Just south of Qeshm lies Hengam, a small island known for its tranquility, wildlife, and authentic local culture. Reached by a short boat ride, it welcomes visitors with turquoise waters, rugged shores, and a slower pace of life that contrasts with the bustle of mainland Iran. Wooden fishing boats line the beaches and village markets bring color to the otherwise quiet landscape.
Avoid the summer heat—plan your trip between October and April, when breezes are cool and skie’s endless blue. Day trips from Qeshm are popular, but stay overnight to experience Hengam’s magic after sunset.
The Story of
Hengam Island
Hengam’s strategic location in the Persian Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz and Qeshm Island, has made it a significant point of interest throughout history. The Greek explorer Nearchus, admiral of Alexander the Great’s fleet, mentioned the island in the fourth
century B.C. During the six teenth and seventeenth centuries, Hengam was occupied by the Portuguese military, and a shipwrecked vessel on the island’s shores still serves as a visible reminder of this colonial era. In 1913, Britain established a naval base there. In 1935, Britain abandoned its base on Hengam, and the Iranian government fully asserted sovereignty over the island. Today, Hengam remains close to major shipping lanes, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas passing nearby each day.
Hengam’s natural beauty combines diverse landscapes and coastal wonders. Playful dolphins often swim near boats in the turquoise waters from mid-autumn to late spring. Silver Beach, with its glittering mica-rich sand, and the Natural Aquarium, home to colorful fish and coral, highlight the island’s charm. Mount Nakis, its highest point, also offers sweeping views of the Persian Gulf.
The interior of the island is marked by peaceful palm groves, which provide shade and a cool retreat from the rocky shores. At night, parts of Hengam’s shoreline glow with the bioluminescence of phytoplankton, turning the waves a shimmering blue and creating one of the island’s most memorable natural spectacles.
Life on Hengam island revolves around the sea. The island is made up of three small villages, home to just a few hundred families, most of whom earn their living from fishing, shellfish gathering, and small-scale aquaculture. Hengam island is also home to Iran’s “daughters of the sea,” possibly the only female fisherwomen in the Persian Gulf, who set out alone at dawn in small boats to catch barracuda and spangled emperor fish.
Beyond the shore, village life thrives through craftsmanship and trade. Artisans—mostly women—create delicate seashell jewelry and weave palm-fiber baskets, while the Hengam Market overflows with hand-stitched golabatoon embroidery, shell sculptures, and other handmade goods, offering a tangible glimpse into generations of creativity. Residents also run small restaurants and eco-lodges, welcoming visitors while maintaining the island’s quiet, close-knit rhythm.
Hengam’s culture reflects centuries of life along the Persian Gulf, shaped by the rhythms of the sea and island traditions. Women wear colorful, hand-embroidered dresses and the borqa, a traditional face covering that protects from sun and sand. Men usually dress in light shirts and loose trousers, sometimes with a headscarf to shield against the heat.
Among the island’s traditions, the Zar ritual holds a special place. This spiritual ceremony, rooted in ancient beliefs shared across the Gulf, combines hypnotic drumming, chanting, and dance. Islanders gather as participants enter a trance-like state, seeking to drive away troubling spirits and restore harmony to the body and soul. Though not performed as frequently today, the ritual remains a vivid reminder of Hengam’s deep cultural ties to the sea and its shared heritage with neighboring coastal communities.
Seafood defines Hengam’s cuisine, with favorites like deshoo, fragrant rice cooked with fish and spices, and ghalieh maygoo, a tangy shrimp stew enriched with tamarind, garlic, and cilantro. Meals are seasoned with the island’s signature blend of tamarind, turmeric, cumin, chili, and cardamom, reflecting centuries of coastal trade. Warm clay-oven flatbreads, date-based sweets, and saffron tea complete the experience, offering visitors a true taste of island life by the sea.
***
Hengam is beautiful on its own, but its true charm lies in experiencing it through the eyes of its people. Sharing a homemade meal lets you taste authentic island flavors, from freshly caught fish to spiced stews prepared with age-old recipes. Music and traditions bring another layer of connection—whether listening to rhythmic drumming or witnessing the mystical Zar ceremony. Visitors can also join fishermen at sea or along the shore, learning the traditional ways of casting nets and gathering the day’s catch.
