Kish Island

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Kish (Persian کيش, Greek Aracacta ) is an Iranian island in the Hormozgan province in the Persian Gulf. It has an area of ​​around 90 square kilometers and is located about 20 km from the mainland. The island has about 20,000 inhabitants.

The Kish Island was known as a holiday island of Reza Shah Pahlavi. Today the island is mainly a free trade area and a resort area with many hotels and shops. It is very western Iranian standards, still prevails on the island a strict ban on alcohol. Women may only swim at high corrugated iron fence enclosed with beach areas, where there is an absolute ban on residence for men.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated in May 2006 that his country intends to build in the coming two months, Iranian Oil Bourse on Kish Island, which opened with just under two years late on 17 February 2008.

European Union citizens may enter without a visa from Dubai. For those arriving via Iran a visa for Iran is necessary.

Attractions

Among the attractions of the island include the ancient city, underground water cisterns ( Qannat ) and the luxury hotel where even the Shah was a guest.

At the quieter, facing the mainland coast there are coral reefs. There you can wade 200-300 m far out to sea, as the water is at this distance no deeper than one meter. At the port there is a glass-bottomed boat that goes out to the coral reefs.

By 2010, over an area of ​​220 hectares, the resort Flower of the East with a star hotel, which will compete with the Burj al Arab in Dubai, and striking a golf course should also be established. On the construction of this project also German companies wanted to be involved.

Climate

On Kisch enjoys a warm climate. In summer, temperatures reach 40 to 52 ° C.

Sports

Kish was the venue for the 2008 World Cup epee and saber fencers in January.

Gallery

Kish Island

South coast of Kish