Rainbow Valley

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Rainbow Valley is a geologist’s dream and an inspiration for artists and nature enthusiasts. Imagine a narrow valley with multi-hued earth and sand and colourful mountains in shades of red, purple, yellow, ochre and blue – the result of the uneven cooling of molten rock. On all sides, patches of colour form geometric patterns. This awesomely photogenic natural site is at its best in the late afternoon.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Snowy Mountains

0.65 MILES

It's hard not to be enthralled by the eerie lunar landscape in Hormoz Island's southwest, where a series of hills is covered with endless fields of salt…

2. Mofanegh Beach

0.83 MILES

This scalloped sandy bay south of the island is blessed with a gorgeous stretch of golden sand.

3. Salt Cascades

0.97 MILES

One of Hormoz Island's star attractions, these multicoloured geological formations that consist of cliffs and towers of petrified salt combined with…

4. Valley of the Statues

1.22 MILES

This stunningly beautiful natural site is called 'Valley of the Statues' because here tall rocks have been sculpted into strange shapes by the elements…

5. Museum & Art Gallery of Ahmad Nadalian

3.2 MILES

This quirky and very colourful museum – it occupies a brightly painted house smack dab in the village – shows the works of local artist Ahmad Nadalian…

6. Ghal’e-ye Portoghaliha

3.48 MILES

Some 750m north of the harbour is the famous Portuguese sea fort, probably the most impressive and ambitious colonial fortress built in Iran. Centuries of…

7. Ghal’e-ye Portoghaliha

11.75 MILES

This crumbling edifice is Qeshm Town’s best-known sight. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

8. Bazar-e Bozorg

12.11 MILES

The extensive bazaar off the main drag is at its most active in the morning. It includes a fruit and vegetable area and a fish market.