Kharg Island

Kharg Island lies 38 kilometres off the coast of Genaveh Port in the Persian Gulf. It is an inhabited island of great economic importance to Iran. Part of Bushehr Province, it is an interesting destination for travellers and researchers alike, thanks to its natural resources and historical sites. Kharg is home to a variety of marine life and molluscs, and fossils of corals, molluscs and bivalves can be seen in its depths. The island's soil also consists of soft, sensitive surface layers that are vulnerable to water currents.

Because of the island's particular climate, the vegetation on Kharg is not very diverse. Lur or Lil trees (sacred fig, or banyan) are among the dominant trees of the area and provide wide areas of shade. Because of the shortage of fresh water on Kharg, many efforts were made in the past to collect water. Besides its natural features, the island is home to some animal species, such as gazelles and venomous snakes. Kharg's venomous snakes are about one and a half metres long and are permanent residents of the island.

Kharg Island also has many historical and tourist attractions, including the Portuguese Fort, the Muslim and Christian cemeteries, the Shrine of Mir Mohammad and a Sasanian fire temple. Air temperatures on the island reach 32.6 °C in summer and 7 °C in winter. The best time to visit Kharg Island is autumn, when the weather offers the most suitable conditions for travellers.