Sightseeing cities of gilan, the land of greenery and vitality
Gilan Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran, located along the Caspian Sea, west of Mazandaran Province, east of Ardabil Province, and north of Zanjan and Qazvin provinces. It shares a border with Azerbaijan to the north and with Russia across the Caspian Sea. The northern part of the province is part of the Southern Talysh region (in Iran). The province’s main center is located in the city of Rasht. Other cities in the province include Astara, Astaneh Ashrafieh, Fuman, Lahijan, Langarud, Masouleh, Manjil, Rudsar, Rudbar, Shaft, Hashtpar, and Somesara. Stay with Sepehran blog till the end of this article.
Let’s explore the must-see cities of Gilan in more detail:
- The Gilan metropolis, Rasht
- The peerless Lahijan
- The always rainy Anzali
- The historical Fuman
- The tourist city Masouleh
- Siahkal
1. Gilan Metropolis, Rasht
Rasht, one of the metropolises of Iran, serves as the center of Gilan Province in northern Iran. This major city is also the largest and most populous city in northern Iran among the three provinces bordering the Caspian Sea. It’s also the most populous Gilaki city in the world and the largest city along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. Rasht is the third most visited tourist city in Iran. During holidays and tourist seasons, its population exceeds two million, making Rasht one of the most populated cities in Iran.
Rasht has a moderate Mediterranean climate, featuring hot and humid summers and cold and wet winters. It also has the highest rainfall among Iran’s provinces and is known as the “City of Rain.”
Some of the important sights to see when traveling to Rasht include:
- Shahrdari Square
- Tomb of Danai Ali
- Mirza Kuchak Khaan House
- Bojagh National Park
- Rasht National Park
- Rasht Grand Bazaar
- Rasht Green Roof
Local foods in Rasht also include:
- Kabab toursh: a popular Rashti dish made with meat and vegetables
- Mirza Qasemi: a dish made with eggplant and pomegranate paste
- Baghalaqatogh: a dish made with green beans and dill
- Mahi Koli : a popular seafood dish
- Fuman Cookies: delicious traditional sweets
2. Langarud؛ Beautiful Coastal City
Some Attractions of Langarud Include:
- Chamkhaleh Beach is located 9 kilometers north of Langarud.
- Beautiful and natural Kakalay Lagoon with various types of seafood.
- Tea and citrus orchards.
- Shalang Heights.
- Lilakooh Paradise Eco-Tourism.
- Mountainous nature of Balordakan.
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3. Lahijan: A Jewel Hidden in the Valleys of Gilan
Lahijan, with its pleasant and tranquil nature, is the fifty-fifth most populous city in Iran. Geographically and historically, Lahijan is considered one of the most important cities in Gilan, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north, Langarud to the east, Dilman to the south, Siahkal to the southwest, and Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh to the west.
Lahijan, with its diverse tourist attractions, can appeal to any taste. From historical architecture and cultural museums to natural beauty and recreational areas, everything is available in Lahijan. Therefore, if you are looking for an exciting and unforgettable trip, consider Lahijan. This flat and plain city is covered with the remains of sediment from the rivers of Gilan, and its slopes are covered with tea bushes.
Lahijan is one of the most attractive and touristy cities in Gilan. In the summer, Lahijan has a warm and humid climate. In winter, strong winds are observed at first, followed by snowfall. The humidity ranges from 76 to 79 percent and sometimes reaches 100 percent. A cable car is installed on the peak of the mountain overlooking the city, providing a panoramic view of the plain and the Caspian Sea.
With its lush nature, historical and cultural attractions, and delicious local cuisine, Lahijan is an attractive destination for travel.
Traveling to Anzali, you dream of a journey of beauty and tranquility. Anzali’s sandy beaches calm sea, cool climate, and beautiful scenery, provide the best place for relaxation and recreation. The city of Anzali has a humid climate, with abundant rainfall, earning it the title of the rainiest city in Iran.
Geographically, Bandar-e Anzali is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north, Someh Sara to the south, Rasht to the east, and Rezvanshahr to the west. This city is located in a long flat area on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Part of the natural environment of this city is the sea, and another important part is the valuable ecosystem of Anzali Wetland. Anzali is 380 kilometers away from Tehran, 40 kilometers from the provincial capital, and 35 kilometers from the first airport.
Souvenirs of Bandar Anzali:
- The main souvenirs of this city are the varieties of Caspian Sea fish, which you should obtain from the large fish market vendors.
- Various local vegetables, olives, garlic, and local marinades are available for travelers.
- Handcrafted wooden products.
Attractions of Anzali:
- Historical bridges of Anzali and Ghazi.
- Beach Park.
- Marine Museum Palace.
- Clock tower and building.
- The free trade zone and the strategic location of Bandar Anzali in terms of roads attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists annually.
Location of Anzali on Google Maps: Bandar Anzali
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5. Fuman؛ A Gem in the Heart of Gilan
A city in Gilan surrounded by tea gardens and rice fields, also known as the city of sculpture!
Fuman is situated in the foothills of the Talesh Mountains, adorned with lush forests, verdant tea plantations, rivers, and roaring waterfalls, creating unforgettable landscapes. With its rich historical background and beautiful scenery, this city attracts many tourists every year.
In terms of tourism and ecotourism, Fuman holds a special place in Iran and even globally, earning the title of one of Iran’s tourist hubs with its unique landscapes.
Among the attractions of Fuman are:
- Rudkhan Castle
- Fuman Park
- Some-sara Monastery
- Dense and verdant forests along with beech and oak trees
- Visadar Waterfall
The untouched and pristine nature of Fuman, with all its beauty and natural attractions, presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking tranquility and enjoyment of natural beauty. This region can be an attractive destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Location of Fuman on Google Maps: fuman
6. Olsabelangah
The summer village of Masal, with its pristine nature and ocean of clouds, is located 50 kilometers west of Rasht. This area, with its unique nature, is considered the best tourist destination in Gilan province. Situated in the Talesh Mountains at an altitude of about 1,489 meters above sea level, it offers incredible vistas for visitors. One of the most interesting aspects of traveling to this area is that the village does not have a regular electricity supply; instead, its power is provided by solar panels. Around midnight, the village is enveloped in complete darkness.
What you should know when traveling to Olsabelangah:
- Natural products like honey and dairy.
- Best travel time: Spring and summer, especially May and June to witness the ocean of clouds.
- Nearby attractions: Sueh Chaleh, Gilvan, the memorial of Mirza Kuchak Khan, Alaleh Heights.
Location of Olsabelangah on Google Maps: Olsabelangah
7. Masuleh
Masuleh, located in the southwest of Gilan province, is one of the most beautiful villages in Iran and a marvel of world architecture and history. This village is situated in the Sardar-e-Jangal region of Fuman, 60 kilometers from Rasht, 36 kilometers from Fuman, and 20 kilometers from Maklavan city. It attracts thousands of tourists from around the world each year.
Masuleh, with its unique architecture, welcomes tens of thousands of tourists annually. The architectural structure of Masuleh took shape during the Zand dynasty.
So, the spaces in front of the houses and the rooftops are used as pedestrian pathways. The architecture of Masuleh can be summarized in one sentence: the courtyard of the upper house is the roof of the lower house. Finally, the buildings in Masuleh are typically only two stories high.
Pristine and Untouched Nature
The dense forests surrounding this village display different aspects of natural beauty each season. The rivers, waterfalls, and valleys provide unique opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and enjoying nature. These natural landscapes, in addition to adding to the tourist attractions of Masuleh, offer an excellent place for those seeking peace and rejuvenation in the embrace of nature.
Attractions around Masuleh
- Masuleh Grand Mosque
- Masuleh Tourism Village
- Traditional Houses
- Masuleh Wildlife Museum
- Masuleh Waterfall
Location of Masuleh on Google Maps: masouleh
Siahkal is one of the cities in Gilan Province in northern Iran. This city borders the cities of Lahijan and Astaneh Ashrafiyeh to the north, Langarud, Rudsar, and Amlash to the east, Rudbar and Alamoot to the south, and Rasht to the west.
Siahkal is a combination of three villages: Kalsar, Kado bank, and Borfajan. It was established about 150 years ago through the efforts of Habibollah Khan Moshir al-Mamalek. Locals pronounce it as “Si-Kal.” In their local dialect, “Si” means a large rock or steep mountain, and “Kal” means village. Thus, Siahkal essentially means a village beside a steep mountain.
Siahkal has one of the best climates in Gilan Province, and its pristine nature is exemplary.
This area consists of three regions: the sedimentary region resulting from residual mud brought by rivers and ancient sea sediments, the beautiful foothill region with abundant Caspian Hyrcanian forests, and the mountainous region, which is usually snow-covered for half of the year.
Siahkal’s municipality is one of the first municipalities in the country. According to the culture of the people of Siahkal, this city has had a market and urban structure since ancient times, even before many of the currently well-known cities of Gilan.
We have reviewed the most famous tourist cities of Gilan. If you live in beautiful Gilan or have traveled to this beautiful province and know of a pristine area, please share it with us in the comments section.
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