Iran is full of spectacular places and tourist attractions, but when it comes to tourist areas, everyone thinks of Iranian famous cities and their up-to-date attractions! But in this article, we want to talk about the scenic and the most fascinating villages of Iran and introduce the best villages to visit in Iran.

Why Visit Iran’s Villages?

Villages of Iran are a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Steeped in the history of Iran, these off-the-beaten-path places offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Iranian culture beyond the bustling cities. Here, you can experience authentic local traditions and explore centuries-old sites that tell the story of the nation’s diverse heritage.

Villages of Iran

All the great civilizations around the world have originated from small villages with minimalist lifestyle. Throughout the history of Iran, Iranian villages have played a decisive role and have caused the continuation of life in the big cities of the country. In addition to beautiful atmosphere, Iranian villages have warm-hearted and welcoming people where there is no sign of hustle and bustle of big cities, traffic and pollution; as far as the eye can see, the greenery and freshness in front of you.

A visit to Iranian villages is always a great experience that gives you a good idea of pure culture, customs, lifestyle and the Persian Cuisine. The unique architecture, the local people from different Iran ethnic groups, their indigenous culture and most importantly, the beautiful landscape of these villages make them a great destination for any type of visitor. Some of them have preserved their traditional styles, yet others have changed during the years and become more touristic. But still, they all are great choices for those who seek a new, authentic experience in Iran.

What are the most beautiful villages of Iran?

Here is a short list of the most beautiful villages in Iran:

1

Kandovan village

Kandovan is an astonishing ancient village located in East Azarbaijan province, near the city of Tabriz, Iran. With at least 800 years of historical background, this remarkable place welcomes visitors with its scenic beauty.
Inhabited by 670 people, Kandovan village is carved inside rocks and its famous rocky architecture is the main attraction of the place. The beehive-like houses (some of them 700 years old) are said to be partially formed by volcanic remains from Mount Sahand eruptions of hundreds of years ago. The inhabitants, basically, have hewn every room out of the cliff to make kitchens, halls, and bedrooms with windows decorated with colorful glasses.

Kandovan, one of the most fascinating villages of Iran 

Kandovan is one of the world’s three rocky villages of the kind and the only inhabited one. The architecture of Kandovan village and the current life-style of the locals in its old-fashion form is an exception in the world, since no one lives in Cappadocia (Turkey) and (United States) anymore.

Honey is one of the most important souvenirs of this village.
Kandovan is a beautiful summer region in Zagros Mountains, where lush pastures attract many Nomad tribes. Kandovan mineral water spring is also one of the attractions of this village. This water is said to have healing effects for treatment of kidney diseases.

Read More : Kandovan Village 

2

Mazichal village

In Kelardasht region of Mazandaran province, there is a beautiful village called Mazichal, with a lot of scenic landscapes. Mazichal as one of the most important destinations is famous for its amazing location and beauty. A summer village where virtuous and kind people live temporarily; 50 to 60 families live in this village from late June to early autumn.
The presence of dense forests and lovely white clouds that constantly change shape has made this village a special and unique travel destination. You may have heard the word “Cloud Ocean“. One of the features of Mazichal village is its view of the cloud ocean, which makes this area a wonderful pristine place.
Villagers’ summer cottages, used only by inhabitants in the summer, create a relaxing and dreamy image for visitors amidst lush greenery and blue skies.
In the spring, the growth of primrose flowers and violets leaves pleasant memories for people visiting this village.

Mazichal Village, Gilan, Iran 

3

Masouleh village

Located about 60 km southwest of Rasht and 32 km west of Fuman, Masouleh village is nestled in the Alborz Mountains at an elevation of 1,050 meters above sea level. This picturesque village is renowned for its unique traditional architecture and is one of the most captivating natural attractions of Iran.

Architecture and Layout

The traditional architecture and composition of Masouleh houses is what attracts the attention of visitors today more than anything else. They are built on two levels: a winter floor and a summer floor. The winter section, locally known as “Sumeh,” features a cozy room with a central stove used for cooking and heating. Niches along the walls hold cooking utensils, as well as decorative porcelain and copperware.

The summer section, often referred to as the “counter room,” has wooden-framed windows adorned with intricate geometric patterns and colorful glass panes. Some homes also have an additional rooftop room called “Burj,” meaning tower, used for various summer activities.

Masouleh village, Gilan province, Iran 

The architecture of present Masouleh was formed During “Zandieh” period (18th C); The roofs of each house on lower tiers is used as a courtyard for another house on the tiers above them. In some cases, public streets are laid out along interconnected roofs. The land in front of the house doors and the roofs of each house are both used as sidewalks. Narrow streets and numerous stairs don’t allow motor vehicles to pass.

Food & Souvenirs 

Masouleh traditional food is also one of the tourist attractions of this village:
One of the traditional dishes of Masouleh is called Mirza Ghasemi. This is one of the delicious dishes cooked in North Iran. Origination of this dish goes back to 1860 AD, named after its innovator, Qasim Khan Vali, the governor of Rasht.

Masouleh souvenirs is another tourist attraction of the this village:
Products such as Kilim (needle-work rug made of goat’s hair), Jajim (a primitive type of persian carpet made of wool or cotton), shawls and socks, wood and metal products, local clothes and sweets, small dolls woven with yarn, gloves and other hand-made souvenirs are some of the items sold at the bazaar of Masouleh.

4

Abyaneh village

Located 87 km from the city of Kashan, Abyaneh is one of the most scenic village attractions in Iran which will definitely amaze you if you visit it.”Abyaneh” is an ancient village with a pleasant climate that has a favorable natural location and a historical background of four thousand years. During the Safavid era, when Safavid kings went to Natanz for summer, many of their relatives and courtiers preferred to stay in this village. In the local language, Abyaneh is called “Viuna”. “Vi” means willow tree and “Viuna” means a willow grove; Over time, “Viuna” changed to “Avianeh” and then to Abyaneh.

Architecture & Style 

The unique traditional architecture of Abyaneh is one of the village’s most popular tourist attractions. Most houses are cube-shaped with intricately designed wooden lattice doors and windows, showcasing the village’s centuries-old craftsmanship. These houses are stacked on steep mountain slopes, a distinctive feature of Abyaneh’s mountainous terrain. Adding to its charm, the buildings are coated with red soil, rich in iron oxide, which gives the village its iconic reddish hue and sets it apart from other historical villages in Iran.

The Legacy of Abyaneh Village

Abyaneh is not only renowned for its architecture but also for preserving its ancient heritage. The villagers have maintained their unique language, traditional clothing, and cultural practices over the centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Iran’s past. Women in Abyaneh often wear brightly colored floral scarves and long skirts, reflecting traditional fashion that has endured through generations. With its well-preserved rituals, festivals, and way of life, Abyaneh stands as a living museum of Iran’s cultural and architectural history.

Read More: Abyaneh Village 

5

Meymand village

There are many villages in Iran that attract visitors from all over the world due to their prominent features. Kerman province is no exception to this rule and has introduced one of its amazing villages to the world.

Meymand village is located in Kerman province, 38 km away from Shahr Babak city, at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level. The area of the village is about 420 km. Meymand is also known as rocky village due to the presence of many rocks in its mountains that have been dug by inhabitants. This ancient village, inhabited for over 2,000 years, exemplifies a way of life that has adapted to Iran’s harsh, arid climate. It is known for its hand-carved cave dwellings, hewn from the surrounding mountains, which have served as homes, storage spaces, and shelters for livestock for centuries.

Lifestyle of the Villagers

Many of Meymand’s residents still live in hand-dug caves and practice subsistence farming. Visitors can immerse themselves in the villagers’ daily routines and traditions. The main feature of Meymand, is the structure and shape of the houses. No mortar was used in the construction of these houses. They have dug houses in the heart of the mountains and rocks, without the need for soil, water, bricks and mortar.

The name Meymand consists of two words Mey (wine) and Mand (drunk). The villagers tell different stories for this naming. According to heart-to-heart stories, the villagers began digging holes in the rock after drinking and getting drunk. But some people believe that Meymand is Meymanat meaning happiness.

Meymand Village, Iran

In each room, a niche has been dug to place various items on it. In this type of architecture, the houses are called kicheh consisting of one or two rooms and one stable. Each house has a common entrance to which the rooms are connected. The shape and structure of the kichehs are different and their size is also different. Room temperatures are always about five degrees warmer than outside temperatures. The stoves are inside the rooms, and the color of the ceilings and walls of the rooms has turned black due to the burning of firewood in the stoves. It is interesting to know that the presence of fire and food preparation in the room has caused insulation and this has increased the life-time of the rooms. Roofs of the rooms where fire has not been lit for several years have been ruined. The largest kiche in Meymand is about ninety square-meters and most rooms have an area of about 12 square-meters.
In the lifestyle of the people is another tourist attraction of Meymand because the interaction between man and nature is still established and ancient traditions have been preserved. Also, the occupation of the people of Meymand village is agriculture and livestock.

6

Kharanagh village

80 km from the city of Yazd, the ancient village of Kharanagh or Khoranagh , with an approximate age of 4500 years and a historical background of 1800 years, is one of the important heritages of Iranian history. The oldest existing historical document, in which this region is mentioned, dates back to 1370 years ago during the reign of Yazdgerd III, the last king of the Sasanian Empire. This document is in fact a report of a Zoroastrian cleric and shows the prosperity of Kharanagh as a resting place and it’s caravanserai made for merchants and travelers. The old name “Khor-anagh” means the birthplace of the sun.

Kharanagh village consists of two parts, old and new. The old part, also known as Kharanagh Castle, has been uninhabited for about three decades and its old and spectacular buildings are very spectacular. In this section you will see structures that are 1800 years old. The new section is also home to simple, minimalist villagers who live on planting crops such as turmeric, melons, cotton, wheat and barley. 145 families live in the village of Kharanaq in Yazd.

This village is also of great economic importance for the country due to it’s Iron ore, Uranium, Barite, Zinc and Granite mines. Many animals live in the heart of this desert, including Asiatic cheetah, rams, goats, wild cats, rabbits and foxes, and birds such as terns, partridges and ravens.

Left: Kharanah Caravanserai | Right: Kharanagh Castle (citadel) 

Also Read : Most Famous Caravanserais of Iran 

7

Bayaz village

Every year, from the last days of September to the beginning of December, Bayaz attracts so many tourists visiting the village to see how Bayaz turning white due to the season of socalled white gold feilds (cotton). Calling cotton “white gold” should not come as a surprise; This agricultural product has such an economic value that it is no less important than gold. Bayaz village is a place for planting and harvesting such precious gold. Therefore, one of the first cotton processing factories in Iran was built in Bayaz, and this small village plays a valuable role in the country’s economy.

Bayaz village has a population of slightly less than four thousand people. This village owes its valuable position not only to the cotton fields but also to its ancient history. Apart from the cotton fields, historical monuments such as Persian Qanats, the old mills, Abbasi Caravanserai, Sabz Pooshan Mosque, Twin Water reservoir and Bayaz Castle are what make Bayaz a tourist attraction destination.

Also Read : Famous Castles of Iran 

8

Hawraman village (Uraman Takht)

Hawraman or Uraman Takht is a village in Sarvabad county in Kurdistan province of Iran. The village of Hawraman in Kurdistan is registered as
Hawraman located in the heart of the mountains has a stepped architecture of houses (for this reason it is also known as “Hezar Masouleh”), the stones are stacked on top of each other and the houses are made without mortar. The roofs of each house is the courtyard of another house, which are called “Heyvan” in the local language. At the foot of the mountain, the houses are carved in harmony with nature. Such a balance is less common in the architecture of villages.

Annual Ceremonies

The village hosts the Pir Shaliar ceremony, a centuries-old celebration that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The event features music, dancing, and communal feasts.

Hawraman (Uraman), Kurdistan, Iran 

Also Read: Iran’s Natural Attractions  

9

Palangan village

Palangan village is one of the most spectacular villages in Kurdistan province. Palangan with its amazing stepped architecture and beautiful nature has been registered in the cultural heritage list of Iran and has been titled “Lost Paradise” and also “Masouleh of Kurdistan”.
In this village, there are is no sign of modern buildings, but as far as you can see, there are multi-story houses as the roof of one house is the yard of another.
Local food is another tourist attraction of Palangan village:
Before entering Palangan and also along the river, you will see booths of trout fish. Here, you can order great grilled fish, served with thin local loaves of bread.
Doogh, Shalmin, Parpuleh, Volosheh, Ghazineh and a variety of vegetarian dishes are also the most common local dishes in Palangan village.

Left: Palangan village, Kurdistan, Iran  | Right: Makhunik village, South Khorasan, Iran 

Palangani inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, livestock, handicrafts and fisheries. In the west part of this village, you can see orchards, which are one of the sights of Palangan. Wheat, barley, fruits such as pomegranate, peach, apricot, fig and dairy products such as buttermilk and curd are the most important products of this village and of course fresh fish and natural honey that you can buy from the locals during a trip to Palangan.

Do not forget to buy some handicrafts as the most tourist attraction of Palangan village:
The beautiful and special handicrafts of this village are manufactured by the skilled women of Palangan. Wedge weaving, jajim weaving and wave weaving are the most famouse handicrafts of Palangan.

10

Makhunik village

Due to it’s amazing charms in terms of its reputation as the city of the Lilliputians, the village of Makhunik is one of the most amazing villages in the world. It is half an hour from the border of Afghanistan and actually  Makhunik locals  are originally Afghans who migrated from Afghanistan a few centuries ago and chose this place to live. This village is located 78 km east of Sarbisheh city in South Khorasan province and on the road from Sarbisheh to Doroh village.

Makhunik village is known as one of the seven amazing villages of the world due to its architecture, customs and special culture of its people. In the past, the village was semi-isolated and had no driving access to the outside world, but in recent years, a part of the mountain has been dug to build a road for the village to access easily. The most important feature of Makhunik village is the old texture, in which modest adobe houses have been built without any courtyards, porches, windows, and decorations.

“Lilliput” of Iran

Makhunik is often called the “Lilliput” of Iran due to its unusually small houses and the short stature of its past inhabitants.

Makhunik is a village hidden in barren mountains in a remote area where you can live for centuries out of sight. It is shrouded in myths, including tales of a hidden ancient civilization. Exploring Makhunik offers a fascinating mix of history and folklore.

11

Jahan Nama Village

Jahan Nama Village, located in the northern part of Iran near the Caspian Sea, is a hidden gem surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The village is part of the famous Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush greenery and ancient trees that date back millions of years. These forests are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, offering visitors a chance to experience Iran’s rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes.

The area around Jahan Nama is home to some of Iran’s wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and various bird species. Nature lovers and adventurers can explore the forests, hike the scenic trails, and enjoy stunning views of the Caspian Sea. The village itself is a peaceful retreat, with traditional homes and warm, welcoming locals who share stories about their way of life and the region’s history. Jahan Nama is a perfect destination for travelers seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with nature.

Camping area near Jahan Nama village 

12

Varzeneh Village

Varzeneh Village, located near the city of Isfahan, is one of top desert destinations of Iran. The village is famous for its golden sand dunes, which are ideal for activities like sandboarding, off-road driving, and camel riding. As part of many Iran desert tours, Varzeneh provides travelers with a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Iran’s desert landscapes.

In addition to its stunning dunes, Varzeneh is known for its salt lake, which creates breathtaking white, crystalline views under the sun. The village also has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional houses and women wearing a unique white chador, symbolizing purity. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking to explore local traditions, Varzeneh is a must-visit destination for those experiencing the magic of Iran’s deserts.

Iran Villages – FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Iranian villages?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal due to the pleasant weather.

2. Are these villages accessible by public transport?
Some villages, like Abyaneh and Masuleh, are easily accessible by bus or taxi. Remote villages may require private transportation.

3. Do I need a guide to visit villages of Iran?
While not mandatory, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing cultural insights and historical context.

4. Can I stay overnight in Iran villages?
Yes, many villages offer eco-lodges, guesthouses, or homestays for overnight stays.

5. Are there any cultural norms to follow while visiting Iran’s villages?
Respect local customs, dress modestly, and ask for permission before photographing people.

6. Is it safe to visit villages of Iran?
Iran’s villages are generally safe, and locals are known for their hospitality toward tourists.