QESHM (MNA) - Located between the opening of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Qeshm Island is Iran's second free trade zone and a unique tourism hub.

Qeshm has semi-equatorial climate and is hot and humid most of the year. The island experiences pleasant falls, mild winters and springs, and very hot summers.

Qeshm was known as Abarkawan in Sassanid (226-651 CE) times when it was an important trade and navigation center. The island continued to flourish after the advent of Islam when trade ships traveled between Qeshm and China, India and Africa.

One of the largest islands in the world, Qeshm boasts numerous natural, historical, religious and trade attractions.  The Portuguese Castle built by Portuguese commander Alfonso de Albuquerque in 1507, the Bibi Ab-Anbar (cistern), the historical Laft Port where the Lanj boats used by the inhabitants of southern Iran to sail, trade and fish on the Persian Gulf are made  and the Achaemenid era (550-330 BC) Gooran Dam are some of the historical attractions of Qeshm.

The island has several villages that are unique in their culture, costumes and nature. Konarsiah Village is where visitors can explore local traditions and taste local delicacies and Shibderaz Village is where Hawksbill turtles hatch.

Qeshm is home to the world’s smallest mammal, the white-toothed pygmy shrew, as well as the world’s biggest mammal, the blue whale. Qeshm is also home to pods of dolphins that swim close to the island in the waters of the Persian Gulf.