These Hidden Gems In Iran Should Be On Every Traveller's Bucket List

With a civilization spanning over 2,500 years, Iran has no shortage of sites to see. While many of these top travelers’ bucket lists, there are always new discoveries being made and secret places that even locals don’t know about. Read on to find eight hidden gems that will give you a new perspective of Iran’s history, culture, and landscape.

Karshahi Fortress

Nicknamed the “Thieves’ Castle,” Karshahi Fortress was once the operational center of a gang of robbers who wreaked havoc and spread fear and panic throughout the end of the 19th century. Five watchtowers adorn the dilapidated citadel, and with a little imagination, visitors can envision the hustle and bustle of its heyday. If you don’t mind rudimentary toilet conditions, there’s an inviting oasis of pomegranate trees just next to it where visitors can camp under the stars. Otherwise, the eco-camp at Matin Abad about an hour away offers a bit more comfort.
Karshahi Fortress, Aran va Bidgol, Isfahan Province, Iran

Matin Abad Desert Eco-Resort, Iran, +98 21 8871 5232

Karshahi Fortress offers a bit of Iran’s forgotten history

1. Moghadam Museum

Museum

In the midst of the hubbub of southern Tehran lies the tranquil Moghadam Museum. During the Qajar dynasty, the majestic house once belonged to the artist son of Tehran’s mayor; today, it houses his art and artifacts that he collected during his travels. Highlights include the exquisite tiles, hamam (bathhouse), seashell room, and zen garden, which offers a temporary respite from the chaos of the capital city. Prolong your sense of calm with something to sip on in the museum’s cozy café.

The windmills of Nashtifan

The village of Nashtifan, which means “wind’s sting” in Persian, is home to a centuries-old tradition: windmills. Comprised entirely of natural elements such as clay, straw, and wood, these ancient feats of engineering harness the strong winds of the Iranian desert to both protect the village and mill reserves of wheat into flour. It’s worth seeing the 30 remaining windmills today, which may soon cease to exist as they only have one elderly caretaker.
Nashtifan, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

Varzaneh

Just over 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Esfahan is Varzaneh, a town which proudly displays evidence of its millennia-old civilization, including a caravanserai, the camel mill, Varzaneh Bridge, water reservoirs, and the famous pigeon houses. The silent sand dunes of the Varzaneh Desert, a mere 15 km (9.3 miles) away, don’t get as much hype as the Mesr or Lut Deserts, but they make for a particularly great escape for something exciting, such as sand boarding, or something mellow like meditation. The still sands and easy access to town also make it ideal for a night or two of camping.
Varzaneh, Isfahan Province, Iran