Safarabasteh Village

Safarabasteh is a village in Kiashahr District, Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh County, Gilan Province. It lies within Dehsar Rural District, on the road from Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh to the port of Kiashahr. The village is about 12 km from Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh and about 14 km from Kiashahr, and sits in a plain with a mild, humid climate. Safarabasteh is described as an old village with a history of around 1,500 years, and according to the available figures it has more than a thousand inhabitants. It is made up of three neighbourhoods, Upper (Bala Mahalleh), Middle (Miyan Mahalleh) and Lower (Paein Mahalleh) Safarabasteh, and local life is still tied to farming, orcharding, animal husbandry, silkworm rearing, fish farming and fishing. Its closeness to the port of Kiashahr and its setting amid Gilan's green countryside also make it a good place for rural tourism and nature tourism.

Safarabasteh's main attraction is its forest road and natural tunnel of trees. Along this stretch of about 2 km, tall trees, especially alder, grow on both sides, and their branches almost meet above the road, creating the look of a green tunnel. This road is one of the region's most distinctive natural sights. It is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, and is ideal for walking, photography and enjoying the scenery. Safarabasteh Forest Park lies in the same area, and besides alder its vegetation includes species such as Persian ironwood (arg), Gilan poplar, willow and Tabriz poplar. The small wetland and the natural areas around the village are other places you can include in a visit to Safarabasteh. The surrounding forests are home to animals such as foxes, jackals, wild boar and hares, and to birds such as pheasants, and with a little luck you may spot some of them from a suitable distance. Farm and local products such as rice, vegetables, citrus fruit, various kinds of fish and local breads are also part of the village's cultural and economic life.

To reach Safarabasteh, take the Kiashahr road from Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh. After about 5 km, look for the village sign and turn onto the forest road leading to Safarabasteh. This road is about 2 km long and is itself one of the highlights of the trip. Along the way there are side roads and spots for short stops to enjoy the nature, and after passing through the village the road finally reaches the coastal area of the port of Kiashahr. The best times to visit Safarabasteh are spring and autumn: in spring the vegetation is fresh and lush, and in autumn the changing colours of the leaves give the forest tunnel a special beauty. For responsible nature tourism, please do not leave litter, damage trees or plants, make loud noise or approach wildlife, and respect the peace of the village and the lives of the local residents.