The Portuguese Valley of Kish: A Journey Through History and Nature
- heliya erfani
- 4 hours ago
The Portuguese Valley in Kish is a valley as grand as the long history of Iran, hiding a mysterious story behind it. A story in which every moment reflects the presence of the brave warriors of Iran throughout history.
Kish Island has long been renowned for its turquoise beaches, modern shopping centers, and diverse water activities. But behind this glamorous facade lies a place that tells a different and more mysterious story. One such place is the Portuguese Valley—a lush and historic area in the north of the island that is both a legacy of the Portuguese colonial era and the home of an ancient, sacred tree that holds special significance for the locals.
This valley is not merely a tourist attraction but rather a journey through time, back more than five centuries, to when the Portuguese first entered the Persian Gulf and changed Kish’s destiny for over a hundred years. In this article from the Sepehran blog, join us as we explore the story of this valley, its natural and cultural features, and the attractions around it.
Kish has been of strategic importance since ancient times, thanks to its unique geographical position. Situated directly along maritime routes, the island acted like a natural bridge, connecting the Persian Gulf to open waters. This made it a tempting target for major naval powers throughout history.
In 1506 AD (855 AH in the Solar Hijri calendar), a Portuguese general arrived on the shores of the Persian Gulf with his fleet and captured Kish. By force and intimidation, they compelled Iranian officials to sign a treaty granting the Portuguese full control of the island. From that point on, Portuguese soldiers settled in the northern part of Kish, which is now known as the Portuguese Valley.
The Portuguese built forts and bases in this region, using them to monitor maritime routes and prepare military operations. Their military presence left traces still visible today in Kish’s historical monuments.
After 115 years, in 1000 AH, Shah Abbas of the Safavid dynasty defeated the Portuguese forces and reclaimed Kish. Although the Portuguese era ended, their legacy remained scattered across the northern part of the island, becoming part of Kish’s historical identity.
One of the main reasons for the valley’s popularity is a 600-year-old tree that locals call the “Green Tree”. With its twisted appearance and interwoven trunks, this tree is not just a natural wonder but also a symbol of local religious beliefs and traditions.
Interestingly, this tree species was brought from India and has adapted well to the island’s humid climate. Its growth pattern is fascinating: branches bend down toward the ground, take root in the soil, and then rejoin the main trunk. The result is a massive, awe-inspiring structure that, at first glance, looks more like a small forest than a single tree.
Locals believe the tree is sacred and that tying charms or ribbons to its branches can make wishes come true. Some even say its presence brings blessing and prosperity to the region’s inhabitants. These beliefs have led visitors to regard the tree with respect and wonder, making the Green Tree one of Kish’s most beloved symbols.
The Portuguese Valley offers a unique atmosphere at every hour of the day, giving visitors a different experience each time. Many tourists visit during daylight, but those who stay into the night believe the valley’s silence and mystery are best felt in darkness.
During the day, the valley reveals all its historical and natural details in full clarity. Sunlight highlights the rocks and trees, creating captivating shadows. You can stroll along the stone-paved paths, photograph the ancient Green Tree, and enjoy the surrounding nature. Daylight is also ideal for professional photography, as the sun’s natural light brings out vibrant, energetic colors. Families often prefer visiting during the day, enjoying picnics and leisure time in the park near the valley.
The valley tells a different story at night. As the sun sets and peace descends on the island, silence mingles with the cool night breeze, creating a serene, mystical atmosphere. The Green Tree takes on a more spiritual presence, illuminated by soft park lights reflecting off its branches like a scene from a legend. Many visitors describe sitting under the tree at night as a deeply spiritual experience, one that strengthens their sense of connection to nature and inner peace.
Daytime visits are lively, colorful, and full of detail, while nights are quiet, intimate, and spiritual. Travelers recommend visiting both by day and night to fully appreciate the valley’s dual character—history and nature by day, spirit and tranquility by night.
The recommendations to keep in mind for a night visit to the Portuguese Valley in Kish include the following:
A visit to the valley can be combined with other historical attractions in northern Kish:
The Kish Cistern, or ab anbar (water reservoir): A water reservoir with two domes and five wind towers, built to collect and store rainwater. Its ingenious architecture showcases the traditional knowledge of Iranians living in hot and arid regions. Today, it stands as one of Kish’s historical landmarks.
The Harireh Ancient City: A thousand-year-old city that was once a thriving hub of trade and culture. The ruins of grand houses, old docks, workshops, and a historic bathhouse paint a vivid picture of Kish’s prosperous past. Walking its streets feels like stepping back in time.
A trip to a historical and natural attraction is truly complete when visitors can explore it with peace of mind and comfort. For this reason, suitable facilities have been provided around the Portuguese Valley in Kish, allowing visitors not only to enjoy the historical and natural surroundings but also to spend pleasant hours with family or friends.
Next to this valley lies Green Tree Park, one of the most beautiful and tranquil parks on Kish Island. The park has been designed to suit both short breaks and long hours of leisure in nature. Numerous gazebos scattered throughout the park provide shade, allowing visitors to escape Kish’s intense sunlight.
Additionally, wooden and stone benches are placed in different areas of the park so that visitors can sit down after a walk or sightseeing and relax while enjoying the natural scenery.
With its vast greenery and ancient trees, Green Tree Park offers a pleasant setting for family picnics. Visitors can lay out their mats and rest or make use of the provided stoves to prepare meals. This feature is especially appealing to families who enjoy cooking simple homemade food in the open air.
For those who prefer not to cook outdoors, there is no need to worry. Several restaurants and buffets near the park serve a variety of Iranian and local dishes. These dining options allow visitors to enjoy meals in a pleasant environment with natural views without leaving the area. Buffets also offer cold drinks, snacks, and light refreshments, perfect for a short break.
Other amenities in the area include restrooms and easy access routes. These facilities make it convenient for families and even the elderly to visit the site without difficulty. Walking paths around the park have been designed in such a way that visitors can stroll peacefully among the trees and natural surroundings.
The combination of amenities and natural scenery has turned the Portuguese Valley of Kish and Green Tree Park into one of the best destinations for family outings on the island. Families can not only explore the historical attraction but also spend time in a serene, pleasant, and well-equipped environment, creating cherished memories for themselves and their children.
One of the common questions among tourists is which season is more suitable for traveling to Kish and visiting the Portuguese Valley. The answer to this question largely depends on the weather conditions, your travel plans, and your interests.
Spring is one of the attractive seasons for traveling to Kish. The mild weather, the growth of plants, and the cool breeze all come together to make traveling in this season pleasant. Especially during Nowruz, Kish hosts a large number of tourists from all over Iran. This makes the Portuguese Valley of Kish very crowded during this period. If you want to visit this historical and natural attraction in complete peace, it is better to postpone your trip to the days after the Nowruz holidays.
In summer, Kish Island has very hot and humid weather. The temperature during this season sometimes rises above 40 degrees, and the high humidity makes the heat feel even more intense. For this reason, many travelers prefer to postpone their trip to Kish to the cooler seasons.
But the positive point of summer is that the cost of traveling to Kish, both for tours and for booking hotels, becomes much lower. Therefore, if you are looking for an economical trip and the heat does not bother you, summer can be a suitable opportunity. In this season, if you intend to visit the Portuguese Valley, the best times of day are early morning or after sunset. Also, the gazebos and shades of Green Tree Park will be suitable shelters to escape the scorching sun.
Autumn can be considered the best time to travel to Kish and visit the Portuguese Valley. In this season, the weather is more moderate, a gentle breeze blows, and the disturbing humidity of summer decreases. These conditions allow tourists to visit historical attractions such as Harireh Ancient City, the Kish Water Reservoir, and of course the Green Tree with more peace of mind. In addition to the weather, autumn is the season for various festivals and cultural events in Kish. This doubles the attractiveness of the trip.
Winter is another popular season for traveling to Kish. At this time, the weather of the island is cool and pleasant, and there is no sign of the intense heat of summer. Many families and domestic and foreign tourists prefer to choose winter for traveling, and for this reason, this season is considered one of the busiest times of the year in Kish. Visiting the Portuguese Valley in winter is a special experience; the pleasant weather, the possibility of long walks in the area, and enjoying the beauty of the Green Tree along with the tranquility of the environment all make this season an unforgettable memory for tourists.
The Portuguese Valley of Kish is a combination of history, nature, and local culture. In this place, you can see the traces of Portuguese colonialism, get acquainted up close with a mysterious 600-year-old tree, and also visit historical architecture such as the water reservoir and the ancient city of Harireh. This very diversity makes visiting the valley a unique experience that is attractive both for history enthusiasts and for lovers of nature and culture.
The Portuguese Valley of Kish is one of the most distinctive tourist attractions of Kish; a place where you can travel deep into history, rest in the shade of a legendary tree, and enjoy the historical structures around you. If you are planning a trip to Kish, be sure to include a visit to this valley in your itinerary. You can rest assured that the moments you spend in this area will become one of the most memorable parts of your journey.
