Rainbow Island in Iran 2024-2025

While most people believe that Iran only has forests, deserts, and mountains, the south of the country, between the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea, boasts an amazing group of islands. Hormuz island (also known as the Rainbow island) is one of them. Hormuz is located in the Hormozgan province of Iran and is not densely populated (only about 3,000 people live there). However, it is still one of the Middle East's most popular and beautiful places. So let's see what's so special about it.

Nature

First of all, Rainbow island has breathtaking nature. Hormuz is surrounded by a beautiful coastal path with amazing landscapes, made up of colorful sedimentary rocks and volcanic materials. Rainbow island is still mostly untouched. It can get up to 113°F and 95% humidity during the summer, but in the fall and winter, it stays at a nice, mild temperature.

The wide range of colors on the island is what gives it its nickname–Rainbow. As you walk around, you'll be able to enjoy different shades of red, yellow, ochre, orange, green, white, brown, beige, gold, gray, turquoise, you name it. Now, let's see where you should go while on the island.

What are the must-visit spots?

There are many gorgeous destinations to visit on the island, but here is our list of top 3.

Red Beach

Some call this beach "Bloody Beach" and the waters around it–"Bloody Sea." The red color of the sand is what annually attracts thousands of tourists, wondering why it is so unnaturally red. The reason lies in lots of iron oxide, giving the sand that bloody look. Whether you're a fan of the red color or not, we highly recommend going to this red beach.

Rainbow Valley (mountains)

Rainbow mountains, most of which you can hike through, make up the whole island of Hormuz. The mountains can boast more than 70 different colors of minerals. The black, white, yellow, red, blue, and other colors create a beautiful must-see landscape. Rainbow Valley is not only a unique spot for taking Pinterest-like photos but also a dream for geologists and a source of ideas for artists and people who love nature. The only thing is: to protect the valuable geological beauty of the valley, visitors are strongly asked not to take any soil or rocks.

Rainbow Cave

Many people who have visited this cave claim it's the most beautiful thing they have ever seen. The 130 ft (40 m) cave with numerous corridors was formed as a result of the flow of water to the sea and its path under the salt mountain. On the inside, the cave resembles a rainbow–all thanks to layers of sedimentary and salt rocks that make a smooth, colorful surface. In general, you can witness about seventy color spectrums and definitely all colors of the rainbow.

The best time to visit

The short answer is: it's better to go there in fall or winter, when the weather is mild and you have all the comfortable conditions for enjoying your trip. Specifically, opt for the period between November and April. In addition, keep in mind that there may not be many housing options left during the touristic season, so you may want to book your accommodation in advance.