Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (17)

Hormuzgan Province hosts more than four million tourists every year; the majority of which travel specially to see the tourist attraction sites of the Persian Gulf coastlines.

The Islands of Qeshm, Hormuz, Kish, Hengam, Bu-Musa, and Lark are the main tourist destinations in the Persian Gulf region. Today, we pay a visit to the Island of Lark.

National Geography Magazine published a unique photo of the Island of Lark in the year 2015.

The glittering blue color of Lark Island's coastlines is due to presence of phytoplankton, which are autotrophic protists, producing 50% to 85% of the world's oxygen. Phytoplanktons are consumed by aquatics. A large portion of phytoplanktons are microorganisms which cannot be detected. However, if a large number of them gather in water, they could change the color of water to green. Whenever sea waters aren't turbulent, one can observe the reflection of the light of phytoplanktons throughout the coastal waters of this small island. This phenomenon may not occur even in an entire month.

Lark Island covers an area of 7.48 square kilometers, and is situated in the Strait of Hormuz at an 18-mile distance from the Port of Bandar Abbas. The island is home to a number of volcanoes. The highest altitude of this island is 138 meters above the sea level, and highest diameter of this island stretches to ten kilometers. The economic mainstay of the residents of this island is fishing and scuba diving.

The drinking water of this island is transported from the Port of Bandar Abbas. Furthermore, the water of ponds and wells are also consumed. Around 700 people reside in Lark Island, who converse in a Farsi dialect, referred to as Komzari.

There is a solid fortification in the Island of Lark, which was reportedly constructed in the era of Afsharid King, Nader Shah. Currently, two hundred families reside in this fortification. Lark Island is home to two villages.

The climate in Lark Island is warm and humid; with sweltering heat six months of the year, and moderate climate throughout the next six months. This island also accommodates a number of valleys which are the habitats of deer and rabbits. Turtles, colorful fish species, and coral reefs are spotted across the coastlines of this island.

Dozens of ships and oil tankers sail throughout the water passageway the separates Lark and Hormuz Islands in the Strait of Hormuz, on a daily basis. This passageway is twenty kilometers in width.

Due to the strategic position of Lark Island, it has captured the attention of foreign powers as of ancient times. As of 16^th Century AD, Lark Island was occupied by Dutch, Portuguese, and English troops; whose military fortifications, artillery, and watchtowers partly remain to this day. The Portuguese fortification is one of the important and historical tourist attraction sites of this island.

Huge trees, 800-year-old houses which have been constructed at the heart of mountains; a burnt ship, and salt caves, are some of the sites which turn Lark Island into a top tourist destination. This island's lighthouse next to its coastlines can be used as a resting place for tourists.

One can reach Lark Island via two piers in the Island of Qeshm.

Lark Island does not maintain residential facilities. Thus, the majority of tourists don't spend an entire day in this island. Motorcycles are the only means of transportation in Lark Island, and there are only two cars across the island. So if you intend to visit the tourist attraction sites of this island, including its volcanoes and historical settlements, you have to travel on foot.

MR/EA