The ruins of Harireh town are still there in the center of Kish Island’s northern coasts exactly where the historians have mentioned. The ruins display mortar masses and stone - made buildings in an area of some 3 by 1 kilometer long . The structures have been built of sand stones with some plaster layers on the walls. Some of the structures that they once ounce used to contain many floors.
Most of the works discovered here belong to the 7th and 8th centuries on the solar Iranian calendar.
Experts of the Iran Cultural Heritage Organization estimate the antiquity of Harireh town to stand at 800 years illustrating the past flourishing economy of Kish island. It is also perceived that this town has most likely been destroyed when rocked by a powerful earthquake.

To many people who visit Kish island, it is unbelievable to learn that in a very distant past, Kish used to be highlighted as a developed region and a trade pole between China, Europe and North Africa . Although not much archaeological work has been carried out in the island. Here and there, however, you find signs and remains which speak of the past glory and honor of Kish . Nevertheless, some ancient works and remains have been discovered in the course of restricted archaeological diggings and developmental conducts in Kish . These have proven to be of prime value and are therefore scheduled to be put to display in one of the island’s cultural center museums. Such discoveries in Harireh, for example, are kept in a safe place and include a variety of Iranian and foreign coins belonging to various historical stages, copper, bronze and clay containers and dishes, early Islamic era manuscripts in the Kufic language, grave stones and a cannon which have been put to public display.
Local guides provide more information on the past history of Kish and the works discovered here. A visit to the island’s museum should make it possible for the
researchers to review the history of this region and discover proof testifying to the constant presence of Iran in the Persian Gulf.

Drinking water resources are limited in kish Island. Since the olden days, the native residents have utilized various methods to supply drinking water -- some still evident across the island.
Traditional water reservoirs were utilized in Kish similar to other parts of the country where shortage of drinking water is evident. These reservoirs were dug in the depth of the ground and filled with rainfall. The remains of some of these traditional water reservoirs can still be seen here and there in kish.
It is pleasing for the tourists to take photographs of these traditional water reservoirs which after the desalinating units were put into operation . The architectural design applied in these water reservoirs is unique in its kind.
In order to collect the surface waters, two traditional water reservoirs -- imitating the architectural design of traditional reservoirs in Yazd -- were built in Portuguese valley in 1992. The water reserved here is used for irrigation purpose.
A famous monument in this section known as "Payab" has been reconstructed and serves as an attraction in Kish. Carpeted with corals, Payab is about two thousand years old. As an added benefit, a traditional Persian teahouse has been erected here to serve the excursionists.

One of the other attractions of Kish island is the sundown on its south-western coast associated with a rainbow. No tourist will want to miss watching this pleasing natural feature. It is said that a long time ago, a Greek cargo vessel reached this portion of the sea for unknown reasons, but became stranded forever. Nothing is known about the ship, except that it is a metal mountain hiding the sun in its background.
The natives believe that the ship was stuck in the mud because of the lack of a sea lantern and therefore was left there due to heavy tugging costs. Moreover, the natives say that the owners of the ship set it on fire before leaving it. This is probably true since there is nothing left of the ship but a steel structure. some recreant and refreshment facilities have been foreseen in the area close to the Greek ship, a place most favored by the youngsters of the island.

The soil in Kish is of a coral nature and shines silvery under the sunlight-- something unique in the world . As for its sea water, it is clear and bright making seabed visible from a long distance . Experts hold that this is acutely the characteristic of coastal waters with coral masses in evidence in them.
Compared to its area , Kish has the longest coastal and beach strip which extends round the island and can be used by people. The coastal strip in kish is relaxing and totally peaceful, an ideal place for you to engage in sunbathing and swimming. The fish and other marine species in the coastal waters of Kish Island are uniquely beautiful fish and marine species. The kish coastal waters are also unique for fishing fan.
If you are interested in fishing , you can spend some time catching edible fish species and we promise in advance that you will make a Island are most appropriate for fishing.
The Kish coastal waters are free from dangerous shark species and swimming in these waters is totally risk free. The kish coasts are also unique because you can enjoy happy marine engagements and conducts in almost all seasons of the year.

The Donya Road, is , in fact, a belt road embracing the island . All along this road, 25 pieces of land have been allocated to various provinces of Iran as a place to display their artistic and industrial products. In front of each provolone , another pavilion representing a foreign country has also been set up . This way, each province of Iran actually neighbors a foreign country. The initiators of this project believe that such a proximity promote and enhance trade exchanges.
The donya Road, is , indeed, an illustration of the links among various Iranian cultures with those of the world .
Through it, the visitors will have access to the very untouched nature of the island in the southern and western spots. All along this road, the nature advocates will be able to observe beautiful panoramas of the sea, coasts, vegetation and wildlife . And, its aerial view shining at nights serves unforgettable for the travelers who reach kish Island during the night time.

The aquatic life in the Persian gulf is versatile. In every corner of the coast, the tourists have access to a wide variety of fish species and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium premises in the eastern section of the island ,close to Kish hotel, is a magnificent architectural combination where a wide variety of fish and aquatic species are being displayed to the public . A visit to this aquarium is recommended to all visitors.
the Kish Free Zone organization is Planning to produce a place called " The Underwater World" .Currently under construction , this complex is being established with the partnership of an Australian company utilizing a billion rial credit from the private sector.Its amusements center embraces musical water fountains, light dancing , dolphin pool , titanic crystal tunnel for observing underwater creatures, and many other recreational and amusement cases.

Meaning " The Sun Hut" ,the Hoor Hut is a complex Produced to demonstrate how the energies which have lost their applications in the current century , are re-utilized. In this complex , the saline water which is wind- pumped from the depth of the earth is converted to drinking water -- utilizing solar energy.Avariety of solar appliances have been put to public display here . the Hoor hut is located in the west side of the island .

In this center , over 100 reptiles have put to display. huge Boa and Piton snakes from Africa and the Amazons,Madagascar crocodiles and alligators, the African Black Emperor scorpion , the Thai flying snake, huge Brazilian bird-eating spiders all form part of this collection. those interested to pay a visit to this place should refer to the Art Center next to the Ahovan park. In the near future however however ,it is scheduled to be transferred to a special hall in Ahovan park.
Taxidermy is applied also to Keep and demonstrate a wide variety of birds, reptiles and aquatic species of the Persian Gulf waters. Exclusive artist galleries and fairs have been foreseeing this Art Center.

If you are interested in anthropology and human attraction , we suggest a visit to Saffain district where the hard working, hospitable native residents of Kish live. Speaking in both Arabic and farsi and almost all wearing traditional attires, some of natives live on fishing and animal husbandry. The local merchants have concentrated their businesses in Saffain Bazaar where traditional sales methods are in fashion and haggling is a tradition . The rates here are somehow lower than the modern Bazaars.

The surface waters flow from the island’s northern section known as "the Portuguese Valley" . This region is therefore humidity - rich and naturally-vegetated .The Green Tree Complex has been erected near one of the oldest lure trees of the island.
The area is all green-- the premises, fences and pavements have all been painted green. The mythical influence of the Green Tree Known as "Lure"attracts thousands of tourists to pay a visit to this place. This kind of tree grows in the Iran’s southern region . This particular one however , is said to have been brought to Iran from India. The Lure skin is plain and gray and its leaves and roots hanging from the main body distinguish this tree from other species.
Some of the natives-- including many tourists -- believing that this tree is sacred, tie pieces of cloth or fabric to it and ask for blessing .However, no one has any idea why the tree is blissful and sacred.
The Green Tree is probably 500 to 600 years old and cats shadow on a large around it during the hot summer days .
A vegetated area in kish is the island’s forest developed in 1992 and is some 600 hectares in area -- habituating a variety of tree species.
Another attraction in kish is Baghoo, a village developed in the remote past. It is located in south-western sport of the island to Baghoo village is possible through the Persian Gulf road.

D evelopment of gardens and parks is a priority in kish. numerous vegetated parks have already been developed and many more are in the pipeline as part of a continual effort. The herb species planted in these parks are adaptable to the island’s environment and require less direct irrigation .
Hengam is the largest park in kish situated right in front of pardis Shopping Center (Bazaar) . It is certainly a place suitably designed for after - shopping relaxation .Neatly paved , many resting facilities have been foreseen in it.
Ahovan Park constitutes another vegetated spot in the island . It appears in an area of some 2 hectares in the extreme end of Ferdowsi Avenue. A variety of animals are Kept inside fences in this park. The Ahovan Park takes its name after the gazelles which freely frequent in the area . The number of these gazelles is said to have increased to 200 since the KFZO enforced gazelle protection plans in the Park.
lions. deer, monkeys, apes, gazelles, foxes, jackals and a variety of bird species-- including parrots, golden eagle and peacocks-- are kept in the park. Moreover, certain facilities have also been placed in the park to amuse the children .
Fadak Park is the third spot in the island vegetated with a collection of domestic and non-domestic trees along the Donya Road. The structure and fencing in this park are all made of wood .
Children’s Park is another leisure center on the side of the recreational dock representing the kish island’s oldest park. It provides children representing the kish island’s oldest park. It provides children with a driving track, aquarium and amusement devices incorporated into a magnificent architecture.
Rayhan Garden Complex is a new experience in Kish where plants of a wide variety have been put into display.

Tropical and humid regions are characterized by palm trees, the kind of features in evidence in Southern Iran. Actually, palm trees are said to share some human- like characteristics. That is why you hear that locals sometimes refer to it as "he" or "she" as part of their informal conversations. History testifies to the fact that kish once was the habitat of numerous palm trees. For that reason, , the KFZO has undertaken to revive the palm groves of the island. Tolou-e- kish palm grove is an example of such an attempt in the eastern section of the island close to Marjan Complex . The area of the palm grove is some 15 hectares where the palm saplings were , in fact, planted in1991 .A large number of the palm trees are now producing dates, creating a beautiful scenery before the eyes of visitors.
Ghoroub -e-kish counts for another plam grove in the western part of kish over looking the Greek Ship.This grove is 25 hectares in area hosts some 3 thousand plam three where an additional 3000 cirrus fruit trees were planted in 1994.

P opulation growth in Kish has Provided the KFZO officials with an incentive to encourage sporting activities in the island. the residents of kish , therefore , have access to sporting and recreational facilities which have been erected here to welcome athletic games.

T he Olympic Complex is perhaps the Kish Island’s most remarkable athletic facility embracing football fields, tennis courts , swimming pools, volleyball and basketball fields, as well as other group sports. The athletic installation of this complex include a grass field for football games and 6 tennis courts -- out of which two have been allocated to men , two to women , and another two to children and teenagers.
Additionally , four women - only swimming resorts, the marine club and four volleyball courts -- In 4 major spots of Kish -- are about to be completed fields are also available.
These are located adjacent to Marjan Bazaar, Saffain district, near Kish Water and Electricity Supply Co., and in the rear side of the Art Center

The horseback riding club in the northern section of the island, adjacent to Olympic Village, serves the interested parties. A per clinic and 60 horses of different origins are also available to visitors .

The island- wide cycling track in Kish is over 73 km long, perhaps the longest in the world. Cycling is fun in kish almost in all seasons of the year. Public cycling events are arranged respectively by the KFZO in order to encourage people to engage in cycling .

An exclusive club has been erected close to Shayan Hotel where all advanced marine recreational facilities are available. Glass-bottomed boats for inspecting underwater world , speed boats , paddle boats ,water skiing, fishing and diving are available to residents and tourists.

Swimming I the Kish coastal water, close to the hot silvery sand coasts , is a new experience to everybody . Certain swimming resorts for women have been marked in a variety of spots across the island. these resorts contain all internationally approved facilities.

With the assistance of the Civil Aviation Organization , training classes have been established for those who are interested in flying glider flying gliders. So far , a number fans have received glider flying licenses.

Lots of recreation facilities have been foreseen for your children in kish to make their stay totally memorable. These include car tracks, trains tennis courts and a lot more for children .
In the premise of the palace, adjacent to Shayan hotel, a center has been set up which provides the visitors with computer games . It has served very attractive and appealing to teenagers and the youths alike.

Cultural Centers and Halls

Development of cultural facilities at Kish has served as a priority during the recent years. The population growth and the prospect of development in Kish in the years to come combined with the realization of the very fact that kish as a major tourist center in the country should be introduced to the world as an Iranian - Islamic pattern and model, have all encouraged the Kish Free Organization to allocate a major share of its plannings to the development of cultural facilities. The following highlight some relevant instances:

H afez Hall is perhaps one of the island’s most important halls equipped with modern audio- visual devices .During the recent years this hall has hosted countless notable congresses and seminars including : "The Nation wide Persian Gulf Congress and the Persian Literature".
Hafez Hall can host 300 people and is administered by the kish University.

Nakhi hall is an unroofed hall which can host 300 people . Shows are performed and movies screened at Nacho Hall.

zommorrod Hall has been situated adjacent to Nakhi Hall and is mainly used to perform entertaining shows.

The unroofed Saba cinema hall been built inside the Saba coastal park adjacent to the recreational dock . Here recreational and amusement films are screened.

In early 1997 the KFZO approved of the construction of an immense vulrural center and the constructional work of this project is scheduled to start as of mid- 1998. this project includes a hall which is equipped with advanced and sophisticated audio- visual systems, a grand hall capable of hosting 450 people equipped with rotating stands and advanced audio-visual facilities plus appropriate lighting and projecting systems suitable for the Performance of concerts and theatrical shows . Moreover, a hall hosting 250 people equipped with all necessary devices and facilities appropriate for film festivals. On the side of this center there have been designed a number of libraries and art galleries just right for training and educational courses and finally sideline halls for local sessions and meetings.
The Kish Conferences Complex will be built in an area of some 27,000 sq.m adjacent to Shayan hotel and is expected to be put to operation by 2001.

The idea of " the Healthy City" is a new horizon which concentrates mainly on preserving and elevating human dignity through engaging in health - oriented conducts in all living environmental domains. the healthy city resembles a healthy man . and healthy , is interpreted as physical , mental and social welfare and tranquillity for human beings.
The healthy city program was first introduced in Europe by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1985 . The success of this program in finding a solution to the common city problems worldwide has encouraged over one thousand cities to join it so far. 26 cities and districts in Iran have joined this program. the Kish Island was the first island which joined the family of healthy cities in Iran . Pursuing the objectives of the "healthy city" are of prime importance to kish officials. Being surrounded by sea, unique environmental , geographical and economic situation could with a peculiar social texture and inflow of goods and passengers to kish , potentially expose this island to the threat of unhealthy conditions, and this requires careful and acute attention to the question of preventing pollution in kish . Introduction of sustainable development projects, utilizing the tourist potentials and the pledge to preserve healthiness of kish Island are promising perspectives.

Financed jointly by the Tourism Development Institue and a private sector enterprise, The Marine sports Club was established in1997.
the Marine Sport Club provides you with sporting and recreational opportunities including jet skiing, water skiing parachuting ,fishing , yachting, wind surfing,etc.special marine sports training courses are also available in this club under the supervision of internationally approved instructors.