Bushehr: A Hidden Gem of Southern Iran

As the main Iran’s seaport, nestled on the north coast of the blue Persian Gulf, with soaring palm trees and spectacular views, Bushehr allows no passenger to pass without stopping. Along with exquisite cuisine and unique history, this city enjoys 265 km of rocky and sandy coastline, pleasant autumn and winter, spectacular coral reefs, beautiful beaches and eye-catching landmarks that fascinate every visitor. Boasting the title of the land of sea and palm trees, Bushehr is home to the biggest collection of beautiful natural landmarks. Walking its streets and shorefront populated with locals in their special costume is a delight for any history and architecture buffs. Bushehr, honored with an array of attractions offers everything from white sandy beaches to solely locally owned restaurants serving the best types of seafood. The small seaside streets of yellow houses to the harbor each has a unique charm and special atmosphere, away from the bustle of everyday life. If you are longing to visit this city of living traditions, Uppersia as an Iranian local tour operator has stood with open arms.

Bushehr, Iran

Winter Vacation in Iran

When it comes to winter holiday vacations, most would immediately think about European regions. While cities in these regions boast of perfect snowy atmosphere, there are actually many alternatives in the Asian region, where one can experience winter. For those willing to brave the cooler weather, winter can be one of the best times of year to travel. Iran is a friendly country and is fun to visit any time of the year. However, if you are looking where to spend your winter holidays, don’t look any further and consider visiting Iran. 

Many winter activities and just simply beautiful landscapes turn the country into a postcard-pretty and desirable destination. We can assert that Beside Lebanon, Iran is the only country in the Middle East that enjoys the natural ski. Dizin and Shemshak are the most popular Ski resorts and two of the largest in the country, just hours drive from Tehran. At a high altitude range of 1200 to 3600 m, Dizin is one of the 40 highest Ski resorts in the world. For the same reason, the Ski season in Dizin lasts longer than European ones, from late November to May. Shemshak is for more advanced skiers. There are hotels, villas, private apartments and restaurants in Ski resorts in Iran which host thousands of visitors each year.

 

Dizin ski Resort, Tehran, Iran

If you are itching to escape the season's cold weather and you are not a ski enthusiast, then you may head to South. Southern provinces experience a very nice spring-like weather during winter and exploring them is quite fun. Khuzestan, Hormozgan, Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchistan provinces present a large number of historical sites, cultural diversity and lifestyles. Iran has also several beautiful islands in the Persian Gulf, among them Qeshm and Kish islands have made quite a reputation. Kish Island was ranked among the world’s 10 most beautiful islands by The New York Times in 2010 and fourth Tourism destination in Southeast Asia. Regardless of the season, travel to Iran and enjoy every spot of this fur season country.

Kish Island, Hormozgan, Iran

Palm trees of Iran.

Date, this sweet and nutritious fruit of Palm tree grown in tropical and warm climates, has been cultivated in Iran and many Asian countries since ancient times. Date, which is called Khorma in Persian language, contains Sucrose, Glucose, minerals and vitamins.

dates on a palm tree in Iran.

Dashtestan, a good winter destination in Bushehr.

Located in Bushehr province in the south of Iran, with hot summers and mild and beautiful winters, Dashtestan remains unseen by many. Yet there are quietly spectacular things to see here. The remains of an ancient castle related to Cyrus and a city named Touz, dating back to Sassanid era and the long Dalaki River, passing through this area, indicate that Dashtestan has been a winter residence in ancient Iran. There are some other historical monuments remaining in this area, including:

 Goor Dokhtar (The girl’s tomb) which is similar to the Pasargad (Cyrus’s glorious tomb) and believed to be the tomb of Cyrus’s sister or daughter.

The achaemenid monument in Dashtestan, named Goor Dokhtar.

What to eat in south of Iran?

The cuisines of southern cities of Iran, like Bushehr and Bandar Abbas with warm climates are known as the most delicious and popular Iranian cuisines. The local people are known to be so hospitable, generous and alive. The cuisines of southern cities of Iran are similar to Indian and Arabian dishes because of being cooked with lots of spice, curries and different kinds of peppers. Don’t worry! They are not that spicy to cause you run all around the city!

Bushehr and Bandar Abbas are located by the Persian Gulf, fishing has been a thriving job for the southern people and accordingly seafood is so popular in these cities. It is said that at noon the appetizing smell of spicy seafood is spread all over the houses!

Ghalieh Mahi:

Ghalieh (fish stew) is at the top of southern cuisines! There might be different recipes for cooking Ghalieh Mahi but the main ingredients are fresh chopped vegetables, including cilantro, fenugreek and lots of onion, garlic and spice. The key ingredient that makes the Ghalieh Mahi tasty and sour is the tamarind sauce. The fish used in Ghalieh Mahi should be firm with no tiny bones. Ghalieh is sometimes cooked with prawns and it is called Ghalieh Meygoo. This tasty cuisine is usually served with steamed Persian rice.

Ghalieh Mahi (fish soup).

The beauties of Nayband port in Bushehr.

 Nayband is located on the Persian Gulf’s coast in Bushehr province, in the south of Iran. South of Iran is a fantastic destination for winter and Nayband National Park and its historical village is one of the most beautiful coastal areas along the beaches of the Persian Gulf. The historical evidences indicate that Nayband has been a scouting spot during Sassanid Empire (founded 224) and it has been an important bay for pearling and trading the pearls during the Buyid dynasty (founded 934).