Laft Port, Qeshm Island, is one of the most attractive and beautiful tourist attractions in Hormozgan Province, Iran. This beautiful village with a historic structure is located in the central part of Qeshm Island in the northern region of Qeshm County. In this port, there are numerous tourist attractions that make domestic and foreign travelers, including Hormozgan Province, on their travel list while traveling to Iran. If you are interested in traveling to Iran and want to learn more about this beautiful port on Qeshm Island, do not miss the following article from Eligasht Tourism Magazine. Below, we have provided a complete introduction to Laft Port, the Windcatchers Port in Qeshm.
Book Iran Air flights from London to Tehran and Tehran to London with Eligasht UK:
History of the Port
Laft Port in Qeshm has historically been considered one of the important ports in the southern regions of Iran. Like many other ports in southern Iran, significant international trade took place in this port. Many merchants traveled to this port for trade and buying and selling in Iran. The significant visits of merchants to Laft Port over the years resulted in the culture, foods, and traditions of this port being influenced. Most of the merchants who traveled to this area were from countries such as India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other countries bordering the Persian Gulf.
Tourist attractions of Laft Port
Although Laft Port in Qeshm has been of great importance throughout history for merchants and Iran’s communications with other countries, it is now remembered as a tourist and recreational destination. Most individuals who travel to Laft Port today are tourists, both foreign and domestic. You might now wonder what the tourist attractions of Laft Port are and why this port is highly popular among tourists. In the following section, we have introduced some of the best places to visit and tourist attractions in Laft Port, Qeshm Island. Some of these tourist attractions include:
Nadery Castle
Naderi Laft Castle is a rundown structure located in the southern part of the village, also known to locals as Nadershahi. The castle features a square layout and is marked by its rampart, 30 freshwater rings, three ponds, two old reservoirs, and the remnants of four towers. It’s the only castle in the Persian Gulf Islands and is thought to have been built around 250 years ago when Latif Khan, Amir al-Bahr under Nader Shah, commissioned it to safeguard the Khoran Strait, which connects Bandar Kong, Bandar Lange, and Bandar Abbas. However, some folks believe that this castle stands on the ruins of ancient fortifications that predate Islam, suggesting it has a much older history.
- Traditional Fishing Village
- Old Mosques
- Beaches
- Dr. Nadalian’s House
Talla wells
One of the most important tourist attractions in Laft Port is the Tala Wells. Without a doubt, this port owes much of its fame and popularity to these wells. These wells, which are sweet, salty, warm, or cold, with depths of 3 to 6 meters, are located in the village. These wells are located behind Nadery Castle and are a subset of qanats. The main difference between the Tala Wells in Laft Port and qanats is their greater depth. These wells were dug about 400 years ago, and in the past, their number reached 366. In the year 976, Khwaja Karim ordered the digging of these wells to compensate for the water shortage in the area. Women and girls used to visit these wells daily with their pitchers to fetch water. All the villagers collaborated in the maintenance and protection of these wells. Unfortunately, today only 30 of the 366 wells that were equally divided among the village families and alleviated water scarcity remain.
How to get to Laft port
Laft village is a charming port spot located in the northwest part of Qeshm Island, right across from the mainland. It’s nestled to the east of a beautiful mangrove forest and is considered one of the key population centers of Salekh village in Qeshm city, which is part of Hormozgan province.
Address: Hormozgan Province, Qeshm Island, Laft Port Village
You have a couple of options to reach Laft Village:
- Head to Qeshm and then take a taxi or drive your own car along the northern road of the island, which will take about an hour to get to Laft.
- Travel to Bandar Abbas and hop on a ferry from Bandar Pul to Laft. If you have your own car, you can bring it onto the island via the loft pier using a device called Landigraph and explore at your leisure.
Best time to visit Laft Port
As you know, Laft Port on Qeshm Island is one of the southern ports of the country and like other southern regions, it has a warm climate. That is why it is recommended to visit this port during the cooler seasons of the year. If you want to travel to Laft Port in Hormozgan Province in the best weather conditions, we suggest planning your trip between the months of Azar to Ordibehesht (November to April).
The souvenirs of Bandar-e Laft
When traveling to another city or country, one of the best and most memorable activities is wandering through local markets and buying colorful souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones. Laft Port in Hormozgan Province, like many historical cities in Iran, has its own special souvenirs. One of the best and most well-known souvenirs of this village is dates. Dates from Laft Port on Qeshm Island are considered among the finest dates in the south of the country. In addition to dates, other food items such as southern pickles, local sweets, and seafood products can also be purchased in Laft Port. Like many coastal cities, in Laft Port on Qeshm Island, you can also buy fresh or dried fish, shrimp, and many other seafood products. If you want to have a lasting memento of the historic village of Laft on Qeshm Island, you can also buy famous handicrafts made by the women of this village such as jajim, gelim, carpets, and wooden handicrafts. It should be noted that these products are mostly handmade and decorated in the most beautiful way possible.
Traditional dishes of Laft port
As expected, the local cuisine of Laft Port, like many southern cities, is seafood-based. The local and traditional dish specific to the people of Laft is called “Mahiava.” This dish is prepared from a small fish called “Moto” or “Heshineh” and, like pickles, needs to sit for a while to develop its flavors. Many tourists and travelers, especially those not accustomed to seafood dishes, may find the smell of Mahiava a bit strong and pungent. However, seafood enthusiasts tend to love this hearty and spicy dish.
Best hotels in Laft Port
Due to Laft Port on Qeshm Island being considered one of Iran’s tourist villages, numerous amenities have been provided for it. For instance, there are many accommodations available for travelers in this area. Near the Qeshm Port dock, you can find well-equipped and comfortable hotels. Some of these hotels include Qeshm Laft Hotel, Qeshm Laft Green Hotel, and Parsian Qeshm Laft Hotel. In addition to these hotels, there are also well-equipped eco-lodges in this area that, at a lower price, can offer travelers an excellent travel experience. These eco-lodges provide all the necessary facilities and services for travelers. Another way to stay in Laft Port on Qeshm Island is to stay in the homes of local residents. Overall, Laft Port has a large number of traditional and modern accommodations, so travelers need not worry about finding suitable lodging.
Final words
In this article, we became acquainted with one of the most picturesque historical villages in Hormozgan Province, Bandar Laft on Qeshm Island. The village of Laft on Qeshm owes much of its fame to the Talast Wells, which were built 400 years ago to save people from water scarcity. Apart from these wells, there are numerous other tourist attractions to be seen in Bandar Laft. All travelers can explore the historical buildings, beautiful nature, and vibrant markets of this port. There are also many well-equipped accommodations in this port that promise travelers a comfortable and dreamy journey. If you intend to travel to Bandar Laft for your next vacation, you can contact our experts for travel arrangements. To learn more about the tourist attractions and sights of Iranian cities, don’t miss out on other articles on Ela Gasht.
- What to buy from Qeshm? 9 Unique Souvenirs from Qeshm Island
- Travel to Qeshm: Top 5 Things to Do in Qeshm in 2 Days
- Naz Islands, one of the Seven Wonders of Qeshm
FAQ
What is Laft Port?
Laft Port is a historic coastal village located on Qeshm Island in Iran. Known for its traditional architecture, it serves as a fishing port and a hub for local trade, offering a glimpse into the island’s maritime culture.
What are the main attractions at Laft Port?
Key attractions at Laft Port include the ancient windcatchers (badgirs), traditional wooden boats, and the scenic views of the Persian Gulf. The port is also known for its vibrant local markets and cultural heritage.
How can visitors reach Laft Port?
Visitors can reach Laft Port by flying to Qeshm Island and then taking a taxi or rental car to the village. There are also ferry services from mainland Iran to the island, making it accessible for travelers.
Are there accommodations available near Laft Port?
Yes, there are several accommodations near Laft Port, ranging from guesthouses to hotels. Many options offer stunning views of the sea and easy access to local attractions.
What activities can tourists enjoy at Laft Port?
Tourists can enjoy various activities at Laft Port, including exploring the local architecture, visiting traditional markets, taking boat rides, and experiencing the local cuisine. Additionally, visitors can engage with local fishermen and learn about their way of life.
What are the souvenirs of Bandar Laft?
Dates are one of the most well-known and finest souvenirs of Bandar Laft. Alongside dates, seafood products, carpet weaving, jajim weaving, and wooden industries are also noteworthy souvenirs of the village of Laft.