TEHRAN – Situated in the vast Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, Soheili village is an emerging travel destination in southern Iran, thanks to its nature’s resilience and human dedication.

Listed in UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages list, Soheili also shines for initiatives to safeguard its mangrove aka Hara forests, by the means of harmonious partnership between the environment and the people of Soheili village.
    
The efforts include nurturing mangrove seedlings in homes, constructing observation towers for birdwatching, and preserving the ancient Hori boats of their ancestors. These efforts demonstrate how traditional knowledge and modern conservation can work together to protect fragile ecosystems while creating meaningful experiences for visitors.
Sohaili is also a vibrant hub where authentic southern Iranian flavors meet the rhythms of the sea, creating a gastronomic experience that is as unforgettable as the scenery.

A sanctuary for birds

The Hara forests of Qeshm Island form one of Iran’s most vital marine ecosystems, with the Soheili’s serving as its beating heart. These tangled root systems create a sanctuary for flamingos, herons, and kingfishers that dart between the branches, while beneath the water’s surface, fish and crustaceans find shelter in the protective maze. The forest’s serene waterways have become a destination for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike, drawn to its tranquil beauty and remarkable biodiversity. 

Yet this natural wonder faces growing threats. Rising sea levels and increasing salinity test the mangroves’ endurance, while plastic waste carried by ocean currents mars their pristine condition. The community remembers when overharvesting nearly devastated these forests, and this memory fuels their determination to protect what remains.

A sense of responsibility

In Soheili, conservation begins from home. Villagers have developed an ingenious method for restoring their mangrove forests. They carefully collect propagules, the peculiar pencil-shaped seeds of the mangrove, and nurture them in buckets of seawater within their homes. For four months, these future trees grow under watchful eyes until strong enough to face the challenges of the tidal flats.

When the seedlings reach sufficient strength, the community gathers to plant them on a muddy forest floor that floods with each high tide. This hands-on approach has yielded remarkable results, with thousands of new mangroves taking root in recent years. More than just planting trees, the program has planted something equally valuable in the community: a shared sense of responsibility for their environment that crosses generations. 

 Traditional boats 

The village’s traditional Hori boats represent more than transportation—they carry the cultural memory of Soheili’s people. These traditional wooden vessels, crafted without nails using techniques passed down through generations, once formed the backbone of local fishing and trade. Today, they serve as floating ambassadors for the village’s maritime heritage. 

Twice yearly, the quiet waterways come alive with the excitement of Hori boat races. Villagers demonstrate their skill in navigating the narrow mangrove channels, their laughter and shouts echoing across the water.

Taste of the sea 

Dining in Sohaili has long been a delight for the tiny village. Open-air seaside restaurants provide not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the senses. Visitors enjoy their meals against the backdrop of rolling waves, rustling palm trees, and the salty scent of the ocean breeze. Whether it's a sunset dinner of grilled fish or a midday plate of spicy shrimp stew, each meal becomes part of a larger memory–the kind only a truly special destination can offer.

Time to visit

For those planning a trip, the ideal time to visit Sohaili is during autumn and winter. The weather is comfortably mild, and the seafood harvest is at its peak, offering the widest variety of fresh catch. Whether you're a food lover, a cultural explorer, or simply someone in search of coastal serenity, these seasons promise an enriched experience.

Qeshm Island 

Located along the Strait of Hormuz, Qeshm stretches parallel to Iran’s southern coast. It spans 135 kilometers in length and averages 11 kilometers in width. With a land area of approximately 1,491 square kilometers, Qeshm is larger than several countries, including Bahrain and Singapore. 

Qeshm is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The island’s eco-lodges, particularly those in the western region, showcase traditional architecture adapted to the local climate—thick walls, wind towers, and natural materials—all of which reflect centuries-old knowledge passed down through generations. This blend of sustainability and heritage not only attracts environmentally conscious travelers but also motivates residents to preserve their traditions.

Qeshm is also home to 26 geosites that form part of the Qeshm Island Geopark, the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Middle East. Initially designated in 2006, the geopark was temporarily removed from the list before being reinstated in 2017 following improved conservation measures and infrastructure development.

AM