Kish Island

26° 31' 31" N 53° 58' 55" E [26.5253, 53.9819] (KML)

Kish Island [M], often called the Pearl of the Persian Gulf has an area of 90 square km (36 sq. miles). It is known for being a beautiful resort in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. Kish Island has relaxed laws in comparison to the rest of Iran. Like mainland Iran, the people of Kish are friendly and hospitable.

• Kish Tourist Affairs Office: +98 764 4424423

No entry visa is required for Kish. Foreign nationals need no entry visa at the authorized arrival and departure points in Kish Island [M]. At Kish International Airport, the officials will take your photograph, fingerprints, and stamp your passport, allowing you to stay up to 14 days on the Island. Beware: if you are western, you may be sternly questioned as to the purpose of your visit. Make sure you bring all verification paperwork including hotel reservations with phone numbers, etc.

Upon arrival at Kish Airport, all female passengers will be immediately escorted to a room and very politely ordered to wear headscarves and long robes to cover their entire body. The clothing is available at the Airport, and passengers are expected to return them when leaving Kish. Female visitors may be detained for a period of time under the perception that they 'might have difficulty finding their way around the island'. However, the staff in general are very polite, but speak little English.

At present, there are a number of international airlines flying to Kish Airport. The most popular airline with the most regular domestic and international flights in Kish is "Kish Air". Kish Air has international flights to Dubai, Istanbul, Varna, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Kish Air also offers domestic flights to Iran's main cities, including Tehran [M], Isfahan [M] and Mashhad [M].

• Kish Airport:4422100, 4422460

• Kish Air:4423517, 4422030

• Airport Passport Office:422640

Driving by car is an easy and smart option. Currently, there is only one route to Kish Island [M]. If you are driving from Tehran [M], take care on the road and be alert of the highways and the pedestrians.

There are private buses that will take you from Tehran [M] and other main cities to Kish Island [M]. This is probably the safest way of travelling in Iran. Private buses in Iran are inexpensive compared to other countries in the Middle East.

There are boats that will take you from the port cities of Bandar-e Abbas, Bushehr [M], and Chahbahar. However, as of June 2009, this has reportedly been suspended.

If you are energetic, walking is your best option! However, like the rest of Iran, there are plenty of taxis - but without meters. It is advisable to fix the fare in advance, and to make sure that the driver understands exactly where you want to go. The majority of taxis on the island are Toyota Camrys and are fully air-conditioned. The normal fares are usually within the range of $2 USD to $5 USD depending upon the distance (which is never too long in any case, as the island is rather small).

Be careful to count your change as some taxi drivers will take advantage of tourists and attempt to short-change you on the fares.

Harireh Taxi Service [S] +98 764 - 4451700

Paeeze Taxi Service [S] +98 764 - 4451670

Toosan Taxi Service [S] +98 764 - 4422400

Dalahoo Taxi Service [S] +98 764 - 4451577

• Kish Dolphin & Crocodile Park [S]: The Dolphin Park is the unique ocean atrium in the Middle East, and visitors can enjoy spectacular dolphin and other sea mammal shows in a family-oriented atmosphere. The entrance fee for visitors is $46 USD.

• The Green Tree Park [S]: The Park with the oldest trees on the island. Entry is free for all.

• Mysteries of the World Zoo [S]: A small zoo with exotic animals on display. The entrance fee is $5 USD.

• Greek Ship [S]: The historic and famous old ship resting on one of the shores of Kish Island [M]. It has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. Entry is free. There is also a restaurant on board.

• Giant Bird Sculpture [S]: you can climb up inside of it!

• Underground Town of Cariz [S]:The entrance fee is $5 USD.

• The Ancient Town of Harireh [S]:Entry is free for all.

• Marjon Beach Park [S]:Entry is free for all.

Snorkelling on the beaches of Kish Island [M] 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. A variety of other water sports are also available: jet-skiing, sailing, fishing, parasailing, 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.

Kish is a trade free zone, making it the perfect place for profitable shopping and trading. The price of goods in Kish are notably cheaper than in mainland Iran. Many Iranians and tourists visit Kish to purchase duty free clothes, electronic goods, cosmetics, etc. There are a number of large shopping centres, most of them situated in the eastern part of the island. Due to the daytime heat, most shops are closed from 13.00 till around 17.30. Some stay open until late into the night. The shopping malls in Kish cater to every taste. However, be prepared to find numerous faux American and European brands such as Gucci, Prada, Diesel, The Gap, Ikea, and Starbucks. Very few merchandise is authentic. One exception is the 'Ikea' store, which is known for importing real Ikea merchandise such as ice-cube trays and dishes.

• Paradise 1 International Mall
• Paradise 2 International Mall
• The Paniz International Mall
• Zaytoon International Mall
• Morvarid International Mall
• Venus International Mall
• Marjon International Mall
• Arab Bazaar
• Kish Trade Center

It is not difficult to find work on the Island. If you are sociable and hospitable, working in cafes and restaurants are the best way to go. If you are looking for work in the commercial and tourist sector, you must have at least some experience and knowledge of the Iranian economy and of Kish Island [M].

Most people on Kish Island [M] work from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including the government employees. On Thursdays, government employees work from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Kish Island [M] offers a wide selection of restaurants which range from Persian to International cuisines. Some of the most well-known restaurants include:

• Shandiz Safdari. Best shishlik (lamb chop grilled) in Kish Island [M], accomoanied by Iranian Rice and Laban (Yoghurt) drink. expensive.  

• Boof Fast Food Restaurant, Pardis II Mall. Kish's Answer to McDonalds.  
• Espadana Restaurant.  
• Papa Restaurant.  
• Hadee's. Best Pizza For Pizza Lovers.  
• Kish KFC. Kish Fried Chicken.  

• Asal Kish Restaurant.  
• Pars Khalij Buffet.  

Salar

• Kooh-e-Noor. The 5* world class restaurant of Sadaf International Hotel [S]. The restaurant has a unique "cave" theme. 'Kooh-e-Noor' is translated as "the mountain of light", and is the name of the world's largest diamond.  
• Pavion Restaurant.  
• Nagshe Jahan Restaurant.  

Like mainland Iran, alcoholic beverages are not served on the Island. The tea is light, good in taste and is kept at every home, shop and other social places.

'Cafe Aquarium' (ground floor of Pardis II Shopping Mall.) This popular hangout serves "Starbucks" coffee, Italian style sandwiches, banana splits, and fresh juice to a young, hip crowd.

• Sahndiz Safdari. Best shishlik in town! Serves grilled lambchop, chicken, fish, eaten with Iranian rice and laban (yoghurt) drink. Very popular and relatively pricey. expensive.  

Accommodation in Kish is slightly more expensive than mainland Iran, however it is nothing too extortionate. Kish Island [M] has a range of nice villas, hotels, and guest houses for tourists. Hotel reservations must be made through a travel agency in Tehran [M], which may be difficult if you are not Iranian and/or do not speak Persian.

• Alighapou Hotel [S] - +98 764 5-23203 44 0764
• Fanoos Hotel [S] - +98 764 443200-5

• Eram Grand Hotel [S] - [1] - A 2-star hotel with occasional fires and difficulty in coordinating reservations with available rooms.
• Tatilat Hotel [S] - +98 764 4443996-8
• Maryam Hotel' - +98 764 44 21111-7
• Sunrise International Hotel [S] - A nice and clean place. Each suite comprises of a double bedroom, a living room with sofas and a television, a small kitchenette with a fridge, and two modern bathrooms. The cost of a taxi from the airport is around $2.50 US. The hotel also has a cosy restaurant and coffee shop.

• Dariush Grand Hotel [S] - +98 764 44 49 00
• Sadaf International Hotel [S] - +98 764 4420590-7
• Shayan Hotel [S]
• Parmis hotel [S]-+98 7644446223-30
• The Flower of the East - coming soon. [S]

• Area Code for Iran: 0098 (+98)
• Area Code for Kish: 0764
• Kish Cellular Phone (Code): 0934

There are various internet cafés on Kish Island [M]. Internet speed varies from café to café. A popular internet café is The Kish Cyber Cafe [2] at Shayan Hotel [S], Tel: 4422771-5 (2623), ahlesaadat@postmark.net, One hour is around $2.50 US.

• Emergency services: 110
• Kish Hospital: 4422811 or 4422211

The Island is generally safe and nothing will happen to you unless you are terribly unlucky! There are no major problems that might cause you trouble during your stay.

If you feel like going to another beautiful island, Qeshm [S] is also close by. It is not as tourist-friendly as Kish and is mostly visited by those interested in trade. You have the options of travelling by boat or plane. If you feel like going somewhere cultural and beautiful in mainland Iran, the city of Bushehr [M] is anticipating your arrival.

Text content was last edited at 12:45, on 23 May 2010 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by D. Guillaime and Peter James, Wikitravel user(s) Vidimian, Burmesedays and Inas, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. A list of contributors is available at the original article on Wikitravel. This text content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0.