Iran is a country of contrasts, from its bustling cities to its tranquil villages. While Iran’s cities are known for their grand architecture and rich cultural heritage, the country’s villages offer a unique and authentic glimpse into traditional Iranian life. With over 60,000 villages scattered throughout its diverse landscape, Iran is home to some of the most fascinating and picturesque villages in the world. From the troglodyte dwellings of Meymand to the stepped terraces of Filband, each village in Iran has its own unique history, culture, and natural beauty. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most beautiful villages in Iran, and explore what makes each of them a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path. Check out adventure tours for more travel ideas.
Best Iranian Villages
Here is a list of the best villages in Iran for escaping the noise and embracing the calm. Take a look at them and add them to your itinerary for a heartwarming experience.
Abyaneh
Abyaneh is a charming village located in the central province of Isfahan in Iran. The village is situated at the foot of the Karkas mountain range and is famous for its red mud-brick houses and winding alleys. Abyaneh has a rich history dating back over 2,500 years, and its traditional architecture and way of life have remained largely unchanged over the centuries. The village is also known for the vibrant colors of its traditional costumes, with men wearing white baggy pants and black vests and women wearing long, colorful dresses and scarves. Visitors to Abyaneh can explore the narrow streets of the village, visit the local mosque and ancient Zoroastrian fire temple, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Abyaneh is a true gem of Iran and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture.
Location: Abyaneh village, Isfahan, Iran
Masuleh
Masuleh is a picturesque village located in the northern province of Gilan in Iran. It is situated on the slopes of the Alborz mountain range, at an altitude of about 1,050 meters above sea level. The village is famous for its unique architecture, with houses built into the steep hillside and interconnected by a series of narrow, winding alleys and staircases. The traditional buildings are made of locally sourced materials, such as wood and clay, and are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Masuleh is also known for its beautiful scenery, with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The village has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back over 1,000 years, and is home to a vibrant community of artisans, farmers, and craftsmen who continue to preserve the traditions and customs of their ancestors.
Location: Gilan, Iran
Kandovan
Kandovan is a remarkable village nestled in the rugged mountains of the East Azerbaijan province in Iran. What sets Kandovan apart from other villages in Iran is its unique architecture, with houses carved directly into the cone-shaped volcanic rocks. The village has a history dating back over 700 years and is believed to have been founded by the early inhabitants of the region, who used the soft volcanic rock as a natural building material. The dwellings in Kandovan are multi-storey and consist of rooms, corridors, and staircases carved into the rock, with doors and windows made of wood. The village is also known for its thermal springs and beautiful natural surroundings, with verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks in the distance. Visitors to Kandovan can experience the traditional way of life of the locals, who still practice ancient crafts such as carpet weaving and pottery making. Kandovan is a true hidden gem of Iran and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature.
Location: East-Azerbaijan, Iran
Meymand
Meymand is an ancient village located in the southeastern province of Kerman in Iran. The village is believed to have been inhabited for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the world. What makes Meymand unique is its troglodyte architecture, with houses carved directly into the rocky mountain slopes. The dwellings are made of stone and mud and are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The village has a fascinating history, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and ancient rock art scattered throughout the area. Visitors to Meymand can explore the winding alleys and staircases of the village, visit the local museum to learn about the history and culture of the area, and experience the traditional way of life of the locals, who still practice ancient crafts such as carpet weaving and pottery making. Meymand is a true testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of human civilization and a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and culture.
Location: Kerman, Iran
Filband
Filband is a stunning mountain village in Iran. This scenic village is located in the northern province of Mazandaran in Iran. The village is perched on the slopes of the Alborz mountain range at an altitude of over 2,300 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. What makes Filband unique is its intricate system of stepped terraces, which are used for cultivating rice, tea, and other crops. The terraces are connected by a series of narrow, winding paths and staircases, making for a challenging but rewarding trek for adventurous visitors. The village is also known for its traditional architecture, with houses made of wood and stone, and its vibrant local culture, with traditional music, dance, and handicrafts still practiced by the locals. Visitors to Filband can enjoy the fresh mountain air, taste delicious local cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the friendly locals. Filband is a true hidden gem of Iran and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Location: Mazandaran, Iran
Kharanaq
Kharanaq is a historic village located in the central province of Yazd, one of the most fascinating regions among villages in Iran. The village boasts an impressive collection of ancient mud-brick buildings and winding alleys that date back over 1,000 years. With its unique architecture and rich cultural heritage, Kharanaq is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Iran. Visitors to Kharanaq can explore the ruins of the ancient fortress, visit the historic mosque and caravanserai, and experience the traditional way of life of the locals. Kharanaq is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, with many other fascinating villages in Iran nearby, such as Meybod, Chak Chak, and Taft. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Kharanaq and the surrounding villages in Iran offer something for everyone.
Location: Yazd, Iran
Palangan
Palangan is a picturesque mountain village located in the western province of Kurdistan, one of the most beautiful regions in Iran. The village is renowned for its stepped architecture and cascading waterfalls, which create a stunning backdrop for visitors. With its unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, Palangan is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the villages in Iran. Visitors to Palangan can hike through the surrounding mountains, visit the historic mosque and bazaar, and experience the warm hospitality of the friendly locals. Palangan is also an excellent base for exploring other nearby villages in Iran, such as Kamyaran, Bijar, and Saqqez.
Location: Kurdistan, Iran
Garmeh
Garmeh is a charming desert village located in the central province of Isfahan, one of the most unique regions among villages in Iran. The village is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and natural hot springs, which make it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Garmeh is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the villages in Iran. Visitors to Garmeh can soak in the natural hot springs, explore the surrounding desert landscape, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Garmeh is also an excellent base for exploring other nearby villages in Iran, such as Abyaneh, Kharanaq, and Meybod.
Location: Isfahan, Iran
Exploring the Most Famous Villages in Iran
Exploring the villages of Iran is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. From the mountain villages of Masuleh and Palangan to the desert village of Garmeh, each village in Iran offers a unique and authentic glimpse into traditional Iranian life. By venturing off the beaten path and exploring these hidden gems, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty, diversity, and warmth of Iranian culture. So if you’re planning a trip to Iran, make sure to include some of these incredible villages in your itinerary. With their stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming locals, the villages of Iran are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
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