There are many strange and secret places in Iran that are unknown to many. So, after visiting these strange and beautiful places in Iran, you could be the first among your friends who can tell exciting stories about them. Take an offbeat route to start a journey toward the unfamiliar. Who knows? Maybe you can have an Indiana Jones-type experience.
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New Destinations in Iran
Many travelers know about the famous beautiful places in Iran. They think of the deserts as perhaps, Iran’s prime nature attractions, Persepolis as the ancient wonder of Iran, and Naqshe Jahan Square as the most prominent and iconic location in Iran. These examples and many other sites are on every cultural tour. However, Iran has many other attractions still unknown or at least less recognized. To discover even more hidden gems and iconic Iran attractions, explore our comprehensive guide to the country’s must-see destinations.
Iran is a four-season country, filled with many stunning places you probably haven’t heard about.
Certainly, their lesser-known status doesn’t diminish their significance. Many of these sites are recognized as national treasures, and some even hold UNESCO World Heritage status. So why aren’t they widely known? Primarily because these locations often lie off the beaten path of more touristy destinations. As a result, many visitors overlook the opportunity to explore them while traveling in Iran. The natural ones can even be included in Iran trekking tours. They have so far remained untouched and barely seen, with only locals exploring them.
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Where Can You Find These Wonders?
We have a variety of climatic regions and a long historical background in this country. So, it’s not strange that there are a good number of secret beautiful places in Iran. They are like hidden gems; you can unveil their beauty by exploring them through a new and different itinerary. These locations are even still mysterious to most Iranians. These sites vary from ancient fortresses over high peaks of mountains to underground caves. Thus, you can explore many unknown historical or natural attractions in Iran. Usually, they are in remote spots, so they have been out of public reach.
But the good news is there has been a good movement among the local people in different regions to introduce their native and local heritage, which include unknown places to visit in Iran. With all these efforts, it is now much easier to take a trip to remote Iranian locations. You can find a comfortable and cozy residence, even in the middle of a desert or near the heights of a mountain.
15 Unknown Beautiful Sites Around Iran
Below are some suggested sites. If you like to visit them, you could let us know as your Iran tour operator. So, we include them on your Iran tailor-made tour package.
Natural Sites
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Badab-e Surt travertine springs in Mazandaran
Put on a comfy and get to the springs amidst the heights of the jungle. On arriving here, you are embraced by a unique natural wonder – layers of terraces with different colors and flowing water. The optimal time to visit is at sunset, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of sunlight dancing gracefully over the water.
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Abr (Cloud) forest
Here, you can walk over the clouds in the real meaning of the words. A mountain with 40 million-year-old trees that an ocean of white clouds covers. It’s a remote place, great for hiking and camping.
Abr forest is part of the oldest and most beautiful Hyrcanian forests.
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Ali Sadr Cave in Hamedan
Get ready to explore the largest water cave in the world. Jump in a boat and ride through its tunnels to see natural lime structures from 190 million years ago. It’s an endless cave; nobody has ever got to the end of it.
Traveling to Hamedan without visiting Ali Sadr Cave has no meaning.
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Dom-e Asb Canyon in Fars
A complete menu of natural sports activities; you should decide how it is served. This ponytail-like river is between a high canyon. It gives you the opportunity for hiking, boat riding, and rock climbing. For your dessert, swim in the deep blue pool. It is among the colorful trees at the end of the way.
An imaginary reality in the south of Iran that will amaze you.
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Stone Garden in Kerman
An orchard of dead trees with stone fruits. One may think aliens made it, but a lonely older man created this work of art. It was a non-violent protest against losing his lands during land reforms in the early 60s. The amazing fact is that he hung these heavy stones on his own.
An octagonal garden in the middle of the desert. The fruits of this garden are stones.
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Darak Beach in Chabahar
Imagine you are walking on the dunes of a desert with palm trees. Then you hear the sound of sea waves. You may initially think it’s an oasis, but on a second look, there is a vast blue sea and its golden beach in front of you. Darak is a strange adjacency of desert dunes and the Oman Sea.
Derek beach is the cleanest beach in Iran.
Architectural Site
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Palangan Village in Kurdestan
The village is over a valley. It tiers up the mountain slope from the valley floor where the river is. The houses are divided into both sides of the river. They are only out of rocks. After a pleasant journey through the untouched mountains of western Iran, you can see this stylish architecture. Don’t forget to eat the barbecued fish of this region.
About 1000 people live in this village.
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Esfahak Village in Tabas Desert
Welcome to a desert oasis. Walk along with the adobe houses of this old village. After an earthquake in the late 70s, the residents abandoned it. Thus, the village has remained intact since then. But now the local people have changed it to a touristy site. There, you can enjoy a traditional ecolodge and an observatory.
This village can see an amazing collection of clay and mud structures.
Ancient Sites
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Khaled Nabi Cemetery in Golestan
Hike for half an hour up a hill, and you’ll get to heaven. Thousands of green hills at 360 degrees continue to the horizon. There, the mausoleum of Prophet Nabi is located. Also, you can see a strange cemetery. Numerous tombstones shaped like male and female genitals can be found in the area. The size of these stones signifies the status or position of the deceased individual.
Khalid Nabi Cemetery in Gonbad is famous for its tombstones.
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Marlik Hills in Gilan
You must pass through a very lush area to get to the mysterious remains of a 5000-year-old civilization. Rich people once inhabited the hill. But we don’t know why they have left their fruitful and beautiful realm. It is now a collection of royal tombs in different sizes. Marlik means the hole of snakes, so be careful on your trip.
Marlik Hill is a remnant of an ancient civilization dating back at least 3,000 years.
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Takht-e Soleyman in Zanjan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
You are going to see a collection of mysteries here. The building is reminiscent of a castle that was once guarding the oldest fire temple in Iran. In the middle, a strange lake flows. It’s always 21 degrees in centigrade. Nobody knows its exact depth. About 100 meters farther, a deep crater has a local myth behind it. It is believed that King Solomon imprisoned the monsters inside. So, it’s called the prison of Solomon.
Many believe this UNESCO World Heritage in Iran was the birthplace of Zoroaster
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Alamut Castle in Qazvin
This is a journey to the Assassins’ fortress over a high mountain. It takes about 20 minutes to go up the stairs. There you reach the ruins of a fortress from the 13th century. It was the mystic headquarters for a scary cult. Then watch the beautiful view from there, where you will feel the sense of an eagle (this is the meaning of Alamut).
Alamut Castle is considered to belong to the early Seljuk period.
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Saryazd Fortress in Yazd
It can be called one of the oldest safe boxes in the world. It dates back to the 3rd century AD. At the time of the enemy raid, residents of this adobe city used to shelter and hide their valuable things there. The fortress is located in a vast surroundings with a beautiful view.
Saryazd is located on the road from Yazd to Kerman, 5 km from Mehriz city.
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Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System in Khuzestan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
This engineering masterpiece had been there through its 3000 years of history.
Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
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Chogha Zanbil in Khuzestan
Chogha Zanbil
Start Your Adventure
Well! You just read about some of the unknown or lesser-known beautiful places in Iran. No matter if you like to spend your time in nature or stroll among the ruins of an ancient site. These outlined places can meet every different taste. But you can make sure that you are going to have a different journey ahead since this trip is not like going to a common tourist destination. Take your backpack and hit the road to discover the routes less traveled with an Iran tour operator.
