Explore the Beauty of Iran: 10 Unforgettable Travel Destinations

Iran is an incredibly diverse country, brimming with top-notch historical architecture, stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Whether you are a culture-chaser, outdoor enthusiast or history buff, there is something for everyone in Iran. Here are 10 of our favorite destinations that you should add to your travel to-do list.

1. Shiraz

Primed as the city of poets, flowers and wine, the holy city of Shiraz easily tops our list. Home to sites like the Pink Mosque, Eram Garden, Karim Khan Citadel and Tomb of Hafez, the great Persian poet. There are a few tombs of other famous Persian poets located around the city and the historical Persian garden, Eram Garden is a must-visit place in Shiraz.

2. Isfahan

As the renowned saying goes, ‘Isfahan is half the world’ and with its characteristic blue-tiled domes, minarets and bridges across the Zayandeh River, we can understand why. This ancient city is known as the cultural capital of Iran and sites such as the Naghshe Jahan Square, Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotf Alla Mosque can confirm that.

3. Tehran

The capital of Iran, Tehran, has the nightlife to rival any other in the Middle East. Its lively atmospheres competes with its art, architecture and culinary delights. Tehran is constantly bustling with locals and is home to some of the most beautiful mosques such as the Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar of Tehran and Sa’dabad Palace.

4. Kashan

This desert oasis stretching from the southern edges of the Dasht-e Kavir desert, to the majestic Alborz Mountains is known for its magnificent architecture and Islamic archeological sites. Its narrow winding alley ways, rosewater gardens and bazaars have long attracted visitors, many endorsing it to be one of the best examples of desert traditional village architecture in Iran.

5. Hormoz Island

The largest and most attractive island of the Persian Gulf accessible by boat or ferry, Hormuz Island, is well known for its spectacular multicolored Mountains. Other attractions include the Island’s natural and beautiful beaches, amazing rock-cut architecture and its sulfur mines with a nearby sulfuric lake.

6. Tabriz

Tabriz in the northwest of the country is blessed with a plethora of stunning historical landmarks and sites. The city has been inhabited since antiquity and especially renowned for its carpets and textiles, rich cuisine and bazaars, the Kaboud Mosque and Tabriz Great Bazaar.

7. Yazd

This ancient city located in southeastern Iran is the birthplace of Zoroastrian culture. Domed structures and landscaped yard houses along with its Zoroastrian fire temples make this city one of the most unique places in the region. Yazd is home to the majestic Jameh Mosque, a 6th century monument and the Zoroastrian Fire temple.

8. Mashhad

Mashhad is the second most populous city in Iran and the spiritual center for Shiite Muslims. Tourists to the city must visit the Imam Reza Shrine, the grand marble mausoleum of Imam Reza, who is the eighth Shi’ite imam. The holy shrine is also the largest mosque in the world, covering an area of 267,079 m2 (2,819,542 ft2).

9. Bandar Abbas

This port city on the Persian Gulf has a unique sandy coastline flanked by diamond-like islands. Famous attractions in this area include the exotic beach of Kish Island, the Shaffee and Portuguese fortresses in Bandar-Abbas, as well as the old bazaar within its inner city.

10. Kerman

This historical oasis city was at one point the capital of Iran and its location is surrounded by the Kavir-e Lut and Dasht-e Lut deserts. Ancient sites such as the Ganjali and Vakil bazaars, Rab’e Rashidi mausoleum and the ancient citadel of Arg-e-Kerman are a few of the reasons why this city should be included in your travel itinerary.

Iran is a magical place that must be experienced by every traveler lucky enough to go there. These 10 amazing destinations promise an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.