful regions of the Persian Gulf and has attracted the attention of many tribes and nations since times immemorial. Oval in shape, the island is 15 km long and 8 km wide. The island is largely flat, sandy and uncultivated, with a high point of 45 meters above sea level. Although very hot and humid in summer, it has got a pleasant weather from about November to March, with an annual average temperature of 27 degrees centigrade. Its beautiful coast is covered with white silvery sand washed by azure blue waves of the sea. Already a famous island, Kish Island owes it present flourishing to its status as Iran's first and, for a long time, the only free port, and its sweet water.
Kish has a long history of about 3,000 years, being called under various names such as Kamtina, Arakia, Arakata, and Ghiss in the course of time. The island was known for the quality of its pearls; when Marco Polo was visiting the imperial court in China and remarked on the beauty of those worn by one of the Emperors wives, he was told that they had come from Kish. The island fell into decline in the 14th century when it was supplanted by Hormoz. It remained obscure until just before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, when it was developed as an almost private retreat for the Shah and his privileged guests, with its own international airport, palaces, luxury hotels and restaurants and even a grand casino. Shortly after the Revolution the new government appointed a very abled team of managers under Kish Free Zone Organization, KFZO, (formerly KIDO, and Kish Island Development Organization) to establish Kish as a free zone, taking advantage of the facilities already in place.
Kish Island Highlights
Diving in Kish:
We invite you to discover the wonders of the pristine aquatic world beneath the beautiful waters of Iran’s Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, along our PADI certified staff. Contact us for related arrangements. PADI being the Professional Association of Diving Instructors is the fastest growing popular scuba diving certification system in the world, with over ten million members.
Underground Town of Cariz:
The Kish qanat is more than 2,500 years old, and currently it has been converted into an underground town at a depth of 16 meters below the surface, with an area of more than 10,000 sq. m.
In the reconstruction of this qanat named Cariz, spaces have been allocated to handicraft stalls, restaurants and traditional tea houses, amphitheaters, conference centers, and art galleries. Efforts have been made to preserve the traditional and historic fabric of the site.
Ancient water cellars:
The inhabitants of Kish, in the past, used a kind of traditional storage system to gather rainwater. These storage's were dug in the ground and built with a domed roof. With the emergence of water desalination facilities, these storage's lost their significance. But their remnants are still an interesting site for tourists to visit.
The Ancient Town of Harireh:
According to the writings of Iranian and Arab historians, the town of Harireh had been located in the center of the northern part of the island. It was where the ruins of the city can be seen today.
Visiting this ancient town is an opportunity to get acquainted with the islands history. While having a nice time at the Green Tree Recreational Complex, situated near the ancient city.
Sports Complexes:
The Olympic complex is the largest in Kish. It is comprised of a football field, tennis courts, swimming pools, volleyball and basketball courts and facilities for many other sports. For easy access to sports facilities, 4 volleyball courts have also been built in different locations. Four additional small and standard size football fields are also available. These are situated near Marjan Bazaar, Saffain District, The Water & Electricity Supply Co. and the Art Center.
Cycling Track:
Kish Island has over 50 km cycling track, which stretches all around the island. Cycling is a popular sport in Kish and public cycling day are arranged by K.F.Z.O. in order to encourage people to cycle. Also private regular and electric bike rental stations are available.
Kish Gliding School opened in 1996. It is one the branches of Civil Aviation Training Center (C.A.T.C) which is a member of International Civil Aviation Organization (I.C.A.O). It issues flying licenses and is located in Hormoz square.
Horseback Riding Club:
Kish horseback riding club is located in the northern section of the island, in the Olympic village. Horse-racing is a favorite sport in Kish & races are held throughout wintertime. Kish horseback riding club has a clinic.
Scuba Diving:
Diving is an ideal sport in Kish Island because of the exquisite coral reefs and rare fish species. The Kish Diving School offers also Padi courses with certificate for divers. Interested tourists can experience the world of underwater and its wonders.
Marine Sports Club:
This club is located in the north-eastern side of the Island. The modern facilities and marine sports equipment of Kish Marina club include: Jet Ski, water ski, parachute, yachts & sailboat, scuba diving and windsurfing, etc.
Tennis courts and Sports Facilities:
Sports facilities in Kish are highly revered. Kish Sports Complex has six tennis courts and an international tennis stadium, which is located in the Olympic village at the northern part of the Island.
Finally, if you like to visit Kish Island, have a look on our tours and select your favorite itinerary.