Lavan Island

Lavan Island, the third-largest island in Hormozgan Province, covers an area of 81 square kilometres. It lies in the waters of the Persian Gulf, between Bandar Maqam, Shidvar Island (Maru) and the Nakhiloo coast. The best way to reach the island is via Bandar Maqam. To get to Bandar Maqam, first travel from Shiraz to the city of Parsian, then follow a beautiful coastal road between the mountains and the sea to Bandar Maqam. From there, the only way to reach Lavan is by boat.

The best time to visit Lavan is the second half of the year, especially winter. If you travel to the island in mid-Esfand (early March), you may be able to watch turtles laying their eggs on its beaches. In the past, the island's economy was famous for pearl diving, but today fishing and oil activities have the greatest influence on it. The presence of oil resources and the National Iranian Oil Company on the island has brought economic prosperity and attracted more residents.

Lavan's pristine, untouched nature beside the sea creates a striking landscape. Although the island's climate is hot and humid, rainfall is low, so farming is not possible there. Wildlife species on the island are few and limited, but one of its main attractions is the nesting of hawksbill and green turtles on its beaches. The Lavan bazaar is also a good place to buy handicrafts from southern Iran, including wickerwork, pottery and traditional clothing. For adventure lovers, a trip to Maru Island is also a special experience. This small island, which sits on a hill, has pristine coral beaches, and to stay there you need to camp. As a protected area, Maru is a habitat of rare turtle species, and respecting environmental principles is very important there.