Iran Activities

There is not an abundance of specifically child-orientated attractions in Iran; however, you will find that most of the large cities cater well for children with various entertainment zones and cinemas. What is lacking in manmade attractions however is more than made up for in natural attractions, with Qeshme Island and the Kavir desert making for exciting daytrips. A more commercial draw is the popular Dolphin Park, a favourite among families.

Dolphin Park
A favourite among kids, Dolphin Park offers an opportunity to enjoy these favourite sea mammals as well as seals, birds, butterflies and various other creatures. A highlight of the park is the daily dolphin show, where both adults and children can enjoy dolphins performing amazing feats. Also not to be missed are the cactus and silk gardens, the bird garden and the underwater aquarium.

Greek ship
A bit of a mystery, kids will enjoy this unusual sight. Just off the coast of Kish Island, a mere 17 miles from the mainland, the Greek ship sits stranded as it has done since the day it became stuck. Despite efforts to unhinge the ship from the Gulf’s bottom, the ship remains and has now become a major tourist attraction.

Kavir Desert
While young children may not be able to withstand the heat of the desert at certain times of the year, youngsters and teenagers will surely delight in seeing a real desert, complete with subliminal vistas and sand dunes. One of the most stunning areas in Iran, visitors can enjoy the ancient lifestyles of the inhabitants of the towns that lie on the edge of the desert.

Qeshme Island
Qeshme Island in the Persian Gulf is just a 45 minute boat ride from the shore and will prove to be an exciting day out for children. The boat ride itself is fun, with up to 10 people being able to ride in one vessel. Watch you don’t fall overboard, as sharks are known to roam these waters! Once you arrive, head for the city of Qeshm, where you can explore the magnificent 16th century Portuguese fort. Children can swim at certain beaches, with dolphins sometimes visible in the clear waters. Beware of the high water temperatures in the summer, which can reach a scorching 44°C.

Learn to dive on Kish Island, just off the Iranian mainland. The Dive Centre here is popular among holidaymakers wishing to see the delights of the gulfs of Persia and Oman. Diving is not possible year-round as the waters are sometimes affected by strong winds, which can cause poor visibility for days at a time. For those who visit at a time when the weather permits diving, there are hundreds of different species of fish and coral waiting to be explored.

If you are a lover of extreme sports, Iran could be the place for you. Within easy reach of Tehran is Mount Damavand, which peaks at 4,800 metres. This impressive inactive volcano is a mountain bikers’ and climbers’ haven. Guided tours of the mountain are available. Other mountains in the same region which are suitable for climbing include Kholeno, Azadkuh, Nazer and Paloon Gardan. Meanwhile, the popular ski resorts of Darbandsar, Khor and Dizin also become popular spots for hikers and cyclists outside of the ski season (December to April).

The region north of Tehran provides several wonderful spots for skiing including the slopes of the Alborz Mountains. The ski season lasts from December to late April and facilities and views are excellent. Popular resorts include: Darbandsar Slope (northeast of Tehran), Khor Slope (on the Karaj to Chaloos road) and Dizin, also reached via Chaloos road. Equipment rental is available at all resorts for a reasonable fee as well as restaurants and hotels at some locations.

Dining in Iran is a real treat. With a hospitable atmosphere and dozens of new dishes to tantalise your taste buds, you’ll find much more than the usual kebab and chelou that you find in most Iranian restaurants back at home.

Fresh juice is often served as an appetiser alongside seasonal fruit and nuts. The main meal will almost always include a stew dish (khoresh) or a meatball dish (kufteh mo'allah). Rice is served as an accompaniment along with other condiments such as crisp pickles, yoghurt, salad and bread. For dessert, an assortment of sweetmeats and pastries are normally available.

The consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Iran therefore restaurants do not serve beer, wine or cocktails. Fruit juices and yoghurt drinks make for a delicious alternative.

One of the country’s most famous dishes is fesenjan, a tasty meat stew that is flavoured with pomegranate juice and thickened with ground walnuts. This stew is served with white rice at all festive meals and is the primary dish eaten at the great public food servings of Ramadan and Muharram.

Restaurants are literally everywhere in Iran, with visitors never having to walk far to get a good meal. Look for the popular and busy outlets; a sure sign that the food is good. Don’t be shy to enter a dining establishment; the Iranian tradition of hospitality will ensure that you are well looked after even if language is a barrier.

Hotels also offer extensive menus however eating at a hotel restaurant will usually cost you more than an eatery away from the tourist areas.

Just about every Arabian treat you’ve ever dreamt about is available in Iran, with the winding alleyways of the bazaars being the best places to look for traditional crafts. Nearly every town of significance has a bazaar, which acts as the main marketplace for that town. Among those worthy of a visit are the bazaars at Esfahan, Shiraz and Kerman.

Bazaars host vendors trading in everything from Persian carpets, copperware and spices to gold jewellery, clothing and shoes. The game of bargaining adds spice to any transactions and the tradition of offering customers a glass of hot tea can give you time to make up your mind.

Favourite buys are carpets and rugs, which go for much less here than they would back at home; saffron, with Iran producing 90 per cent of the world’s supply of this aromatic spice and dates, with those from Bam having the reputation as the best.

While the majority of the population still do their shopping at their local bazaar, modern shopping malls are cropping up in more and more locations. Kish, a trade free zone just 17kms off the shores of the mainland, has many shopping centres and low prices. Zaytoon is the closest shopping centre to the main international airport, with everything from clothes to jewellery available.

Remember to bring some cash with you when you go shopping as the majority of outlets do not accept credit cards. If you are having difficulty locating a specific item that you want to purchase, just ask the staff at your hotel; it is amazing what the locals know that you don’t.

Shopping Hours Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 to 21:00; Fridays, 09:00 to 20:00; closed on Saturdays.