Hormuz Island Travel Guide

About Hormuz Island

Hormuz Island is a small, stunning island in the Persian Gulf, located about 8 kilometers off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran. It’s famous for its unique red soil, colorful beaches, volcanic nature, and peaceful atmosphere. Often called the “Island of Colors” thanks to the incredible variety of shades in its mountains and land.

Hormuz Island Weather

• Summer: Very hot and humid

• Winter: Mild and pleasant

• Spring & Autumn: Warm and comfortable

Best time to visit:

November to March when the weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Public Transportation & Access

There’s no airport on Hormuz Island. The best way to reach it is:

• By Ferry: Daily ferries run from Bandar Abbas to Hormuz Island (about 40 minutes)

• On the island: Transportation is simple — mostly motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and bicycles available for rent

Accommodation Options

Since Hormuz is a small and relatively quiet island, accommodations are mostly local guesthouses and eco-lodges:

1. Hormuz Blue Hotel

2. Ranginkaman Eco Lodge

3. Hormuz Traditional Guesthouse

4. Golbahar Homestay

Top Tourist Attractions

Hormuz is packed with natural and artistic wonders:

1. Valley of Statues: Unique rock formations shaped like animals and figures

2. Rainbow Valley: A colorful, otherworldly canyon of mineral-rich mountains

3. Red Beach (Soil Beach): Where the sand glows in deep red tones

4. Silence Valley: A serene spot with amazing acoustic effects

5. Portuguese Castle: A historical fort built in the 16th century

6. Hormuz Salt Goddess Cave: Beautiful salt formations and caves

7. Turtle Beach: Famous for seasonal turtle nesting

8. Dr. Ahmad Nadalian’s Museum & Art Gallery: Local eco-art inspired by the island’s colors

9. Mangrove Forests: Accessible by boat

Best Places for Shopping

While Hormuz is more of a natural destination, you can buy:

• Handmade jewelry

• Colorful local fabrics

• Spices and natural pigments (like red soil powder)

• Local crafts and eco-art

Traditional Local Foods

Hormuz cuisine blends southern Iranian and coastal flavors:

1. Ghalieh Mahi: Spicy fish stew with tamarind and herbs

2. Meigoo Polow: Shrimp rice with local spices

3. Havari: A seafood stew made with fish, shrimps, and aromatic herbs

4. Tomshi: A thin local bread often filled with eggs and herbs

5. Piyazi: A dish made of fried onions, fish, and spices

6. Bereshteh Polow: Rice with fried onions, dates, and spices

7. Spicy pickled vegetables and mangoes