Qeshm



Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, with rocky coastlines that protects a mountainous and often beautiful interior. The coast is dotted with small villages and towns. Qeshm Island is a duty-free zone.

Get in
Travelers from 180 different nations do not require a visa in order to visit Qeshm. Americans, Canadians, and Britons may enter Qeshm without a visa, but they must first submit their application to the airport police office for approval.

The simplest way is to get on a speedboat at Bandar Abbas main harbour. There are lots of them departing each few minutes. The ride takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the boat. The rates were about US$2-3 in January 2008.

A car ferry leaves regularly from Bander-e-Pol, about 60 km west of Bandar Abbas. Total cost of return ticket for one car and two persons is 180,000 rials (rates of November 2011). It is allowed to go on the island with a foreign vehicle, although officials will want to see the Carnet de Passage).

There are flights from major cities to Qeshm Island by Qeshm Air.

There is a daily flight from Dubai costs about US$40.

Get around
Qeshm Island is very long (approximately 150 km from east to west), and its main attractions are far away from each other, and therefore taxis are strongly recommended.

The cheapest and safest way to get a taxi is through a hotel, although hailing them of the streets is easy. Bargaining is recommended but some drivers will give quote the exact rate (be wise and distinguish between these two kinds of behaviour). Hotel staff may advise in advance on the legitimate rates to destinations.

In emergencies wave to any vehicle to attract a lift (but remember, don't show a "thumb up" sign as it is considered an obscene gesture, and be prepared to pay the driver. The minimum fare is between 10,000 rials and 25,000 rials.

See

 * Statues Valley.
 * Boat building yards.
 * Statues Valley.
 * Boat building yards.
 * Statues Valley.
 * Boat building yards.
 * Boat building yards.

Do
Meet friendly people and listen to the traditional music.

Buy
Qeshm is a duty-free zone. Here there are many bazaars in Qeshm and the near town of Dargahan where shirts cost around US$2 and trousers for US$5.

Eat

 * Iranian cuisine — in the city centre or the main town named Dergahaan has a wide array of conventional food stalls and restaurants which serve almost all Iranian cuisine with some speciality dishes of Qeshm. The most common item is the Iranian variant of the shewerma, or Arabic meat sandwich. Kebabs and other Iranian dishes are available.

Sleep

 * Qeshm International Hotel, Bahman Blvd.

Go next
Kish Island is a good place to visit from Qeshm.