The best of Iran

Iran is a vast, mostly desert country offering huge number of monuments. There is no wonder, it was the center of the mighty Persian Empire. Come and see the most interesting places in this relatively little-visited country
Yazd
The most beautiful city of Iran
The ancient city of Yazd (1 215m asl) is located on the border of two giant Iranian deserts surrounded by high mountains. The city served as an oasis for caravans and its historic center is listed in UNESCO continue reading
Dámavand
The highest volcano of Asia
Damavnad (5,610m) is not only the highest mountain in Iran, but also the highest volcano in Asia. Therefore, it is counted in the Volcanic seven summits list. Thanks to its relative proximity to Tehran's capital city, it is also very well accessible. The ascent itself is difficult mainly due to altitude and unstable weather. continue reading
Abyaneh
Red city under the mountains
Abyaneh (2 220m asl) is a very picturesque town lost in the middle of a mountain at the end of a long valley. Thanks to its higher altitude there is also a pleasant climate in the summer. There are slightly different habits and culture than in the rest of the country continue reading
Esfahan
The most visited Iranian city
Esfahan is the third largest city in Iran, and it is one of the most visited places in the country. In the center is the famous Naqsh-e Jahan Square with the adjacent magnificent Immam mosque. There is also a large bazaar and several historic bridges continue reading
Kashan
A city full of monuments
Kashan has roughly a quarter million inhabitants. There is a large bazaar and a lots of beautiful sights such as Tabātabāei and Borujerdi palaces and the beautiful Agha Bozorg Mosque continue reading
Kharanaq
The ruins of the desert town
Khanaraq (1 765m asl) lies 80km away from Yazd and you can easily get there during a one-day trip. These are basically large, freely accessible ruins that you can crawl freely. After exploring the city, head to the adjacent green oasis where pomegranates are grown, to the aqueduct and to the prospect, from which you will have a nice panoramic view of the city. continue reading
Lar Lake
Beautiful Lake under Damavand volcano
The lake, or the Lar dam (2,475m above sea level), lies directly under the monumental volcano Dámavand. Most visitors come here for weekend excursions but it is possible to take a number of hikes to the surrounding mountains from the lake. However, the lake falls into the national park, and the restriction and admission for the foreigner is unfortunately changed every year. continue reading
Narin Castle
The oldest Iranian castle
Narin Castle is considered to be the oldest Iranian castle. You can find it in the town of Meybod, which has a pretty well preserved old town. There is a short walkway. continue reading
Tehran
The capital of Iran
Tehran has almost eight million inhabitants and is the largest city in Iran. It lies just south of the mighty Elborz mountain range, where you can go both for hiking and skiing. There are only a few major tourist attractions in the city itself, such as Golestan Palace and Azadi Square continue reading